Thailand Education Visa: How Long Can You Stay?

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A Simple Guide for First-Time Students in Thailand

Do you want to live in Thailand for more than a few months? The non-immigrant ED visa is one of the easiest ways. With this visa, you can study at a recognized school and stay in Thailand legally for up to a year — or even longer.

At GEOS Thailand, many students start with one language course and later extend their stay with another. Here is what you need to know.

Thailand Education Visa

What is an Education Visa?

 The non-immigrant “ED” visa is a single-entry non-immigrant visa designed for people who want to study full-time in Thailand. With this visa, you can take courses in:

  • Thai language
  • English language
  • Japanese language
  • University programs

When you first receive your visa, it is valid for 90 days. After you enter Thailand, your school helps you extend your stay so you can keep studying.

How Long Can You Stay?

When you first enter Thailand on an ED visa, you get 90 days. After that, your school can help you extend your stay with immigration.

Here is what to expect:

  • Thai language course: Up to 14 months. Most students study for 8 months, then leave the country to apply again for another 6 months. Schools guide you through this visa application process.
  • Japanese language course: Same as Thai — 8 months first, then another 6 months after reapplying.
  • English language course: 12 months without leaving the country.
  • Bachelor’s degree: Up to 4 years, renewed every year.

With the right school, this process is simple. Staff guide you step by step so you can focus on learning.

How to Apply

There are two common ways to start your ED visa:

  1. Apply before arriving – If you are outside Thailand, you apply at a Thai embassy or consulate. You will need your passport, photos, and a letter from your school.
  2. Switch once you arrive – Many students come first on a tourist visa. Once they choose a school, they change to an ED visa inside Thailand.

If you want to switch inside Thailand, it is best to have at least 45 days left on your current entry stamp. This gives your school enough time to process the paperwork with the Ministry of Education and Immigration.

In some cases, you may also be asked to provide a criminal record check from your home country. We explain this in more detail in our blog post on criminal record checks. 

Most GEOS students choose the second option because it lets them explore Thailand before deciding on a long stay.

How to Apply ​ed visa in thailand

What Rules Should You Know?

Living in Thailand with an ED visa is simple once you understand the rules:

  • 90-day reporting: Every three months, ED visa holders must report their current address to Thai immigration. At GEOS, we remind students and prepare the documents for them.
  • Re-entry permits: If you travel outside Thailand, you need a permit or your visa will be canceled. You can buy this at immigration or at international airports before departure.
  • Attendance: You must attend class regularly. GEOS tracks this and provides records if immigration asks.
  • Work restrictions: The ED visa is only for study, not for work.

How Long Can You Stay in Total?

Many students extend their time in Thailand by combining courses. For example:

  • Study Thai for 14 months
  • Then English for 12 months
  • Then Japanese for another 14 months

This allows you to keep learning and living in Thailand for years.

how long you can stay with ed visa in thailand

Why the School You Choose Matters

All schools that offer ED visas must be licensed, but not all give the same service. Some focus only on the visa and do not provide real classes. Students often find out too late that lessons are online, irregular, or not provided at all.

To avoid this, you should always take a trial lesson first. This lets you meet the teachers, see the classroom, and check that lessons are real.

When choosing a school, ask:

  • Is it licensed by the Ministry of Education?
  • Do they provide recognized full-time education courses?
  • Do they help with immigration tasks like 90-day reports and attendance records?

At GEOS, you can sit in on a lesson before enrolling. Our classes are small, our teachers are experienced, and our staff guides you through every step of the visa process. We also build a real community with workshops and activities, so you get more than just lessons.

What Happens When Your Visa Ends?

When your visa expires, you have three options:

  1. Apply for a new ED visa (inside Thailand with another course or at a Thai embassy abroad).
  2. Change to another visa type if you qualify.
  3. Leave Thailand before the expiry date.

GEOS staff explain these options so you can plan ahead without stress.

Tips for First-Time Students

  • Set clear goals: Do you want Thai for daily life, English for school, or Japanese for work?
  • Plan one step at a time: Start with one course — you can extend later.
  • Stay on top of reports: Mark your calendar every 90 days. With GEOS, reminders make it simple.
  • Travel smart: Always buy a re-entry permit before leaving Thailand.
  • Leave enough time: Have at least 45 days left on your entry stamp before applying.
  • Check requirements of the visa: Some students need a criminal record check from their home country.
  • Test the school: Always try a lesson before paying to make sure the teaching is real and matches your needs.
tips for ed visa in thailand

Ready to Begin?

The ED visa is your ticket to more than just study. It is your chance to build skills, make friends, and enjoy life in Thailand.

GEOS has guided students for over 10 years. We handle the visa application process, provide cultural activities, and create a community where learning is fun and supportive.

Contact us today to begin your journey.

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