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Exact program
Compare the course and degree level you intend to study.
Tuition comparison
Cheap Universities in Thailand for International Students: 2026/27 Fees & Costs
Compare course-specific tuition examples, not blanket “cheap university” claims. Program language, fee coverage and total study costs vary, so confirm the current schedule for your intake.
Before comparing
What “affordable” should mean
A low tuition figure is only one part of affordability. Compare the published fee for your exact program and applicant category, then add living costs and one-time charges. Do not assume every course at a listed university has the same tuition, language of instruction, scholarship access or admission rules.
Fee coverage
Check whether the quote includes service, international-student or lab fees.
Teaching language
Verify the language listed for your program and intake.
Total budget
Add housing, food, transport, books and personal expenses.
Published course examples
University fees to compare
These official examples illustrate the range between programs; they are not a ranking of the cheapest universities. Fee schedules can change. Confirm the current amount and what it covers before you apply or pay.
| Program | Location | Published fee | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubon Ratchathani University — English and Communication | Ubon Ratchathani | THB 22,500 per semester | 2027 international bachelor’s intake; published language: English. The fee includes tuition and international student fee. |
| Ubon Ratchathani University — International Business Management | Ubon Ratchathani | THB 40,000 per semester | 2027 international bachelor’s intake; published language: English. Confirm the number of terms and any program charges with the university. |
| Mae Fah Luang University — Business Administration | Chiang Rai | THB 35,750 per semester; THB 286,000 for 8 semesters | Published undergraduate program estimate. Check the current intake fee schedule and confirm any additional charges. |
| Mae Fah Luang University — Software Engineering | Chiang Rai | THB 39,000 per semester; THB 312,000 for 8 semesters | Published undergraduate program estimate. Check the current intake fee schedule and confirm the teaching language for your cohort. |
| Mahidol University International College — BBA International Business | Salaya, Nakhon Pathom | THB 1,257,000 non-resident estimate for four years | A comparison point: MUIC’s published estimate includes tuition and education-service fees; page updated August 25, 2025 and subject to change. |
MUIC’s listed undergraduate totals include approximate tuition and education-service fees; its page was updated August 25, 2025. Ubon Ratchathani University publishes 2027 international program fees. Mae Fah Luang University lists tuition by program. See each linked official schedule for conditions and updates.
Cost planning
Add the costs beyond tuition
- Application, registration and student-service charges not included in the quoted tuition.
- Housing deposit, rent, utilities and the cost of commuting to the teaching campus.
- Food, books, equipment, lab or studio materials, and personal spending.
- Travel, insurance or immigration expenses that apply to your individual circumstances.
- A contingency for exchange-rate changes and unexpected costs.
Funding
Check scholarships against the fine print
Scholarship availability does not make a program’s standard tuition lower for every applicant. Ubon Ratchathani University lists selected 2027 undergraduate scholarship seats and describes benefits such as tuition and international-student fee waivers, accommodation and eligible visa-extension fee coverage. Awards have program and renewal conditions.
Review UBU program fees and scholarship notesCheck each university’s current notice for eligible nationalities, deadlines, required grades and renewal rules. Do not count an award in your budget until you receive confirmation.
FAQs
Affordable universities in Thailand
Which universities in Thailand have lower published tuition examples?
Current examples include Ubon Ratchathani University’s 2027 international bachelor’s programs at THB 22,500 or THB 40,000 per semester, depending on the course, and Mae Fah Luang University program estimates from THB 260,000 for eight semesters. Fees, language and eligibility vary by program.
Does the lowest tuition mean the lowest total cost?
No. Compare the full degree cost and include housing, food, transport, books, deposits, insurance and other university charges. A lower tuition in one city may not produce the lowest overall budget for every student.
Are these programs taught in English?
Some listed programs explicitly publish English as the language of instruction, while others may use Thai or mixed instruction. Check the language shown for the exact program and intake before applying.
Do international students have to pay different fees?
It depends on the university and program. Ubon Ratchathani University’s 2027 listing states that its displayed fee includes the semester tuition and international student fee. Other universities may use resident and non-resident fee categories.
Are scholarships available for international students?
Some universities publish scholarships for eligible international applicants. Awards can be limited by program, nationality, intake, academic results and renewal conditions. Check the current official scholarship notice and do not budget on an award until it is confirmed.
How can I confirm a university’s current fees?
Use the current official program fee page or request a written fee schedule from admissions for your intake and applicant category. Ask which items are included and whether amounts can change after enrollment.
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