Teachers License Thailand 2025: Guide for Foreigners — KET
Picture yourself in Thailand, sipping a chilled coconut shake under swaying palm trees, when a spark of inspiration hits:
Why not teach kids here and make this vibrant country your home?
You imagine a classroom buzzing with eager students, colorful lessons, and a life full of adventure.
But then someone mentions a teaching license, and suddenly, you’re navigating a maze of new rules and a 1,000 baht fee.
Don’t stress! Kids English Thailand (KET) is here to guide you through getting a Teachers Council of Thailand (TCT) license, a non-immigrant B visa, and a work permit to teach legally in 2025.
Let’s turn confusion into confidence and get you ready to thrive
What’s the TCT License, and Why Does It Matter?
The Teachers Council of Thailand (TCT), also known as Khurusapha, is the official body responsible for overseeing teaching licenses in Thailand.
Established in 1999 under the National Education Act, the TCT ensures that teachers meet professional standards to deliver quality education in formal schools, whether public or private, with a structured Thai curriculum.
For foreign teachers, there are two main options:
Temporary Teacher’s License: A 2-year permit, renewable up to three times (6 years total), perfect for starting your teaching journey.
Five-Year Teacher’s License: A long-term credential for experienced educators, renewable indefinitely.
Why it matters: Teaching in formal schools without a TCT license and work permit is illegal, risking fines or even deportation.
The license also boosts your credibility, ensuring high educational standards for students and fairness for Thai teachers.
Plus, it opens doors to better opportunities, especially at top international schools.
Do You Need a TCT License?
It depends on where you want to teach:
Formal Schools (public or private with Thai curriculum): Yes, a TCT license is mandatory.
International Schools: Top-tier ones often require it, but smaller ones may not.
Non-Formal Schools (language centers, tutoring schools): Typically, no license is needed, making them a great entry point.
Thailand loves foreign teachers, especially for English, and offers flexibility.
No education degree-but a full bachelor’s degree in any subject?
No problem!
You can get a teacher’s license waiver and up to 6 years to meet the requirements, paired with the right visa and permit.
New Changes for 2025: The 1,000 Baht Fee and More
Starting February 16, 2025, the TCT introduced a new fee for the temporary teacher’s license: 1,000 baht for foreigners and 50 baht for Thai nationals, according to community reports on platforms like Reddit (source).
We can confirm at KET that all teachers will receive an official TCT invoice and can pay the 1,000 THB directly to TCT over the counter at 7/11, and a receipt will be provided.
This represents a shift from previous years, when the license was free, so please budget for this cost.
Another key update: If you’re pursuing the TPDI 7-Module Training (more on this below), you can now apply for a 2-year temporary license extension after completing just four modules, giving you extra time to qualify for a long-term license.
Getting the Temporary Teacher’s License
The temporary teacher’s license is your starting point for teaching in Thailand.
Valid for 2 years and renewable twice (up to 6 years), it’s ideal for new teachers.
Here’s what you need:
Valid Passport: At least 6 months’ validity.
Bachelor’s Degree: Any field, history, science, or even culinary arts!
Non-Immigrant B Visa: Obtain this from a Thai embassy before arriving.
Teaching Job: A Thai school must sponsor you.
Documents: Passport-sized photos, degree, and transcripts (legalized by your home country and the Thai embassy).
Fee: 1,000 baht for foreigners (as of February 16, 2025).
Your school or your agent handles the TCT application, submitting Thai-language forms to Khurusapha.
You provide the paperwork, pay the fee, and get ready to teach!
Pro Tip: Partner with KET to find a supportive school and let KET streamline your application.
Aiming for the Five-Year Teacher’s License
Dreaming of a long-term teaching career?
The five-year teacher’s license is your goal.
Here’s what the TCT requires:
Age: At least 20 years old.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in education, OR
Bachelor’s degree (any field) plus a teaching license from your home country, OR
Bachelor’s degree plus a one-year graduate diploma in teaching, OR
Bachelor’s degree plus TCT-approved credentials (e.g., TEFL or TPDI training).
Experience: At least 1 year of documented teaching.
Work Permit and Visa: Non-immigrant B visa and Thai work permit.
Professional Standards: Complete courses like the TPDI 7-Module Training if you lack an education degree.
No education degree?
Begin with the temporary license and enroll in the TPDI 7-Module Training or a graduate diploma program to meet the qualification requirements.
TPDI 7-Module Training: Your Path to a P-License
If you don’t have an education degree, the Teacher Professional Development Institute (TPDI) 7-Module Training Curriculum is your ticket to a Provisional License (P-License).
This 420-hour program equips you with the professional teaching skills necessary for success. Here’s the breakdown:
Who Needs It?
Foreign or Thai teachers with a bachelor’s degree (any field) but no education degree, holding a temporary teaching license.
What’s Involved?
The seven modules cover:
Changing Global Context: Global Trends and Thai Educational Principles.
Developmental Psychology: Understanding student growth.
Educational Psychology: Teaching strategies for diverse learners.
Counseling Psychology: Supporting student well-being.
Learning Management: Curriculum design and teaching techniques.
Assessment and Research: Measuring learning outcomes.
Thai Language and Professional Ethics: Communication and Teacher Ethics.
Each module includes 48 hours of self-paced online learning, 12 hours of Zoom meetings/seminars, and a final test (60 hours total per module).
Cost of TPDI Training
Cost (THB)
Registration Fee per Module
3,200
One-Time Processing Fee
1,000
Total for 7 Modules
23,400
How to Enroll
Verify Eligibility: Ensure you have a temporary teaching license and a non-B visa.
Register: Use the OnePlatform app (iOS/Android) from February–March 2025 (Khurusapha Facebook).
Pay Fees: Pay via QR code for mobile banking.
Complete Training: Follow the 5-step process (orientation, videos, Zoom meetings, teaching plans, seminar).
Get Certified: Earn a certificate per module. Complete all 7 for a P-License.
2025 Update: After completing four modules, you can apply for a two-year temporary license extension, which provides additional time to complete the remaining modules (TPDI Guide).
Pro Tip: Stay organized with reminders for Zoom meetings and tests.
Contact TPDI support at 0-2257-7149 (press 3) or LineID: @Thaijobjob for help.
Alternative Path: Graduate Diploma at St. Teresa International University
Prefer a structured program?
The Graduate Diploma in Teaching Profession at St. Teresa International University is a TCT-recognized, 18-month, 34-credit program taught in English.
It includes 12 courses and internships for real-world experience.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, temporary teaching license, employment contract, and English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS).
Cost: Contact admissions@trsu.ac.th or (+66) 086-338-0696 for fees (likely higher than TPDI’s 23,400 THB).
Benefits: Pass the TCT licensing exam post-graduation for a 5-year renewable license. Registering grants a 2nd or 3rd temporary license waiver.
Pro Tip: Ideal for teachers seeking a comprehensive education degree with hands-on experience.
Visa and Work Permit: Your Essentials
You can’t teach legally without a non-immigrant B visa and work permit:
Non-B Visa: Your employer provides a letter to the Thai embassy abroad. Once in Thailand, your school converts your entry visa to a non-B visa.
Work Permit: Your school applies to the Labour Office on your behalf, using your contract, degree, and visa as supporting documents. Costs approximately 3,000 THB annually (KET Work Permit Guide).
Renewals: Extend both 30–90 days before expiry at the immigration office.
Warning: Never work on a tourist visa, it’s illegal and risks penalties.
KET can connect you with schools amd handle visa paperwork smoothly.
Switching Schools? What to Know
Your temporary license is tied to your sponsoring school.
If you switch schools, you’ll need a new license, and each counts toward your 6-year limit (three 2-year terms).
Plan carefully to maximize your teaching time before pursuing a five-year license.
Five-Year Teacher’s License Requirements
The following criteria are listed on The Teachers Council of Thailand (TCT) website.
At least 20 years of age
Own a bachelor's degree in education or its equivalent from a recognized university or institute.
Own a bachelor's degree in any other specialization plus a teaching license from another country.
Possesses a bachelor's degree in any other discipline and a one-year graduate diploma specializing in teaching or education.
Possesses a bachelor's degree in any other discipline and holds other professional credentials following the professional criteria of the Teachers’ Council of Thailand (TCT).
At least one year of documented and referenced teaching experience.
In possession of a Thai work permit
Must have the correct visa from the Immigration Bureau of Thailand.
Training and Professional Development
The TCT requires 420 hours of coursework (via TPDI or a diploma) and 30 hours of professional development every 5 years.
Schools often provide workshops, and programs like TPDI cover topics such as digital technology, counseling, and classroom management, thereby enhancing your skills and student engagement.
Challenges and Solutions
Paperwork Overload
Work with a KET-affiliated school to handle forms.
Language Barriers
Use translation tools for the OnePlatform app and contact TPDI support.
Theoretical Content
Apply TPDI concepts to your classroom for practical value.
FAQs
Do I need a teaching license to teach in Thailand?
It depends. Formal schools require a TCT license, while international schools and language centers may not.
How much does the teaching license cost now?
For foreigners, the temporary teacher’s license costs 1,000 baht as of February 16, 2025.
What if I don’t have an education degree?
Complete the TPDI 7-Module Training or a graduate diploma to qualify.
How long can I teach with a temporary license?
Up to 6 years (three 2-year renewals). After 4 TPDI modules, you can get a 2-year extension.
Can I teach without a TCT license?
Yes, at non-formal schools like language centers, with a non-B visa and work permit.
How do I renew my visa/work permit?
Visit the immigration office 30 days before expiry with your school’s documents.
A Thai Temporary Teacher's License | Thai Temporary Teacher's License Waiver
Why Teach in Thailand with KET?
Teaching in Thailand is more than a job it’s a life-changing adventure.
With a TCT license, you’ll:
Teach legally and stress-free.
Earn 30,000–36,000+ THB/month, with living costs as low as 15,000–20,000 THB.
Join a vibrant community of educators through KET.
Kids English Thailand is your partner, offering resources, school connections, and expert tips to help you thrive.
Ready to start?
Check our Apply page or explore related posts:
Thai Work Permit 2025: Guide for Teachers
Non-B Visa Run to Laos 2025
TPDI 7-Module Training: Your Path to a License
Let’s make your Thai teaching journey unforgettable.
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