Asia
Thailand: schools and universities
Thailand has a large international school sector, centred on Bangkok but with schools in several other cities. Thai children may attend international schools, and at many schools they are a large share of the pupils.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| School year (international schools) | Mostly August to June |
| School year (Thai government schools) | Starts in May |
| Where international schools are | Mainly Bangkok and its suburbs, with others in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya and Hua Hin |
| Common curricula | English National Curriculum, IB, American |
| Licensing | International schools are licensed by the Office of the Private Education Commission |
| Student visas | Non-Immigrant ED visa, arranged with the school or university |
Schools
Most international schools in Bangkok follow either the English National Curriculum, leading to IGCSEs and A levels or the IB Diploma, or an American programme with AP courses. A few are among the oldest international schools in Asia, and several British schools in Bangkok are sister schools of independent schools in England. The Bangkok section of International Schools DB lists schools in the capital with their curriculum and age range, which helps when you are starting a shortlist.
The schools are spread out, from central Sukhumvit to Nonthaburi in the north-west and Samut Prakan in the south-east, and traffic at school times is heavy. Outside Bangkok, the choice is smaller and fees are often lower.
Universities
Thailand has public and private universities. Several of the best known, including Chulalongkorn, Mahidol and Thammasat, run international programmes taught in English alongside their Thai-language degrees. International students apply to the university, which then supports the application for a student visa.
Before you apply
- Ask a school for its full fee schedule. One-off admission fees and deposits are common on top of tuition.
- Check which campus a place is offered at. Some schools have more than one.
- For a university programme, confirm that the degree is taught entirely in English, not only the first year.
Directory entry, checked October 2026. Entries describe the education system in general terms and link to country listings.