School Enrollment in Thailand: Complete 2025 Guide

Overview: Enrolling Your Child in Thailand

Enrolling your child in a Thai school (whether international, bilingual, or local Thai school) involves several steps including documentation, visa arrangements, and the actual school application process.

This guide covers the complete enrollment process for expat families moving to Thailand.

Before You Start: Key Decisions

1. Choose School Type

• International School: English instruction, international curriculum (IB, British, American)
• Bilingual School: Thai-English instruction, mix of Thai and international curriculum
• Thai School: Thai language instruction, Thai national curriculum

2. Select Specific Schools

Research and shortlist 3-5 schools based on:

• Curriculum fit
• Location/commute
• Budget
• Availability/admissions competitiveness
• Your child'sneeds

3. Understand Timeline

Ideal timeline: Start 6-12 months before intended enrollment

Realistic timeline: Minimum 3 months for competitive schools

Emergency timeline: Some schools accept mid-year with 1 month notice

Required Documents for School Enrollment

Standard Documents (All Schools)

1. Student'spassport
   • Valid for at least 6 months
   • Color copy of photo page
2. Birth certificate
   • Original or certified copy
   • English translation if not in English
   • May need to be legalized/apostilled depending on country
3. Parents'passports
   • Color copies of both parents
4. Passport-sized photos
   • 4-6 recent photos (within 6 months)
   • White or blue background
5. Immunization records
   • Complete vaccination history
   • Must include: MMR, DTP, Polio, Hepatitis B, Varicella
   • Thai schools may require TB test
6. Academic records
   • Report cards from last 2-3 years
   • Official transcripts (for secondary students)
   • English translation if necessary
7. Teacher recommendations
   • 1-2 letters from current teachers
   • Some schools have specific forms

Additional Documents (May Be Required)

• Medical records: Existing conditions, medications, allergies
• Psychological/educational assessments: If child has learning differences
• English proficiency test results: TOEFL, IELTS for older students
• Previous school leaving certificate: Official document from last school attended
• Custodial documents: If parents divorced/separated
• Proof of address in Thailand: Rental contract, utility bill

The Enrollment Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Research and Shortlist Schools (2-6 months before)

1. Use school websites to check curricula, fees, facilities
2. Join Facebook groups for expat parents in Bangkok
3. Read reviews and ask for recommendations
4. Create shortlist of 3-5 schools

Step 2: Schedule School Visits (2-4 months before)

1. Contact admissions offices to book tours
2. Attend open houses if available
3. Visit during school day to observe classes
4. Meet with principals/admissions staff
5. Ask questions about curriculum, support services, extracurriculars

Questions to Ask During Visits:

• What is your average class size?
• Do you have waiting lists for this grade level?
• What EAL (English as Additional Language) support do you offer?
• What is your university placement record?
• How do you handle bullying?
• What extracurricular activities are available?
• Can we speak with current parents?

Step 3: Submit Applications (1-3 months before)

1. Complete online or paper application form
2. Upload/submit all required documents
3. Pay application fee (฿5,000-15,000, non-refundable)
4. Submit to multiple schools if unsure about acceptance

Application Tips:

• Be thorough and honest on application
• Disclose any learning differences or special needs upfront
• Highlight child'sstrengths and interests
• Ensure all documents are complete (incomplete applications delayed)
• Keep copies of everything submitted

Step 4: Entrance Assessments (1-2 months before)

Most international schools require entrance assessments to ensure child can succeed in their program.

What to Expect by Age:

Early Years (Ages 3-6):

• Play-based observation (30-60 minutes)
• Assessment of social skills, language, motor skills
• Parent interview (more important than child assessment at this age)
• No formal testing

Primary (Ages 7-11):

• English test (reading, writing, comprehension)
• Math test (grade-appropriate)
• Classroom observation or group activity
• Brief parent interview
• Duration: 1-2 hours

Secondary (Ages 12-18):

• English test (essay, comprehension, grammar)
• Math test
• Sometimes Science test
• Student interview with teachers/admissions
• Parent meeting
• Duration: 2-3 hours

Preparing Your Child:

• Review English and Math concepts at their grade level
• Practice test-taking if not familiar with formal exams
• Explain the process so they're not anxious
• Get good sleep the night before
• Arrive early and relaxed

Step 5: Receive Admission Decision (2-4 weeks after assessment)

Schools will notify you of:

• Acceptance: Offer of place with enrollment deadline
• Waitlist: Qualified but no current space available
• Rejection: Not offered a place

If Accepted:

• You'll receive acceptance letter with enrollment instructions
• Deadline to accept (usually 1-2 weeks)
• Payment schedule for fees

If Waitlisted:

• Accept place at backup school
• Stay on waitlist for preferred school
• Spots may open up before school year starts

If Rejected:

• Ask for feedback (some schools provide, some don't)
• Consider other schools on your list
• Look at additional schools you may have overlooked
• Consider reapplying next year after addressing gaps

Step 6: Accept Offer and Pay Fees

1. Submit acceptance form by deadline
2. Pay enrollment fees:
   • Registration fee (฿20,000-60,000)
   • Capital fee/debenture if required (฿100,000-500,000+, often refundable)
   • First term/semester tuition
3. Receive confirmation and student ID number

Step 7: Complete Pre-Enrollment Requirements

• Submit final medical forms
• Complete emergency contact information
• Sign school policies and handbooks
• Arrange school bus if needed
• Order uniforms
• Attend orientation/welcome events

Step 8: Arrange Education Visa (If Needed)

See Education Visa section below for complete details.

Education Visa for Students

Who Needs an Education Visa?

Foreign children studying in Thailand need a Non-Immigrant ED (Education) visa if they will be in Thailand for the full academic year.

Exceptions:

• Children whose parents have valid work visas can often be listed as dependents
• Short courses (under 90 days) may not require ED visa

How to Get Education Visa

Step 1: Get Acceptance from School

You must be enrolled before applying for visa.

Step 2: School Provides Documentation

• Letter confirming enrollment
• Copy of school license
• Course details and duration

Step 3: Apply for Visa (Outside Thailand)

ED visas must be applied for at Thai embassy/consulate in your home country or nearby country (e.g., Laos, Malaysia, Singapore).

Required Documents:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Visa application form
• Passport photos (2-4)
• School acceptance letter
• Proof of payment (at least 50% of tuition)
• Bank statement (showing ฿30,000+ or equivalent)
• Criminal background check (for students 18+)

Processing Time: 4-5 business days typically

Cost: Varies by embassy, usually $80-200

Initial Validity: 90 days (single or multiple entry)

Step 4: Enter Thailand

Use ED visa to enter Thailand.

Step 5: Extend Visa Inside Thailand

• Initial ED visa valid 90 days
• Extend at Thai Immigration for 1 year
• School will help with extension paperwork
• Extensions renewable annually while studying
• Cost: ฿1,900 per extension

90-Day Reporting:

Students on ED visa must report to immigration every 90 days (school usually helps coordinate).

Guardian Visa for Parents

One parent can obtain Guardian visa based on child'sED visa.

Requirements:

• Child under 18 on valid ED visa
• Parent'spassport
• Proof of relationship (birth certificate)
• Child'sschool documents
• Financial proof (bank statement)

Duration: 1 year, renewable annually

Cost: ฿2,000 (initial) + ฿1,900 (annual extension)

Note: Guardian visa holders CANNOT work in Thailand

Mid-Year Enrollment

Is Mid-Year Enrollment Possible?

Yes! Many schools accept students mid-year, especially international schools accustomed to mobile expat families.

Advantages:

• Often easier to get accepted (less competition)
• Faster process (schools need to fill spots)
• Pro-rated tuition available

Challenges:

• Child joins mid-curriculum
• May need to catch up on missed content
• Harder socially (friend groups already formed)
• May need to repeat grade depending on timing

Best Times for Mid-Year Entry:

• January (start of second semester for some schools)
• After major breaks (winter, spring break)

Grade Placement and Age Cutoffs

International Schools Use Different Cutoffs

Unlike many countries with standard September 1 cutoff, Bangkok international schools vary:

Summer Birthday Dilemma:

If your child'sbirthday falls near the cutoff, you may have option to:

• Place them in younger grade (if academically ready but socially younger)
• Place them in older grade (if mature for age)

Recommendation: Discuss with admissions and consider child'sacademic readiness, social maturity, and long-term plans.

Special Situations

Students with Learning Differences

Disclose during application: Be upfront about any diagnosed learning differences (dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum, etc.).

Why disclosure matters:

• Schools can assess if they can support your child
• Support services can be arranged from day one
• Hiding information can lead to dismissal if discovered

Schools with strong SEN support:

• Ask specifically about learning support department
• Request to meet with SEN coordinator
• Understand what accommodations are available
• Ask about additional costs for support services

Non-English Speaking Students

If child doesn't speak English fluently:

Younger Children (Under 8):

• Usually adapt quickly with EAL support
• Most schools accept with understanding they'll need help
• Full fluency typically achieved within 1-2 years

Older Children (8+):

• More challenging - academic demands increase
• May need intensive EAL before full integration
• Some schools require minimum English level
• Consider starting at school with strong EAL program

EAL Support Options:

• In-class support (teacher assistant helps)
• Pull-out lessons (small group English instruction)
• Intensive EAL program (separate from regular class initially)

Transferring Between International Schools

Moving your child from one Bangkok international school to another?

Process:

1. Apply to new school (same as fresh application)
2. Request transcripts from current school
3. Provide notice to current school (usually 1 term advance)
4. Complete entrance assessment at new school
5. Withdraw formally from current school

Considerations:

• Timing: Best at end of academic year
• Curriculum continuity: Easier within same curriculum (IB to IB, British to British)
• Social impact: Consider child'sfriendships and adjustment
• Financial: Capital fees at first school may not be refundable

Costs Beyond Tuition

Upfront Costs (First Year)

Ongoing Annual Costs

• Tuition: ฿200,000-1,075,000
• School Bus: ฿40,000-80,000
• Lunch: ฿30,000-50,000
• Activities/Sports: ฿20,000-100,000
• School Trips: ฿10,000-50,000
• Books/Supplies: ฿10,000-20,000

Timeline Checklist

6-12 Months Before

• ☐ Research school options
• ☐ Create shortlist of 3-5 schools
• ☐ Join expat parent Facebook groups
• ☐ Gather required documents
• ☐ Check passport validity (renew if needed)

3-6 Months Before

• ☐ Schedule school visits and tours
• ☐ Attend open houses
• ☐ Speak with current parents
• ☐ Finalize school selection
• ☐ Get teacher recommendations from current school

2-3 Months Before

• ☐ Submit applications to chosen schools
• ☐ Pay application fees
• ☐ Prepare child for entrance assessments
• ☐ Complete immunizations if needed

1-2 Months Before

• ☐ Attend entrance assessments
• ☐ Receive admission decisions
• ☐ Accept offer and pay enrollment fees
• ☐ Apply for education visa (if needed)

1 Month Before Start Date

• ☐ Complete pre-enrollment paperwork
• ☐ Order uniforms
• ☐ Arrange school transportation
• ☐ Attend orientation events
• ☐ Obtain education visa

First Week of School

• ☐ Attend parent orientation
• ☐ Set up parent communication accounts
• ☐ Meet teachers
• ☐ Help child settle in

Tips for Smooth Enrollment

1. Start Early

Top schools have waiting lists. Apply 6-12 months in advance if possible, especially for competitive entry points (Early Years, Year 7, Year 10).

2. Apply to Multiple Schools

Don't put all eggs in one basket. Apply to 2-3 schools in case your first choice has no spaces.

3. Be Organized with Documents

Create a folder (physical and digital) with all required documents. This makes multiple applications easier.

4. Visit Schools in Person

Even if you're applying from abroad, try to visit Bangkok before committing. School websites look great, but the "feel" of a school matters.

5. Involve Your Child

Let older children (8+) participate in school visits. Their input matters - they'll be happier at a school they helped choose.

6. Build Buffer Time

Assume everything takes longer than expected. Visa processing, document translations, assessments - build in extra time.

7. Leverage School Support

Most international schools have dedicated admissions staff who help expat families. Don't hesitate to ask questions.

Need Help with School Enrollment?

Navigating school enrollment in a foreign country can be overwhelming, especially while juggling a international move. Our relocation services include:

• School selection consultation based on your needs and budget
• Coordinating school visits and tours
• Application document preparation and review
• Education visa application assistance
• Coordination with schools on your behalf
• Timeline management to ensure nothing is missed
• Support throughout the enrollment process

Book a free consultation to discuss your family'seducation needs.