Thailand is aggressive in providing top-notch education to its students. So much so that it is home to over a hundred world-class international schools like Verso International School. It is even home to thousands of Chinese immigrants who choose to live in Thailand in order to access premium international schools. To get the most out of Thailand’s education system though, you need to be fully aware of its different levels. This is where this post will help you as we will enlist all of the levels in Thailand’s education system. Knowing each will help you to effectively plan your child’s stellar education in Thailand.

The 12 Different Educational Levels in Thailand

1. Pre-School

Pre-school in Thailand begins at the very young age of three. It is not compulsory and required for all Thai children to undergo preschool. It is entirely dependent on the parent’s preference.

2. Primary – Lower Elementary

Formal education in Thailand always begins with primary schooling. Primary schooling is divided into two: lower elementary and upper elementary.

Children aged 6 – 8 years old are required to finish Grades 1 to three of lower elementary. This is referred to ad Prathom 1 through 3 in Thailand. This level is finished in three years.

3. Primary – Upper Elementary

The higher level of primary schooling is undertaken at the age of 9 – 11 year-old. This is referred to as Prathom 4 to 6. It also takes three years to finish this level of primary schooling. Finishing this stage will successfully allow a Thai student to enter secondary schooling. A child can finish this level of schooling without having to pay matriculation fees. Public schooling is 100% free in Thailand. And this level of schooling is still covered by the government of Thailand.

4. Secondary – Lower Secondary

Secondary schooling begins once a child successfully finishes primary schooling. It is referred to as Matthayom. Its lower level is undertaken from the age of 15 – 17 year-old. Such level is referred to as Matthayom 1 to 3. This level is also finished in three full academic years.

5. Secondary – Upper Secondary

The upper level of secondary schooling is not compulsory. Students can choose to opt out of it. This level is undertaken after a student successfully finishes the lower level of secondary schooling. It is referred to as Matthayom VA / M6. It also takes three years to finish this level. This level is necessary if one wishes to enroll in colleges or universities locally or abroad.

6. Vocational

A student can choose to take up a vocational course once secondary schooling is reached. This level provides the following:

• A two-year diploma for Technician Level or a
• A three-year certificate for Skilled Workers

Dual Vocational Training (DVT) is finished in either two years or three years. This is best for students who want to enter the workforce sooner. Students who finish this level can also opt to enter college if they wish to.

7. Tertiary

Thailand’s tertiary education is available for all students who successfully finish primary schooling and secondary schooling. This level requires enrollment in colleges or universities. This is where a child will get to decide on his or her career path or profession. As of 2022, there are 39 private and 12 public universities in Thailand. There are also 49 colleges to choose from in the country.

8. Tertiary – Bachelor’s Degree

A student who successfully finished primary and secondary schooling normally opts for a Bachelor’s Degree in Thailand. A bachelor’s degree in the country can take around four to five years to finish. The following are the most popular courses in the country:

• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Computer Science
• Bachelor of Interaction Design
• Bachelor of High-Tech Entrepreneurship
• Bachelor of Digital Marketing
• Bachelor of Data Science

9. Tertiary – Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy & Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture

Taking up pharmacy and architecture will take longer to finish. Students who prefer such professions will need to study for five years. Architecture is one of the most sought-after courses in Thailand. This is a uniquely interesting profession to pursue because Thailand has its own unique cultural style in architecture. It takes serious dedication to master Thai architecture and design methods.

10. Tertiary – Bachelor’s Degree – Doctor of Dental Surgery, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine

Just like students who undertake pharmacy and architecture, students who take up veterinary medicine, medicine, and dental surgery also have to study longer. Taking up any of such courses requires at least six years of studying. Thailand is highly popular when it comes to plastic surgery. People all over the world travel to the country to undergo plastic surgery. Thai doctors are known to be excellent in their craft.

11. Master’s Degree

A student who finished a bachelor’s degree can enroll in a master’s degree. A master’s degree is usually completed in three years. The following masteral degrees are the most popular in Thailand:

• Master in International Business Management
• Master in Management
• Master in Product Management
• Master in Interaction Design
• Master of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Management
• Master in Computer Science
• Master in Data Science
• Master in Digital Marketing

12. Doctorate

Students who pursue an academic career often undertake doctorate studies. One can only ever enroll in doctorate studies if one has finished a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. The following are the most popular doctorate degrees in Thailand:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Peace Studies
• Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry
• Doctor of Business Informatics
• Doctor of Philosophy in Technology
• D. in Applied Biological Sciences
• Doctor of Philosophy in Educational System Management Leadership