Secret Places to Get Education Visa or DTV Visa

An Education Visa is one of the most popular visas for expats who want to stay in Thailand long-term.

It’s also quite simple to get this visa as well. As long as you study in one of the schools approved by the relevant Thai authorities, attend classes as required by the school, and meet immigration requirements, you should have no problem applying for or extending this visa. Final approval is still up to the Thai embassy, consulate, or immigration office.

This doesn’t mean that Thai language classes are your only option. There are other types of classes that can allow you to get an Education Visa as well. Some Muay Thai, cooking, and other activity providers may also be able to issue documents for a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), but a DTV is a separate visa category and the school doesn’t issue the visa itself.

Here’s the list of schools in Thailand that advertise Education Visa support or related visa documentation.

Hand-to-Hand Combat/Self-defense

For those looking to stay long-term in Chiang Mai, some schools and visa agencies have advertised Non-Ed Visa programs for hand-to-hand combat or self-defense as an alternative to a Thai language Education Visa. If available, an Education Visa is typically issued for an initial 90 days and may be extended according to the course length and immigration approval.

Requirements are different from school to school, so confirm the timetable, attendance rules, extension process, and any immigration checks directly with the school before you enroll.

This visa can be applied for through a Thai embassy or consulate, including through Thailand’s e-Visa system where available. Chiang Mai Buddy and Chiang Mai Locals have advertised this program.

Cooking Classes

Another option for getting a Thai Education Visa is to enroll in a culinary institution. Thai culinary schools may provide instructions for Education Visa applications, whether at international schools like Le Cordon Bleu, or smaller cooking schools such as Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy.

Other Study Options: Muay Thai and Thai Massage

Other options for getting a Thai Education Visa include studying Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, and Thai massage. Some Muay Thai and cooking schools may also provide documents for DTV applications under Thailand’s soft-power activity category, but you still need to meet the DTV requirements and apply through the Thai embassy, consulate, or e-Visa system.

A great option for those looking for a more physically demanding option is a one-year Muay Thai Education Visa. And studying Traditional Thai massage is offered at this Chiang Mai school, TMC School, and also at Koh Phangan Vocational School, which offers helpful guidelines on applying for an Education Visa.

Taking these courses, however, comes with requirements. For current official visa category information, check Thailand’s official pages for the Non-Immigrant ED Visa and the Destination Thailand Visa.

School List by Province

Below is a list of schools in Thailand that advertise or have advertised Education Visa support or related visa documentation. For language classes, you can check out this website.

For general information about the visa, please read our guide to Education Visas in Thailand.

Hand-to-Hand Combat/Self-defense

Cooking Classes

Other Study Options: Muay Thai and Thai Massage

School List by Province

Bangkok

Phuket

Chiang Mai

Koh Phangan