Thailand is an amazing place to settle down. How would you start your journey to make your place in the country?
Apply to some Thai universities!
Do you know you can study in the Thailand without IELTS? Yes, imagine, the process becomes even more easy and fast with one task out of the way.
Want to learn more to make the best case? Read on, this guide has everything you need to study in the Thailand without IELTS.
Language Requirements for Studying in Thailand Without IELTS
If you are not feeling up to attempting IELTS, look up the requirements for the university you are applying for. Chances are, you would need one of these to get language exemptions for studying in Thailand.
Alternative English Proficiency Test
TOEFL, PTE, CAE are some of the language exemptions for studying in Thailand. Discuss with an expert education consultant to offer guidance for your case.
English Medium Programs
If the university or school you last studied taught all courses in English, you can ask for an MOI certificate. MOI or Medium of Instructions is a certificate to confirm all courses taught in school were in English as a primary language.
Foundation Courses
Oftentimes, universities offer international students a foundation course as part of induction on the course. If you select such courses, you won’t need to produce IELTS, and you can study in Thai universities without IELTS.
Interviews
You can also insist on appearing for an interview. Some universities are now open to interviewing you over Skype or Zoom. As you carry on the conversation and answer the questions of the interviewer, you can get exempted from IELTS due to your language proficiency.
Alternatives to IELTS for Studying in Thailand
If your university has one of these certificates as a language requirement, you can study in the Thailand without IELTS. Here are some of the certifications you can look up:
- TOEFL
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Cambridge English Exams (CAE)
- Asian Institute of Technology English Entry Test (AIT EET)
Sometimes, submitting IELTS is best for your case. Enroll in a vetted IELTS preparation program to get desired bands.
Visa Requirements for Studying in Thailand Without IELTS
Here is a complete list of requirements you must gather to study abroad in Thailand without IELTS:
- Complete Application Form
- Academic Transcripts
- Degree Certificates
- Letter of Recommendation
- Resume
- Passport
- Financial Statement
Disclaimer: Some university and financial aid programs have unique requirements. Best to check them to avoid delays in the process.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Non-IELTS Students
Once you have decided to study in the Thailand without IELTS, you can look into these programs to benefit from scholarship and financial aid options.
AIT Scholarship
The Asian Institute of Technology has various tiers of scholarship opportunities for students on the basis of merits. You can enroll for President Robert B. Banks Scholarships and Dean’s Scholarship which takes care of your various financial needs based on academic prowess.
Chulalongkorn University Scholarships
Explore the two top-tier scholarships – Chulalongkorn University ASEAN Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarship. The opportunity is for both ASEAN and non-ASEAN students.
Chulabhorn Graduate Institute Scholarship
Perfect for the student from a STEM background, the scholarship is for both ASEAN and non-ASEAN students.
SIIT Scholarships for 2024 and 2025
Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology has scholarships for students from engineering, technology and management backgrounds.
ADB Scholarship Program
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) offers complete scholarships for undergraduate students from Management, Science, Economics, and Technology backgrounds.
Thai Universities That Do Not Require IELTS
Here are some universities in Thailand without IELTS requirement:
- Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
- Chiang Mai University
- Chulabhorn Graduate Institute
- Chulalongkorn University
- Maejo University
- Mahidol University
- Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology
- Thammasat University
- Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology
- Walailak University
Cost of Studying and Living in Thailand
Living in Thailand isn’t as expensive as other metropolitan cities like Sydney, New York and Toronto. Here is a total breakdown of expenses to expect when living in Thailand.
| Expense Type | Expense in Bhat | Expense in USD |
| Undergraduate | 112,000 – 175,000 / year | 3,400 – 5,500/ year |
| Post-Graduate | 100,000 – 355,000/ year | 3,030 – 10,700/ year |
| 1 bedroom apartment | 6,500 – 14,000/ month | 200 – 400/ month |
| Utilities | 3,000/ month | 90/ month |
| Commute | 1300/ month | 40/ month |
| Food & Groceries | 7000/ month | 200/ month |
Like any other country, you will find some cities like Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai are cheaper for living compared to Bangkok.
Student Life in Thailand
Thailand is a complete experience for students. It wouldn’t be hard adjusting to the culture as it is very tolerant and welcoming. While studying, students will find many options for entertainment and dining.
Commuting is also extremely modern and functional in most cities. However, opportunities for entertainment, recreational activities, and water activities are endless.
Universities keep organizing events and cultural activities for students to get to know everyone.
Career and Post-Study Work Opportunities in Thailand
If you are from the field of STEM, your chances of getting a job are great. As a tourist centric country, you will find tons of opportunities in tourism and hospitality.
Besides digital marketing, web developers and students from the field of finance find good opportunities, too.
Students can apply for a post-study visa and extend their stay in the country. This visa is applied by the university on your behalf.
Once you have completed the education, you can extend your stay with a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) or Digital Nomad Visa (DNV).
Parting Words
Thailand is a great country with rich cultures and amazing work opportunities. There are many great universities in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai. You can enroll in programs to study in the Thailand without IELTS.
If you opt not to live in Bangkok, you will be saving plenty of expenses for living and studying. Similarly, you will find many work opportunities in Thailand once you graduate from Thai universities.
Can I study in Thailand without IELTS?
Yes, it is possible to study in the Thailand without IELTS. You can either produce alternatives to IELTS for Thailand student visa or ensure your medium of instruction was English for your previous study program.
Which universities in Thailand do not require IELTS?
Some Thai universities without IELTS requirements include the Asian Institute of Technology, Chiang Mai University, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Maejo University, Mahidol University, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology and Walailak University.
What alternatives to IELTS are accepted in Thai universities?
Every university has a different criterion. However, the most accepted ones are the Pearson Test, Cambridge English, TOEFL, or AIT EET.
Is IELTS required for a Thailand student visa?
In some cases, universities do not ask for IELTS to give you an acceptance letter. Once the acceptance letter from the university is acquired, you can study in Thailand without IELTS.
Are scholarships available for students without IELTS in Thailand?
There are several NGOs and government-funded programs that offer scholarships to students to study in the Thailand without IELTS, solely assessing their academic prowess.
Do I need to learn Thai to study and work in Thailand?
Learning Thai is an added advantage; however not necessary. Thailand is a tourism-centric country; hence, everyone understands and speaks English.