Student visa (ES) in Cambodia — requirements
Cambodia's ES student visa is for students enrolled at an accredited institution. Annual renewal, active enrolment required throughout the stay.
- Cost
- 280 USD – 380 USD Via authorised agent — includes immigration fees and agent fee
- Duration
- 1 year, renewable annually
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Reading
- 5 min
In 3 bullets
- Visa dedicated to students enrolled at an accredited educational institution in Cambodia.
- Renewable each year — tied to the length of the programme or to active enrolment.
- Does not allow working — a separate work permit is required for any paid activity.
Eligibility
To obtain and keep an ES visa, you must:
- Be enrolled (or in the process of enrolling) at an accredited educational institution in Cambodia: university, secondary school, vocational school, or approved language school.
- Hold an official acceptance or enrolment letter issued by the institution.
- Passport valid ≥ 6 months.
- No history of deportation.
Cost and validity
- Duration: 1 year, renewable as long as your enrolment is active.
- Cost via agent: USD 280–380 per year (immigration fees + agent fee).
- Renewal: same procedure, same approximate cost.
How to get the ES visa
The most common procedure is to:
- Enter Cambodia on a T visa (tourism) or an e-Visa.
- Finalise enrolment at the educational institution.
- Obtain the official enrolment letter from the institution.
- Use an authorised visa agent (or go directly to immigration) to change status from a T visa to ES.
- Submit passport + letter + documents + payment to the agent.
- Collect the passport with the ES visa within 7–10 days.
Documents required
- Passport (≥ 6 months’ validity).
- Official acceptance / enrolment letter from the institution.
- Recent ID photos (passport format).
- Optionally: proof of address in Cambodia.
- Payment of fees.
Extension / Renewal
The ES visa is renewed annually before it expires, by presenting proof that studies are continuing (an enrolment certificate for the following year). The procedure is identical to the initial application.
If your studies end, you generally have 30 days to leave the country or change visa status (to EB or EG).
Common pitfalls
FAQ
Does the ES visa allow working?
No. To work, even part-time, a separate work permit is required.
Can I enter directly on an ES visa?
Yes, by presenting the acceptance letter at the embassy before departure. More commonly: you enter on a T visa and switch to the ES after enrolment.
What happens if I leave my institution?
The ES visa loses its justification. You must switch to another visa (EB or EG) or leave the country.
Does the ES visa apply to language programmes?
Yes, if the school is accredited. Small informal schools are not enough to justify an ES visa.
Sources (2)
Every fact in this guide comes from official documents or government sites. An access date is recorded for each source.