Cost Of University Education In Thailand?

[krisb]

Hi, wondering if anyone knows what it costs or approximate cost for a Thai to attend University to get a teachers degree?

Different unis different price I suppose? How long is it to get a teaching degree in Thailand? My wifes son wants this degree, according to him he just wants to teach physical education. i feel we cant say no to education but want to know how much we expect to pay. Is Khon kaen uni any good?

Any thoughts welcome!

[Johnniey]

Hi, wondering if anyone knows what it costs or approximate cost for a Thai to attend University to get a teachers degree?

Different unis different price I suppose? How long is it to get a teaching degree in Thailand? My wifes son wants this degree, according to him he just wants to teach physical education. i feel we cant say no to education but want to know how much we expect to pay. Is Khon kaen uni any good?

 

Any thoughts welcome!

 

About 70,000 would cover fees and accommodation for one year.

If you want to spill him you can give extra for eating and drinking.

It is one of the top 10 unis in Thailand.

[Johnniey]

There are colleges too which charge less. Some are around 10 to 15 thousand baht for one year.

[craigt3365]

I think this might be better over in the teaching forum. So let's move this topic there, OK?

Topic Moved.

[krisb]

There are colleges too which charge less. Some are around 10 to 15 thousand baht for one year.

What's the difference between a college and uni degree besides price? Which college around khonkaen would you suggest?

Sent from my LG-E612 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[GottaGo]

Hi, wondering if anyone knows what it costs or approximate cost for a Thai to attend University to get a teachers degree?

Different unis different price I suppose? How long is it to get a teaching degree in Thailand? My wifes son wants this degree, according to him he just wants to teach physical education. i feel we cant say no to education but want to know how much we expect to pay. Is Khon kaen uni any good?

Any thoughts welcome!

About 70,000 would cover fees and accommodation for one year.

If you want to spill him you can give extra for eating and drinking.

It is one of the top 10 unis in Thailand.

"It is one of the top 10 unis in Thailand."

*edited out*

If they're planning on being a teacher in Thailand, then far from worthless.

Unfortunately most degrees paid for by farang here certainly don't end up paying off the way they're supposed to.

Edited June 2, 2013 by Scott

[Morakot]

Hi, wondering if anyone knows what it costs or approximate cost for a Thai to attend University to get a teachers degree?

Different unis different price I suppose? How long is it to get a teaching degree in Thailand? My wifes son wants this degree, according to him he just wants to teach physical education. i feel we cant say no to education but want to know how much we expect to pay. Is Khon kaen uni any good?

Any thoughts welcome!

About 70,000 would cover fees and accommodation for one year.

If you want to spill him you can give extra for eating and drinking.

It is one of the top 10 unis in Thailand.

"It is one of the top 10 unis in Thailand."

*edited out*

Why do you know it's no good?

A misguided view Paul presents, unless he specially is referring to that with a degree from one of the top universities in Thailand it's more difficult to compete internationally. Having said this, difficult but not impossible; many (if not most) Thai students studying in the UK for postgraduate qualification have exactly this type of qualification: i.e. a first degree from a top university in Thailand.

Either way, if your son is intending to teach in state schools in Thailand than this qualification from exactly such a place, seems the best and most logical choice.

Are you aware of the different routes in Thailand: first degree + teacher training + state exam v teaching degree + state exam?

Edited June 2, 2013 by Scott

[GottaGo]

Hi, wondering if anyone knows what it costs or approximate cost for a Thai to attend University to get a teachers degree?

Different unis different price I suppose? How long is it to get a teaching degree in Thailand? My wifes son wants this degree, according to him he just wants to teach physical education. i feel we cant say no to education but want to know how much we expect to pay. Is Khon kaen uni any good?

Any thoughts welcome!

About 70,000 would cover fees and accommodation for one year.

If you want to spill him you can give extra for eating and drinking.

It is one of the top 10 unis in Thailand.

"It is one of the top 10 unis in Thailand."

*edited out*

Why do you know it's no good?

International corporate employers won't usually give a Thai degree much credence.

Decent overseas graduate programs will only give partial credit, usually have to enter in the undergraduate stream to make up credits.

Chula Thammasat and a few others are exceptions, but depends on the exclusivity of the evaluating organization.

Within Thailand, no problems.

Edited June 2, 2013 by Scott

[krisb]

ok, the lad will only be teaching in Thailand.

Morakot, can you elaborate on these different routes that can be taken please?

[Morakot]

ok, the lad will only be teaching in Thailand.

Morakot, can you elaborate on these different routes that can be taken please?

Does your son have specific plans to work in a state school? If so, he will be required to take a national exam for teachers after studying at university. Some people study for a specific teachers degree at university (or at colleges in the past; many colleges have been "upgrade" to universities nowadays). They get a proper university degree and than proceed to sit the state exam, after further preparation. But this really makes only sense if they are determined to work as a teacher afterwards. If they find that after completing the course teaching is not for them, some take a master degree and work elsewhere. Some people say that "merely" having a teaching degree from a university is not very advantageous in the job market (outside teaching) due to its specialised nature. Hence people feel the need to remedy this with a generic postgraduate qualification.

If your son is not really set to work as a teacher and merely considers this an option, a "normal" BSc in a bioscience, life science, biol-medial, sociology/psychology of sports, etc. (considering he is aiming for PE) might be an alternative. Once completed he might need further training (pedagogical study with practical training) and then sit the state exam. What kind of further training is required depends on the subjects, I think. You really need to look a the lists published by the Ministry of Eduction, it tends to change regularly by the looks of.

If he wants to work in private schools it's much less fixed, but of course some pedagogical training is useful if not essential.

Edited June 2, 2013 by Morakot

[krisb]

Thanks Morakot, I see what your saying but Im still slightly confused. Whats the easiest, cheapest way for the him to get qualified and teach phys ed at a school in Thailand?

[Morakot]

Thanks Morakot, I see what your saying but Im still slightly confused. Whats the easiest, cheapest way for the him to get qualified and teach phys ed at a school in Thailand?

Sorry Kris, I don't know about the costs. Try to find out the length of each degree programme. Is it four years or more? That would be a good indication. Speak to the career advisers at Khon Kaen university, but try to involve your son as much as possible (I personally would say).

If you can afford it (and he has the grades) go for a top university in Thailand rather a new university (upgraded college), it might make it easier for his future. Good luck!

Edited June 2, 2013 by Morakot

[asupeartea]

Hi, wondering if anyone knows what it costs or approximate cost for a Thai to attend University to get a teachers degree?

Different unis different price I suppose? How long is it to get a teaching degree in Thailand? My wifes son wants this degree, according to him he just wants to teach physical education. i feel we cant say no to education but want to know how much we expect to pay. Is Khon kaen uni any good?

 

Any thoughts welcome!

 

It's almost triple the Thai price if the student is a farang.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Morakot]

Hi, wondering if anyone knows what it costs or approximate cost for a Thai to attend University to get a teachers degree?

Different unis different price I suppose? How long is it to get a teaching degree in Thailand? My wifes son wants this degree, according to him he just wants to teach physical education. i feel we cant say no to education but want to know how much we expect to pay. Is Khon kaen uni any good?

Any thoughts welcome!

It's almost triple the Thai price if the student is a farang.

Prices are standardised. Fees for international degree programmes are considerably higher than for Thai programmes (yes possibly three time + higher). The OP's son is assumed to enrol in a Thai programme and assumed to be a Thai speaker.

Enrolling for an international programme (i.e. English as medium of instruction) at a Thai university may not lead to a recognised teaching qualification.

Edited June 2, 2013 by Morakot

[krisb]

Hi, wondering if anyone knows what it costs or approximate cost for a Thai to attend University to get a teachers degree?

Different unis different price I suppose? How long is it to get a teaching degree in Thailand? My wifes son wants this degree, according to him he just wants to teach physical education. i feel we cant say no to education but want to know how much we expect to pay. Is Khon kaen uni any good?

Any thoughts welcome!

It's almost triple the Thai price if the student is a farang.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Hes full Thai. My wifes son from a previous marriage. Unfortunately the boys father isnt/doesnt do anything for his son, but thats ok, Im willing to do so.

Edited June 2, 2013 by krisb

[krisb]

Please dont laugh at this question, but here in Australia the government pay you to go to school. Does this exist in Thailand? Is there any help with any fees etc?

I think the answer is no but thought Id ask!

[Morakot]

Do you mean university eduction grants? Some universities offer bursaries, that means fees can be waived. These bursaries are highly competitive and are bases on merit (e.g. minimum GPA just to apply for it, to be in the competition). Ask at the university. Some state or royal scholarships (fees + plus living allowances) are also available but the competition tends to be even higher. Some of them require to sit a national exam. There should be information at his current schools as in terms of the latter.

Edited June 2, 2013 by Morakot

[richard10365]

...What an ignorant thing to say!

This is directed to the posts saying Thai universities are worthless....

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited June 2, 2013 by richard10365

[Scott]

A lot of posts and replies have been deleted. This is in the Teaching thread and moderation is a bit stricter than other forums.

Krisb, you are to be commended for helping the lad toward getting an education and hopefully you will be able to find a school that fits both his needs and your finances. He should major in education if he wants to teach since he will have to get a Teacher's License from the Teacher's Council of Thailand. There are a lot of Thai teachers who are now going back to school to get the required education courses and it is a hassle once you are out of school.

Best of luck.

[krisb]

Is there a University in Loei?

Ok found it! Should have just Googled it beforehand.

He has shown interest in this University. Probably better to just go and talk to someone there. This Uni is pretty much halfway between us and Khon Kaen so see how it goes I suppose.

Edited June 2, 2013 by krisb

[phosphorescent]

Have a look at sukhothai thammathirat open university. Very affordable and they have test centers all around Thailand.

http://www.stou.ac.th/home/

[Salapoo]

Teachers usually study at a Rajabat University. There's one in almost every city. Very cheap. About 10k per term.

Alternative would be for him to study a B.A. in Physical Education, then if he wants to become a teacher do the one year post grad course to become one. That way if he doesn't still want to teach it, he has a B.A. in PE which will open a lot more alternatives to having a B.Ed. when you don't want to teach.

[krisb]

Teachers usually study at a Rajabat University. There's one in almost every city. Very cheap. About 10k per term.

 

Alternative would be for him to study a B.A. in Physical Education, then if he wants to become a teacher do the one year post grad course to become one. That way if he doesn't still want to teach it, he has a B.A. in PE which will open a lot more alternatives to having a B.Ed. when you don't want to teach.

Thanks Salapoo, that's an option used here in the west also. Good idea thanks!

[GottaGo]

The Rajabhats were originally specifically teachers' colleges, only recently expanded to more general so-called university status (what a joke).

...What an ignorant thing to say! This is directed to the posts saying Thai universities are worthless.

Nobody said they were worthless as an absolute generalization, but they sure aren't worth much compared to those in less corrupt and more developed countries.

If the graduate wants to work for multi-national employers or study post-graduate in proper first-word education system, they will be much better served studying overseas, which is why Thailand's rich kids do so.

As a piece of paper, a Thai degree has little value outside of Thailand.

And apart from those factors, there will be very little actual learning going on, unless the student is unusually intelligent, curious and motivated, which latter attributes have usually been well pounded out of their system by their earlier experiences with Thai methods of education.

Again, not just slagging off in general, I love Thailand and there are always exceptions, but based not at all in ignorance but many years working as a teacher and lecturer here.

[krisb]

The Rajabhats were originally specifically teachers' colleges, only recently expanded to more general so-called university status (what a joke).

 

 

...What an ignorant thing to say! This is directed to the posts saying Thai universities are worthless.

 

Nobody said they were worthless as an absolute generalization, but they sure aren't worth much compared to those in less corrupt and more developed countries.

 

If the graduate wants to work for multi-national employers or study post-graduate in proper first-word education system, they will be much better served studying overseas, which is why Thailand's rich kids do so.

 

As a piece of paper, a Thai degree has little value outside of Thailand.

 

And apart from those factors, there will be very little actual learning going on, unless the student is unusually intelligent, curious and motivated, which latter attributes have usually been well pounded out of their system by their earlier experiences with Thai methods of education.

 

Again, not just slagging off in general, I love Thailand and there are always exceptions, but based not at all in ignorance but many years working as a teacher and lecturer here.

Ok in this case he wants to teach physical education in a school in Thailand. If there is a cheaper option available to myself who's funding it, and he gets a nationally recognized degree then that's likely the option. In this case, unfortunately for him, he isn't a rich kid, as you put it. So I think he will do just fine in a Thai university. Like the other million students who also don't fall under the rich class of Thai folk. It surprises me since you bag Thai schools as a teacher yourself in Thailand! Kind of like bagging yourself in a way.

Sent from my LG-E612 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Trembly]

Thanks Morakot, I see what your saying but Im still slightly confused. Whats the easiest, cheapest way for the him to get qualified and teach phys ed at a school in Thailand?

Do a ฺฺBachelors in education, majoring in PE. Simples.

http://ednet.kku.ac.th/cur/bachelor/bachelor-phy.html

Khon Kaen University degrees are well regarded in Thailand.

If for whatever reason he fails to get into KKU then there is Maha Sarakham University or the Sports College of Rajabhat Maha Sarakham not too far away.

He will be a qualified teacher, fully licensed by the Ministry of Education if he completes the degree from any of the aforementioned institutions.

Fees are calculated according the number of credits that are taught in each term. I inquired about doing a degree in ASEAN languages at MSU last year and if I remember correctly the fees amounted to about 15000 - 20000 per year.

Edited June 2, 2013 by Trembly

[Trembly]

Please dont laugh at this question, but here in Australia the government pay you to go to school. Does this exist in Thailand? Is there any help with any fees etc?

I think the answer is no but thought Id ask!

The only forms of official financial assistance for students in Thailand are scholarships and low-interest student loans.

[GottaGo]

Nobody said they were worthless as an absolute generalization, but they sure aren't worth much compared to those in less corrupt and more developed countries.

If the graduate wants to work for multi-national employers or study post-graduate in proper first-word education system, they will be much better served studying overseas, which is why Thailand's rich kids do so.

As a piece of paper, a Thai degree has little value outside of Thailand.

And apart from those factors, there will be very little actual learning going on, unless the student is unusually intelligent, curious and motivated, which latter attributes have usually been well pounded out of their system by their earlier experiences with Thai methods of education.

Again, not just slagging off in general, I love Thailand and there are always exceptions, but based not at all in ignorance but many years working as a teacher and lecturer here.

Ok in this case he wants to teach physical education in a school in Thailand. If there is a cheaper option available to myself who's funding it, and he gets a nationally recognized degree then that's likely the option. In this case, unfortunately for him, he isn't a rich kid, as you put it. So I think he will do just fine in a Thai university. Like the other million students who also don't fall under the rich class of Thai folk. It surprises me since you bag Thai schools as a teacher yourself in Thailand! Kind of like bagging yourself in a way.

I don't see how. Teachers here try their best, but the Ministry and most school administrators seem to do their utmost to make that difficult.

90% of school administrators are focused on having an easy life, not rocking the boat, not in any way open to any innovations other than giving them lip service. The only creativity and innovation ever seen is with the large percentage that are most of all interested in grafting into their pockets a large multiple of their pitiful monthly salaries.

Militaristic conformity and obedience are valued far more than academic excellence, and their judgment of the latter is simply based on memorization and regurgitation of a list of facts. There are far far too many students per class, large chunks of their curriculum is devoted to useless topics - regarding English even at those few schools with NES teachers students often get at most one or two contact hours per week. Asking simple questions about the lesson content is actively discouraged, actually taking up a point of debate in the classroom would be explicitly punished so when a student knows more than the teacher about a topic (very common say in ICT) s/he knows to keep his/her mouth shut even if the content is actually wrong. 99% of the time no creativity allowed, no project-based independent learning, every minute of every day is completely top-down directed robotic drill routines.

And even then, every year in past decades the performance of Thai students on international benchmark tests has fallen further and further behind, not only in learning English but in the critical maths and sciences where you'd think their methods would stand a chance, to the point that much less-developed countries in the region have now far surpassed them, while spending much less money.

The people running the system have no clue as to how to improve things, and will not entertain suggestions from those working in the classroom nor from outside advisors, even when they pay millions for that advice. Even if the top Minister wants to change the system the inertia of the incredibly bloated and rigid bureaucracy wouldn't allow anything effective.

The parenting public is desperate for things to improve and spend huge amounts of scarce funds on extra tutoring etc beyond the huge proportions of the government budget that are wasted, but most don't know actually HOW things should be improved, and due to the cultural "cringe" and "face" mentalities, even those few members parents that might have a clue don't have any way to push for change from the grass roots as could happen in the west. Those rich and powerful enough to actually have the ability - and in some cases the knowledge or at least awareness - all send their kids to the dozen decent but 600K+ per year tuition international schools and/or overseas, and are busy building their own corrupt empires to worry about the welfare of the country as a whole. In fact many claim they prefer that their offspring have a competitive advantage and actively want to keep the common people as low-skilled labor supply only incapable of constituting an effective democracy.

I love this country and would be happy to devote my life to improve this aspect of its society but unfortunately there simply isn't any way to do so effectively, given over a decade of just bashing your head against a rock wall eventually you learn to stop.

I pity the coming generations that could easily be equipped to compete in the global economy, but most will end up having much less opportunity than they could due to this one massive failure. Thai people aren't genetically stupid, just that their school system makes them seem that way.

Edited June 2, 2013 by GottaGo

[TerryLH]

OP

I can give you a couple of examples of tuition at KKU.

Business faculty = 8000 a term.

Science faculty (Chemistry) = 10,000 a term.

The schools dorms are not expensive.

KKU and other universities have a lot of info online. It might take a little digging to find what you want, but it should be there.

Many students 'know' what school/faculty they want to study in, but often don't have the grades or test scores to actually get into them.

I wish you and your son luck.

Terry

[Morakot]

He will be a qualified teacher, fully licensed by the Ministry of Education if he completes the degree from any of the aforementioned institutions.

Kris on a side note not directly related to the cost: if you would like to your son to become a teacher who is a civil servant he needs to take a civil servant exam. In order to do this one needs to carefully check which degrees would allow/ qualify him to sit such exam. There are many teachers nowadays in Thailand who are not civil servants but have employee status. A sufficient teacher qualification may not necessarily entitle for a civil service route. This is what I meant earlier on when I said you need to check with the relevant government office.