Videsh Guru
Thai Language Coursewith Education Visa
Learn Thai in Thailand with Legal Long-Term Stay - Complete Education Visa Solution
Thai Language Education Visa Overview
The Thai Education Visa (Non-Immigrant ED Visa) allows foreigners to legally stay in Thailand while studying the Thai language at accredited institutions. This visa solution combines language acquisition with compliant long-term residence, offering a perfect pathway for those wanting to immerse themselves in Thai culture while maintaining legal status.
Visa Quick Facts
Education Visa Benefits
- ✓Legal long-term stay in Thailand (up to 1 year initially)
- ✓90-day extensions renewable throughout course duration
- ✓Multiple re-entry permit options available
- ✓Opportunity to learn Thai language and culture
- ✓Pathway to cultural integration and local networking
Important Restrictions
- ✗Employment strictly prohibited without work permit
- ✗Minimum 80% attendance requirement must be maintained
- ✗Cannot switch to other visa types within Thailand
- ✗Regular immigration reporting required every 90 days
Thai Language Course Options
Beginner Program
Intermediate Program
Advanced Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Thai Education Visa for language studies?
The Thai Education Visa (ED Visa) is a non-immigrant visa category that allows foreigners to stay in Thailand for the purpose of studying the Thai language. It requires enrollment in an accredited Thai language program with a minimum of 4 hours of study per week and provides renewable 90-day stays for the duration of the course. This visa is ideal for those wanting to learn Thai while maintaining legal long-term residence in Thailand.
How long can I stay in Thailand with a language education visa?
Initially, you receive a 90-day stay upon entry with the ED visa. This can be extended every 90 days at local immigration offices for the duration of your language course, typically up to 1 year initially. For longer multi-year courses, you can continue extending your stay by maintaining continuous enrollment, meeting attendance requirements, and applying for extensions before your current permission to stay expires. Maximum continuous stay is typically 5 years for language studies.
What are the requirements for a Thai language education visa?
Key requirements include: passport valid 6+ months with sufficient blank pages, completed visa application form with recent passport-sized photos, official letter of acceptance from a Ministry of Education accredited language school, proof of course payment and receipts, financial proof showing 20,000 THB for single applicants or 40,000 THB for families, educational certificates and transcripts, medical certificate for some nationalities, and health insurance coverage for the entire stay duration.
How much does a Thai language course with education visa cost?
Total costs range from 25,000 to 45,000 THB per year for group classes at accredited institutions. This includes tuition fees, study materials, and basic visa support services. Additional mandatory costs include: visa application fee (2,000 THB), extension fees (1,900 THB every 90 days), multiple re-entry permit (3,800 THB if needed), and health insurance (6,000-10,000 THB annually). Living expenses and accommodation are separate.
Can I work in Thailand with an education visa?
No, the ED visa strictly prohibits any form of employment or business activities in Thailand. It is exclusively for study purposes. Working requires a separate work permit and appropriate non-immigrant B visa. Violations can result in immediate visa cancellation, substantial fines (up to 50,000 THB), deportation at your own expense, and future entry bans ranging from 1-10 years. The immigration department actively monitors compliance.
What is the minimum study hours required for education visa?
The Ministry of Education requires minimum 4 study hours per week (approximately 200 hours annually) to maintain ED visa status. Most accredited programs structure their courses with 6-15 hours weekly across 2-4 class sessions to ensure compliance while providing effective language acquisition. Attendance is strictly monitored and reported to immigration, with minimum 80% attendance required to maintain visa validity and qualify for extensions.
How do I convert tourist visa to education visa in Thailand?
Conversion from tourist visa to ED visa within Thailand involves: enrolling in an accredited language program, obtaining required documents including acceptance letter and payment receipts from the school, completing visa conversion application at immigration with all paperwork, undergoing document verification, and paying conversion fees. This process typically takes 2-4 weeks and requires that you have a valid tourist visa status with sufficient time remaining. Not all immigration offices offer conversion services.
Start Your Thai Language Journey with Legal Long-Term Stay!
Get expert guidance on Thai language courses with education visa. Complete visa support and accredited program recommendations from Videsh Guru specialists.