Studying in Thailand: education visas and the academic documents that must be translated
In short
A student in Thailand normally needs an acceptance or enrolment document from a recognised institution before applying for the education visa category at a Thai embassy or through the Thai e-Visa system. Extensions of stay while studying are handled by the Immigration Bureau, usually with a letter from the institution. Academic records issued abroad — transcripts, diplomas and certificates — generally need legalisation by the issuing country's embassy in Thailand and by the Department of Consular Affairs, plus a complete translation, before a Thai institution or authority will accept them.
Who this applies to
- • Foreign students enrolling at a Thai school, university or recognised course provider.
- • Parents arranging enrolment and supporting documents for a minor.
- • Students already in Thailand extending permission to stay for a further period of study.
Documents to prepare
- • Passport with sufficient remaining validity
- • Acceptance or enrolment letter from the institution
- • Previous academic transcripts, diplomas and graduation certificates
- • Evidence of financial support in the form the institution or authority specifies
- • Criminal record certificate where the institution or authority requests one
- • Full translations of every academic and civil document not issued in Thai
Step by step
1. Secure the enrolment document first
The visa application depends on evidence from the institution. Confirm which document the embassy expects — an acceptance letter, an enrolment confirmation, or an institutional support letter.
2. Prepare academic records in full
Send transcripts together with the diploma or graduation certificate. Grading scales and supplements matter where the institution assesses prior study.
3. Legalise foreign academic documents in order
Certification by the issuing country's embassy in Thailand precedes legalisation by the Department of Consular Affairs.
4. Translate the complete document set
Names must match the passport, and seals, registration numbers and endorsements are reproduced in the translation.
5. Manage extensions with the institution's support
Extensions of stay for study are decided by the Immigration Bureau and normally rely on a current letter from the institution. Request it before the permission to stay expires.
Points to watch
- • Sending a diploma without the transcript the institution needs to assess prior study.
- • Transliterating a name by a phonetic system instead of matching the passport.
- • Enrolment letters that have expired by the time the visa application is lodged.
- • Leaving the extension request until the last days of the current permission to stay.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work on a student visa?
Work in Thailand requires authorisation from the Department of Employment regardless of visa category. Do not assume study permission includes any right to work.
Do my transcripts need legalisation as well as translation?
Many Thai institutions and authorities require both for documents issued abroad. Confirm with the institution, because requirements differ between them.
What if my previous school no longer issues transcripts?
Ask the successor institution or the relevant education authority for a certified record. A translation cannot substitute for a record that was never issued.
Who can help me plan the document set?
Contact us by phone, LINE @NAATI or email with a list of the documents you hold and the institution you are applying to, and we will map out what needs legalisation and translation.
Related pages
Official source
Content last reviewed: August 2026