Thailand is located in Southeast Asia near the Indochinese peninsula. It is a relatively large country in terms of population. The population of about 70 million makes it the 20th most populous country in the world.
Bangkok, the capital city, like the rest of the country, is known for its tropical beaches, classical Buddhist temples with giant statues of Buddha in various parts of the country. This is to underline the proud and rich cultural and religious heritage of the people.
Read more: Asia’s top 8 countires for international students plus list of top universities
Study abroad students might be wondering why to choose Thailand over any other country in Southeast Asia. That would be a difficult question to answer adequately. However, some of the reasons to study abroad in Thailand include
- The incredible and rich natural ecosystem that is second to known in the world. It is what makes the country one of the top nature tourists’ centers in the world.
- If you love exotic food, Thailand would give you that
- The very developed transport system makes it easy to travel around the country or to neighboring countries. And one won’t have to spend lots of money travelling.
- If you are interested in learning about elephants, you would get that in Thailand as elephants are an integral part of the history and culture of the country.
- Almost all indigenous Thais are Buddhist. So, studying abroad in Thailand is an opportunity to learn more about the fascinating ancient religion.
- The people of the country are genuinely welcoming to foreigners. It is also called the land of smiles because the people smile a lot. However, smiling in Thailand is not restricted to genuine warmth or a show of love.
These are just some of the reasons for any international student to choose Thailand as a destination for studying abroad.
Cost of living in Thailand
The cost of living in Thailand is markedly influenced by location and lifestyle. But no matter the part of the country one is, the cost of living is relatively low. This is in part explained by weak local currency the Thai baht.
Students living on a tight budget can be able to live on about $140 per week in the cities. The amount covers all of food, transport and accommodation.
Read more: How study abroad gives you a different perspective of life
Which means it is going to be considerable lower outside the city center. For instance, the cost of rent could be half the amount one would pay living outside a city instead of living in a place like Bangkok.
Shared accommodation with other students would take the rent down even further.
If you want to take in the wonderful sights and sounds of the country while studying, an additional $100 should cover your expenses for the extra travelling and accommodation per week.
Food in Thailand is also cheap. At a decent but cheap restaurant, one can get a modest meal for about $2 or less while eating a three course meal at can coats just $18.
Travelling in and around Thailand is relatively cheap too. Taxi fares start from $1. From the Bangkok Airport to the city center cost just about $11.
Visa Application
All international students going to Thailand must apply for a student visa. The most common visa is the 90 day non-immigrant education visa. This can be renewed for up to a year in Thailand.
Read more: Students’ visa frequently asked questions and answers
The immigration offices closest to you in Thailand are the right place to go for a visa extension.
The actual steps for applying for a visa to Thailand are:
- Get admission first from an accredited university in Thailand
- Visit the Thai Consulate in your country with the relevant documents.
The relevant documents include; the admission/acceptance letter from a Thai University, a valid travel passport, recent passport photos, and evidence of sufficient finance (at least $360/student)
Further information on relevant fees and information necessary for obtaining a visa, visit the nearest Thai consulate closet to your location.
List of Top 10 Universities according to their ranking in Thailand
There are over 100 universities in Thailand. The list below is based on their appearance on the global university rankings. All these universities have a robust international students program for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Kasetsart University, Bangkok
Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok
Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom
Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai
Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen
Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai
Thammasat University, Bangkok
King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok
Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima
Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for universities in Bangkok vary from school to school and it also depends on course of study. Intending students are advised to check the official website of each university for full information on tuition fees and other relevant details.
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