Thailand Student Visa for Indians: 2026 Requirements and Funds

Below is what the Embassy's ED and ED Plus checklists ask for, what 'funds' means for a Thai student visa, and how the e-Visa system works for applicants in India, as published on the official sources, checked on 15 October 2026.

Which Thai visa do Indian students need?

The Non-immigrant ED visa covers more than university study. The Royal Thai Embassy lists these purposes:

• Studying, or taking a study tour or technical visit to government agencies or international organisations.
• Joining projects, seminars, conferences or training run by government agencies or international organisations.
• Taking part in approved Buddhism activities.

For a bachelor's degree or higher, the Embassy uses a separate 'ED Plus' checklist (July 2024). For other courses, the standard ED checklist (25 February 2021) applies.

Do not rely on the 30-day visa exemption for study. From 15 September 2026, Indian ordinary passport holders may enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism and short-term business only. Short skill courses such as Thai boxing or Thai cooking classes appear among the eligible activities for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), a 5-year multiple-entry visa at INR 30,000 allowing 180 days per entry. Degree students still use ED.

What documents are on the ED checklist?

• Passport valid for more than 6 months with two blank pages.
• Signed application form and two colour photos.
• Original cover letter stating your purpose and who sponsors your tuition and living costs, plus your educational qualifications.
• Original acceptance letter from the Thai university, school or institution naming the course and its duration. ED Plus asks for a reference letter and enrolment confirmation signed by an authorised person, with that person's ID.
• Payment slip for at least the first semester's tuition.
• Ministry of Education approval letter where applicable, and a copy of the institution's licence (in Thai).
• Confirmed inbound ticket and confirmed accommodation in your name (ED).
• Your bank statement, or your sponsor's letter, ID proof and bank statement.

On the e-Visa you also prove where you currently live in India, for example with a house agreement, Aadhaar card or monthly electricity bill. The Embassy issues Thai visas only to applicants who are physically present in India throughout the e-Visa process.

How much money must Indian students show?

This is where most confusion comes from. The Embassy's ED checklists do not state a fixed rupee or baht balance. What they ask for is evidence:

• ED Plus (bachelor's and higher): your own bank statement covering at least 6 months, or a sponsor's letter, ID and bank statement.
• Standard ED: your bank statement, or the sponsor's letter, ID and bank statement.
• Both: a payment slip for at least the first semester's tuition, and a cover letter explaining the source of finance.

Figures you may see quoted online belong to other categories. The USD 700-per-person balance comes from the Kolkata consulate's tourist checklist. The THB 500,000 balance belongs to the business visa checklist for meetings and training. Neither is an ED requirement, so do not borrow them. If your parents pay, submit their sponsor letter together with their ID proof and bank statement, and make sure your cover letter names them as the source of finance.

What does the ED visa cost and how long does it take?

The INR 7,000 fee applies at the Embassy and all Royal Thai Consulates-General in India from 27 April 2026. Older Embassy checklists still show demand-draft fees and a three-working-day process. Those notes predate the April 2026 fees and the e-Visa, so ignore them.

Which Thai mission handles your state?

You apply to the mission covering where you are located. VFS Global runs centres in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. VFS put application acceptance at its Bengaluru centre on hold from 6 August 2026 until further notice.

How does the Thai e-Visa application work?

1. Create an account at thaievisa.go.th and verify your email. One account can file up to 10 applications for you and your family.
2. Choose the Non-immigrant ED category and upload your passport bio page and a colour photo (JPG or JPEG, up to 3 MB, 630 x 810 pixels, white background, taken within the last 6 months).
3. Enter your details and upload the checklist documents.
4. Pay the fee the way your mission asks. The Embassy accepts no cash: pay by bank transfer or UPI to its DBS Bank account, then email the slip and Payment Info Summary.
5. Track the status by logging in. The granted e-Visa arrives by email; print it for the airline and Thai immigration.

You can apply yourself or through a processing company such as VFS Global, BLS International or DU Digital, or a travel agent. The Embassy notes it is not responsible for incomplete files lodged by representatives.

Which mistakes delay Thai student e-Visas?

• Typing a middle name. Enter given name and surname exactly as in the passport and leave the middle-name field blank.
• Showing the e-Visa on your phone. Printed copies are required at check-in and on arrival; phone copies are not accepted.
• Applying from outside India, or to the wrong mission for your address.
• Paying before the file is complete. Fees are non-refundable even if you withdraw.
• Forgetting the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card, which foreigners submit 3 days before arrival.

For other Thai visa types and fees, read our Thailand visa guide for Indians. The official checklists are linked from the Royal Thai Embassy visa page.

If your file needs a cover letter or a travel itinerary, Yatra For Fun's India office in Gurugram prepares flight reservations, hotel bookings, itineraries and cover letters for visa applications. Packages start at INR 1,000 for a flight reservation and go up to INR 3,000 for the full set with a cover letter. WhatsApp +91 95230 91018 or use our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in Thailand on the 30-day visa exemption?

The 30-day exemption for Indian ordinary passport holders covers tourism and short-term business. For study, the Royal Thai Embassy route is the Non-immigrant ED visa, applied for through thaievisa.go.th.

Is there a multiple-entry student visa for Thailand?

The Embassy's fee table lists the ED visa as single entry at INR 7,000 with a 90-day stay. Its multiple-entry rows name B, R-A, O, M and O-A visas, not ED.

Can my parents sponsor my Thailand student visa?

Yes. The ED checklists accept a sponsor's letter, ID proof and bank statement instead of your own bank statement. Your cover letter should state who is paying tuition and living costs.

Is the Thai student visa fee refunded if my application fails?

No. The Embassy states that visa fees are non-refundable in all circumstances, including when an e-Visa application is withdrawn.