At a glance
What a student from Maharashtra needs to know before deciding — clearly and honestly.
The education
Leading universities offer English-taught international programmes in business, engineering and hospitality.
The true cost
Low tuition and very affordable living make Thailand a comfortable, budget-friendly option.
Safety & visa
Check the latest MEA advisory before you travel. Degree graduates can stay up to 1 year on ED Plus; a job needs a work-authorised visa. Many graduates move within ASEAN.
Top universities
A selection of universities popular with Maharashtra students, with indicative tuition.
After you graduate
Post-study work rights are the most important factor — and the most likely to change. Here is the position as of today.
If you studied at bachelor’s level or above, the Non-Immigrant ED Plus route lets you extend your stay for up to 1 year after graduation to look for work, travel or do other permitted activities. If you get qualifying employment, you can change to the right work-authorised visa. The ED Plus extension itself is not unrestricted permission to work.
Immigration rules, eligibility and salary thresholds change frequently and without notice. Always verify the latest official guidance before you apply, and never treat any figure here as a guarantee of future entitlement.
- Up to 1 year after a bachelor’s or higher degree
- Look for work, travel or other permitted activities
- Change to a work-authorised visa once you get a qualifying job
- The extension is not unrestricted work authorisation
Visa, work & money rules
The official rules behind your visa, work, family and budget planning. Rules change often, so confirm each point on the official government or university website before you apply.
Student visa
If you study full-time at bachelor’s degree level or above, you use the Non-Immigrant ED Plus route, introduced on 15 July 2024. It supports degree students, including extensions of stay through your institution and staying on after graduation. Education, short-course, exchange and below-bachelor’s students may use the ordinary Non-Immigrant ED category.
Visa & permit fees
The Non-Immigrant ED or ED Plus visa costs INR 7,000 for the current single-entry visa (3-month validity, 90-day stay), under the Royal Thai Embassy in India fee schedule. Visa-centre charges are separate.
Work while studying
An ED or ED Plus student status does not by itself give you a general right to paid part-time work. Do not take ordinary paid work on the basis of your student status alone. If a specific internship or job is permitted, you must get the right Thai labour and immigration authorisation. Curricular internships are treated separately.
Family & dependants
Your spouse and children can accompany you on the Non-Immigrant O (dependent) visa, subject to the embassy’s requirements and financial evidence.
Proof of funds
For the ED visa you must show proof of financial means, such as bank statements. The amount is set by the issuing embassy; there is no single fixed national figure. This is a visa requirement, separate from actual living costs.
After you arrive
If you stay long-term, you must report your address to the Immigration Bureau every 90 days and tell them when your address changes. Your visa and extensions are managed with your university’s support.
ROI calculator
Enter your own numbers to see total investment and an indicative payback period. This is a guide only — not financial advice.
With the default assumptions (₹8L tuition and ₹6L living costs a year for 2 years, a 10% scholarship and a ₹16L starting salary), total investment is ₹26L and the indicative payback period is 2.6 years.
Thailand — Master's ROI
Indicative · based on today's assumptions
Figures are indicative only and vary with fees, salaries, exchange rates and visa rules. Treat this as one data point — not conclusive evidence or financial advice.
Safety snapshot
Based on Ministry of External Affairs guidance — always check the latest official advisory before you travel.
Check the latest MEA advisory
Check the latest guidance from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India in Bangkok before you travel, follow advisories for specific border regions, and register on MADAD (madad.gov.in). English works in universities.
Emergency contacts
Dial 191 or 1669. MEA helpline: 1800 11 3090.
Register with the embassy
Register at madad.gov.in on arrival so the nearest Indian Mission can reach you in an emergency.
Food, culture & community
What to expect day-to-day — and how to feel at home far from home, as a student from Maharashtra.
Food & groceries
Indian groceries and restaurants in Bangkok. Vegetarian and Jain options available with planning.
The Maharashtra community
Long-standing Indian community in Bangkok; student groups support newcomers.
Maha-Alumni Connect lets you speak with students from your own district who studied at these very universities.
Compare Thailand with other destinations.
See the same degree across countries, or check the latest safety guidance before you commit.