Education
Student visa: learn Thai, stay on Samui
The Non-ED route through an accredited school — enrolment, embassy application and every 90-day extension prepared for you.
The Non-ED education visa allows foreigners to stay in Thailand to study at an accredited school — most commonly Thai language courses. It starts as a 90-day visa issued by a Thai embassy, then is extended in-country in roughly 90-day blocks with school documents, for an official fee of 1,900 THB per extension.
Which studies qualify
Thai language schools are the classic route: a one-year course with a few hours of class per week keeps a genuine student in status. Universities and vocational programs also qualify. Muay Thai training now usually goes through the DTV instead — we tell you which visa actually fits your plan.
Immigration has cracked down hard on 'visa mill' schools whose students never attend. Officers check attendance records and may ask basic Thai questions at extension time. An accredited school with real classes is not optional — it is the whole visa.
The document chain
A Non-ED file links you, the school and the Ministry of Education:
- Enrolment confirmation and payment receipt from the school
- School's Ministry of Education licence and supporting letter
- Non-ED e-visa application at a Thai embassy (we plan the trip)
- TM7 + photo + 1,900 THB for each in-country extension
- Attendance records the school provides before every extension
How we help from Samui
We work with accredited schools on the island, check that your school's paperwork actually passes at the Maenam office, prepare every 90-day extension before it is due, and tell you honestly when the DTV or another visa would serve you better than a Non-ED.
Key facts
- Eligible
- Students enrolled at an accredited Thai school
- Most common study
- Thai language courses (also university, vocational)
- Initial visa
- Non-ED 90 days, issued by a Thai embassy (e-visa)
- Extensions
- ~90 days at a time at Samui Immigration
- Extension fee
- 1,900 THB each (official government fee)
- Work
- Not permitted on a Non-ED visa
Fees shown are official Thai government fees, paid directly to Immigration. Our assistance fees are communicated privately after reviewing your case.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work in Thailand on a student visa?
No. The Non-ED visa does not allow employment. If you need to work remotely for foreign clients, the DTV is usually the better fit — ask us to compare both for your case.
Is there an age limit for the student visa?
No upper age limit — plenty of students in their 40s, 50s and beyond study Thai on a Non-ED. What matters is genuine enrolment and attendance.
Do I really have to attend classes?
Yes. Immigration checks attendance and can test basic Thai at extensions. We only work with real, accredited schools — that protects your visa history.
Student visa or DTV for Muay Thai training?
Since 2024, Muay Thai camps fit the DTV soft-power track, which is longer (5 years) and more flexible. The Non-ED remains the route for Thai language and academic studies. Send us your plan and we recommend the cleaner path.
Other visa services
Last updated: 2026-08-16