Universities in Thailand

Thailand's universities are either public, many of them now autonomous, or private. Most teaching is in Thai, but many universities run international programmes taught in English, which is the usual route for foreign students. Our directory lists four Thai universities, in Bangkok and in the provinces of Chonburi and Nakhon Nayok.

The examples show how varied the sector is. Burapha University in Chonburi grew out of Bangsaen College of Education, founded on 8 July 1955; it became Burapha University in 1990 and an autonomous university in 2008, and today has 27 faculties and more than 48,000 students. King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) in Bangkok traces its origins to a technology institute founded in 1960 and states that it was the first public university in Thailand to receive full autonomy, including control over its own budget. Siam University, also in Bangkok, is a private university founded in 1965; it became a degree-granting college in 1973 and has more than 15,000 students. St Teresa International University in Nakhon Nayok province teaches in five faculties: Business Administration, Education, Nursing Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Public Health.

How it works

Thai universities award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Course length depends on the field:

• Bachelor's degree: usually four years, for example in business administration or engineering
• Medicine, dentistry and pharmacy: six years at Siam University
• Master's and doctoral degrees: offered by graduate schools and faculties, such as the MBA and PhD programmes at Siam University

The academic year is counted in the Thai Buddhist calendar, so the year 2569 corresponds to 2026. At KMUTT, the first semester of the 2026-27 academic year runs from 3 August to 12 December 2026. Each university sets its own calendar, so check the dates of the programme you choose.

Programmes taught in English are offered through international colleges or international programmes. Burapha University's International College teaches in English throughout and offers eight bachelor's programmes. Siam University set up its international programme in 1995 and offers, among others, a four-year Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business.

Admission

International students apply directly to the university, usually online. Each university sets its own entry requirements, such as a secondary school certificate, transcripts and proof of English for international programmes. Check the requirements on the programme page before applying, and allow time for the university's acceptance letter, which you need for the visa.

Visa and residence

Foreign students need a Non-Immigrant Education (ED) visa where their nationality requires one. Applications are made online through the official Thai E-Visa service, with the acceptance letter and documents provided by the university; embassies such as the one in London accept online applications only. Before travelling, all visitors must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within three days before arrival; the TDAC is not a visa. During their studies, students must file 90-day residence notifications and obtain a re-entry permit before leaving Thailand when required. Final decisions rest with the Thai government, embassies and the Immigration Bureau.

Costs and funding

Tuition fees are set by each university and differ between Thai-language and international programmes and between public and private institutions. Some universities charge per credit and others a fixed rate per semester, as KMUTT shows in its fee tables, and fees are subject to change. Scholarships for international programmes exist at some private universities; Siam University, for example, handles them case by case. Ask the admissions office for the fees of your programme before you apply.

How to choose

• Language: an international programme in English or a regular programme in Thai
• Type of university: public (often autonomous) or private
• Location: Bangkok or a regional campus, for example in Chonburi in the east of the country
• Length: four years for most bachelor's degrees, six for medicine and related fields
• Support: help with the visa, 90-day reports and accommodation

Frequently asked questions

Can I study at a Thai university in English?

Yes. Many universities run international programmes taught in English, such as the eight bachelor's programmes of Burapha University's International College.

How long is a bachelor's degree in Thailand?

Usually four years. Medicine, dentistry and pharmacy take six years at Siam University.

Do I need a visa to study in Thailand?

Most foreign students need a Non-Immigrant Education (ED) visa, applied for online through the Thai E-Visa service with documents from the university. You must also complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival.

When does the academic year start in Thailand?

It depends on the university. At KMUTT the first semester of 2026-27 starts on 3 August 2026.