Thailand is a premier destination for travelers, offering a diverse array of experiences. From exploring ancient Buddhist temples and vibrant local festivals to unwinding on stunning tropical beaches or visiting the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, there is something for everyone in the Land of Smiles.
Beyond its tourism appeal, Thailand is an increasingly popular study destination. Over 25,000 international students choose to enrol in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at top-tier Thai universities.
If you are considering pursuing your degree there, it is essential to understand the tuition fees and typical living costs in this beautiful Southeast Asian nation.
Let’s break down the financial requirements for your studies!
1. University tuition fees in Thailand
Tuition fees at public universities
Public universities in Thailand are significantly more affordable than their Western counterparts. Let’s look at public institution tuition fees as an example:
- tuition for Bachelor’s programmes: 1,675–1,785 EUR/semester
- tuition for Master’s programmes: 2,185–2,360 EUR/semester
Tuition fees at private universities
Private universities in Thailand typically command higher tuition fees, which vary based on your chosen academic programme, degree duration, and institutional status. For example, consider the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) as a representative model.
- tuition for Bachelor’s programmes: 18,300–27,250 EUR/year
- tuition for Master’s programmes: 9,865–14,125 EUR/year
Most affordable universities in Thailand
Based on the extensive database of study programmes on our portal, these institutions represent some of the most budget-friendly universities in Thailand:
- : Masters start at 900 EUR/year
- : Bachelors start at 1,235 EUR/year
Tuition fees at top-ranked universities
- Chulalongkorn University: 1,675–2,360 EUR/semester
- Mae Fah Luang University: 685–3,200 EUR/semester
Discover the top universities in Thailand based on data from leading global academic rankings.
2. Student living costs in Thailand
Students typically require between 350 and 700 EUR per month to cover living expenses in Thailand. Naturally, your actual spending will fluctuate based on your specific lifestyle and personal budget management.
The official currency is the Thai baht (THB). At the time of this publication, 1 EUR is equivalent to approximately 36.50 THB.
3. Student accommodation costs
International students typically choose between two main accommodation options:
- on-campus dormitories: 150–250 EUR/month. Sometimes the utilities (e.g. water, electricity) are included in the price, but this isn’t always the case.
- renting a private flat (1–3 rooms outside the city centre): 230–530 EUR/month
- renting a private flat (1–3 rooms in the city centre): 400–930 EUR/month
If you choose to rent a private apartment, remember to budget an additional 70–90 EUR per month for utilities. Sharing a flat with fellow students is a highly effective way to lower your housing costs.
4. Food costs in Thailand
As an international student, expect to allocate approximately 170–250 EUR per month for food and groceries. Total costs will vary based on your cooking habits and how frequently you dine out.
Below are some estimated average prices for common food items in Thailand:
- 1 loaf of bread: 1.10 EUR
- 1 litre of milk: 1.45 EUR
- 12 eggs: 1.40 EUR
- 1 kg of white cheese: 16 EUR
- 1 kg of apples: 2.30 EUR
- 1 kg of bananas: 1.00 EUR
- 1 meal at affordable restaurants: 1.65 EUR
For a more detailed breakdown, explore these costs of living in Thailand.
5. Transportation costs
A monthly public transport pass costs roughly 33 EUR without a student discount. Bangkok, in particular, offers an extensive network of public transit options.
- tuk-tuk (auto-rickshaw)
- motorcycle taxi
- regular taxi
- bus
- subway (the subway in Bangkok is called MRT and the Skytrain is called BTS. Students can get a MRT and a BTS student card to enjoy student discounts)
- train (mainly for country-wide travel, allowing you to visit and discover other beautiful places in Thailand)
Taxi base fares start at approximately 1 EUR, with a rate of 0.55 EUR per kilometer. We also suggest experiencing the iconic tuk-tuk, a popular and convenient transport method for students and tourists alike.
6. Extra costs in Thailand
- books and other study materials: 130–150 EUR/semester
- entertainment (cinema, sports, concerts): 30–70 EUR/month
- student visa fee: around 55 EUR; needs to be extended every 3 months, and each extension costs 52 EUR
- private health insurance: the monthly fee depends on the type of medical coverage, the length of your stay, and so on
7. University scholarships and grants
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding scholarships and financial aid, visit your chosen Thai university's official website. You may also browse for available international scholarships on our portal.
Be sure to submit your application for our Online Result Scholarship.