Shinawatra University | Admissions, Fees & Scholarships - MENTISGO

Shinawatra University at a Glance

LocationBang Toei, Thailand

StatusMENTISGO Official Partner University

Average FeesUSD 3,000 - 8,000 per program

IntakesMid-Year (June/July) & Main Intake (November)

Popular Programs at Shinawatra University

Business Administration

Information Technology

Engineering

International Relations

Why Study in Thailand?

✓Globally recognized strength in hospitality, culinary arts, and tourism education
✓Significantly lower tuition and living costs compared to Western study destinations
✓Short flight time and geographic proximity to Pakistan
✓A warm, welcoming culture with a well-established international student community
✓Practical, industry-linked training through internships in hospitality and business sectors

Education System in Thailand

Thailand's higher education system is overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, with a mix of public universities and well-established private institutions. Institutions such as Shinawatra University, Dhurakij Pundit University, and Le Cordon Bleu Dusit offer English-medium international programs alongside the broader Thai-medium system.

Program Level	Average Duration
Certificate/Diploma Program	6-12 months
Bachelor's Degree	4 years
Master's Degree	1.5-2 years

Admission Requirements

General Thailand university requirements — confirm the exact criteria for Shinawatra University with a MENTISGO advisor.

Academic QualificationsCompletion of FSc/A-Levels or equivalent 12-year schooling; a relevant bachelor's degree for postgraduate or advanced diploma programs

GPA RequirementsMinimum 50-60% aggregate in higher secondary studies (institution-dependent); culinary diploma programs may apply more flexible academic entry criteria

English ProficiencyPrograms are taught in English; proof of proficiency is required, though some institutions offer English preparation or foundation courses

Entrance ExamsNo standardized national entrance exam for international applicants; admission is based on institution-specific application review

English Language Requirements

IELTS

5.0-6.0 overall (institution-dependent)

PTE

42-50

TOEFL

60-70 iBT

Duolingo

80-100 (accepted by some programs)

MOI

A Medium of Instruction certificate from a prior English-medium institution may be accepted in place of a standardized test

Application Intakes & Timelines

Mid-Year (June/July)

Apply February-May

Main Intake (November)

Apply July-October

Tuition Fees in Thailand

Country-wide average ranges by level of study — actual fees at Shinawatra University vary by program. Confirm the current figure with a MENTISGO advisor.

Level of Study	Estimated Fee Range
Certificate/Diploma (Culinary)	USD 3,000 - 8,000 per program
Bachelor's Degree	USD 2,500 - 6,000 per year
Master's Degree	USD 3,500 - 7,000 per year

Cost of Living in Bang Toei

Expense Item	Average Cost
Shared Accommodation	THB 4,000 - 8,000/month
Food & Groceries	THB 4,000 - 7,000/month
Local Transport	THB 800 - 1,500/month
Utilities & Mobile/Internet	THB 1,000 - 2,000/month
Personal & Miscellaneous	THB 1,500 - 3,000/month

Cost of Living SummaryThailand offers one of the most affordable study experiences in Asia, with total monthly living costs (excluding tuition) typically ranging from THB 11,000 to 20,000 (roughly USD 300-550), well below Western study destinations

Scholarships & Funding Options

Institutional Merit-Based Tuition Reduction

Shinawatra University / Dhurakij Pundit University / Le Cordon Bleu Dusit

Partial tuition discounts (typically 10-25%) for academically strong applicants; fully-funded scholarships for international students are limited and should be confirmed directly with the institution

Early Enrollment Discount

Partner Institutions

Reduced application or enrollment fees for students who confirm admission ahead of standard deadlines

Student Visa Process

Visa Type:Non-Immigrant ED Visa (Education Visa)

Eligibility:A confirmed acceptance letter from a Thai Ministry of Education-approved institution; the visa is sponsored through the institution's international office

Required Documents:

Passport valid for at least 6 months
University acceptance/support letter
Completed visa application form
Passport-size photographs
Proof of financial capability
Proof of accommodation in Thailand

Processing TimeApproximately 2-3 weeks for initial ED visa issuance; annual extensions are processed in-country through the Thai Immigration Bureau

BiometricsBiometric data (fingerprints and photograph) collected at the Thai embassy/consulate or during in-country visa extension

InterviewA visa interview is not typically required for the ED visa, though embassies may request additional documentation case-by-case

Work Rights While Studying

Weekly Work Hours:International students on an ED visa are not permitted to work off-campus under standard visa conditions; work rights are limited and tightly regulated

On-Campus Work:Limited on-campus opportunities may exist at some institutions, subject to approval

Off-Campus Work:Off-campus employment is not permitted without a separate Thai work permit, which is rarely granted to full-time students

Internship Rights:Structured, supervised internships are a core component of culinary and hospitality programs at Le Cordon Bleu Dusit and Dhurakij Pundit University, conducted under institutional and industry agreements

Post-Study Work & PR Pathways

Permit Name:No standalone post-study work permit; employment after graduation requires a separate Thai work permit sponsored by an employer, or eligibility under Thailand's Smart Visa scheme for select high-skill sectors

Duration:Thailand does not offer a dedicated post-study work visa for most graduates

Migration Pathways:Graduates seeking to remain in Thailand for work must secure employer sponsorship for a Non-Immigrant B visa and work permit; opportunities are relatively more accessible in the hospitality, tourism, and culinary sectors given Thailand's large industry base, but are not guaranteed

PR Status:Thailand does not offer a permanent residency pathway linked to student graduation

Available PR Streams:

No dedicated PR stream for international graduatesLong-term stay is generally tied to continuous employer-sponsored work permits or investment-based visa categoriesPermanent residency in Thailand is subject to a separate, restrictive annual quota system unrelated to study

Accommodation & Healthcare

Housing Options:

University dormitories (where available)Private serviced apartments/condominiumsShared apartments near campus

Average Housing CostTHB 4,000 - 12,000 per month depending on city and accommodation type

Healthcare System:International students are generally required to hold health insurance for the duration of their ED visa, either through a university-arranged plan or a private policy, providing access to Thailand's well-regarded private and public healthcare facilities

Estimated Cost:THB 2,000 - 6,000 per year for basic student health insurance (institution-dependent)

Student Life & Career Outcomes

Climate:Tropical climate with hot, humid conditions year-round, a distinct rainy season (roughly June-October), and a cooler, drier period from November to February

Culture:A warm and welcoming culture with a long-established international student and expatriate community; halal food and mosques are reasonably accessible in Bangkok, though less consistently available outside major urban areas

Safety:Thailand is generally considered safe for international students, supported by well-developed tourism infrastructure; standard precautions around road safety and petty theft are advised

High-Demand Industries:

Hospitality & TourismCulinary & Food ServicesBusiness Process & AdministrationCommunication & MediaRetail & Consumer Services

Average Graduate SalaryEntry-level local salaries in Thailand are modest by international standards; foreign graduates in culinary and hospitality fields often find better prospects through international hotel chains and export-oriented culinary careers than local-market employment

Employment OutlookThailand's large and recovering tourism and hospitality sector continues to generate demand for trained culinary and hospitality professionals, though employment for foreign graduates depends on employer sponsorship of a work permit

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Thailand a good study destination for Pakistani students?

Thailand is a strong fit for students specifically interested in hospitality, culinary arts, or business education in an affordable, welcoming setting. It is a smaller, specialized market compared to Canada, the UK, or Australia, so it suits focused career goals more than broad academic exploration.

Q. What visa do Pakistani students need to study in Thailand?

You will need a Non-Immigrant ED Visa (Education Visa), sponsored through your admitting institution once you have a confirmed offer of admission.

Q. How long does the Thai ED visa take to process?

Initial issuance generally takes about 2-3 weeks. Once in Thailand, the visa is extended annually in-country through the Thai Immigration Bureau.

Q. Are programs at Shinawatra University, Dhurakij Pundit University, and Le Cordon Bleu Dusit taught in English?

Yes, all three partner institutions offer English-medium instruction, and some also provide English preparation courses for students who need additional support.

Q. Can international students work part-time while studying in Thailand?

Generally, no. Off-campus work is not permitted under standard ED visa conditions, so students should plan to cover their expenses without relying on part-time employment.

Q. What is the cost of living for a student in Thailand?

Thailand is one of the more affordable study destinations in Asia, with total monthly living costs excluding tuition typically ranging from THB 11,000 to 20,000 (roughly USD 300-550).

Q. Are there scholarships available for Pakistani students in Thailand?

Partner institutions offer partial merit-based tuition discounts on a case-by-case basis. Fully-funded scholarships for international students are limited, so students should confirm current offers directly with the institution before finalizing their budget.

Q. When can I start my studies in Thailand?

Most programs offer a mid-year intake around June/July and a main intake in November, though exact timing can vary by institution and program.

See the full Thailand study guide

Other Universities in Thailand

Dhurakij Pundit University

Bangkok

Le Cordon Bleu Dusit

Bangkok