How Much Does a PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) Really Cost?
Your PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is a major investment in your future. With several different components and costs involved, it can sometimes be difficult to understand exactly what you're paying for.
To make matters more confusing, different PADI Course Directors and IDC centres often bundle items together in different ways, making it hard to compare courses on a like-for-like basis.
At Professional Diver Training, we believe in complete transparency. Rather than hiding costs in complicated packages, we price each element separately so you can make fair comparisons with other operators and build the package that best suits your needs. The following is based on completing your IDC at the award winning Go2 Similan 5 star PADI Career Development Centre in Khao Lak.
Our IDC Tuition
Our standard PADI IDC tuition fee is 40,000 THB.
This is payable on or before the first day of your course. We currently accept:
- Wise
- Revolut
- Thai bank transfer
- Cash
- Other payment methods by prior arrangement
This fee covers your complete Instructor Development Course tuition.
PADI eLearning Crew Packs
Every IDC candidate requires the official PADI digital training materials.
These consist of:
- Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) Crew Pack – 19,000 THB
- Emergency First Response Instructor (EFRI) Crew Pack – 4,500 THB
These digital materials include your required course manuals, knowledge development resources and the skill slates used during confined water and open water training.
Most students purchase these through us, and we normally use this payment as the course deposit before ordering the materials.
However, there are some exceptions. For example:
- You may already own an unused crew pack from a previous IDC.
- You may already be an Emergency First Response Instructor.
- If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from completing your IDC with us, your unused PADI eLearning materials can normally be used at another PADI IDC centre.
Fees Payable Directly to PADI
Some costs are paid directly to PADI rather than to the dive centre.
As a PADI Asia Pacific region training centre, these fees are charged in Australian Dollars (AUD).
Current fees are:
- Instructor Examination (IE): 1,190 AUD
- OWSI Application: 364 AUD
- EFR Instructor Application: 252 AUD
These fees are set by PADI and are subject to change.
Optional Training Packages
Many candidates choose to enhance their IDC with additional training to improve their employability.
Local Dive Experience — 10,000 THB
Planning to work in the Similan Islands?
If you're unfamiliar with the local dive sites, you can add up to one month of diving experience with one of our partner dive boats. This is an excellent way to build confidence and gain valuable local knowledge before seeking employment.
Extra Coaching Package — 10,000 THB
Not feeling completely confident with your diving skills or dive theory?
Our optional coaching package provides additional personalised tuition before your Instructor Examination, helping you arrive fully prepared.
Instructor Specialty Packages
One of the quickest ways to become more employable after your IDC is to qualify as a Specialty Instructor.
Our most popular package includes:
- Deep Instructor
- Wreck Instructor
- Enriched Air (Nitrox) Instructor
Price: 16,500 THB
Many candidates instead choose our Advanced Specialty Package, which also includes:
- Self-Reliant Diver
- Self-Reliant Instructor
- Emergency Oxygen Provider Instructor
Price: 33,700 THB
Please note that each Specialty Instructor certification also requires the applicable PADI certification fee (currently 145 AUD per specialty).
Once you hold five Specialty Instructor ratings and have certified 25 divers, you can apply to become a Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT)—an important milestone in your professional diving career.
Accommodation
Accommodation is another cost that's easy to overlook when budgeting for your IDC.
We offer comfortable accommodation right here at the dive centre:
- Air-conditioned private room
- Balcony
- Private bathroom
- Double bed (suitable for one person or a couple)
Price: 10,000 THB per month
We also have shared dormitory accommodation available for students looking for a more economical option.
Example IDC Budget
A typical student might budget as follows:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| IDC Tuition | 40,000 THB |
| Local Dive Experience | 10,000 THB |
| OWSI Crew Pack | 19,000 THB |
| EFRI Crew Pack | 4,500 THB |
| Deep, Wreck & Nitrox Instructor Package | 16,500 THB |
| Accommodation | 10,000 THB |
| Instructor Examination | 1,190 AUD |
| OWSI Application | 364 AUD |
| EFRI Application | 252 AUD |
| Three Specialty Applications | 435 AUD |
Estimated Total (Prices and Exchange Rate as of: 28 July 2026)
- 142,290 THB
- 4,233 USD
- 6,076 AUD
- 3,728 EUR
- 3,188 GBP
Exchange rates fluctuate daily, so these figures are intended as a guide only.
Is a PADI IDC Worth the Investment?
Although becoming a PADI Instructor represents a significant investment, it also opens the door to a career that can take you around the world.
For many people, it's the first step towards a lifestyle spent teaching diving, travelling internationally, and working in some of the world's most beautiful locations.
We believe that several weeks of professional instructor training in tropical Thailand represents exceptional value—especially when every cost is clearly explained before you book.
If you'd like a personalised quotation or would like to discuss which options best suit your goals, feel free to get in touch.
WhatsApp: +66 98662 7196
We look forward to helping you take the next step towards becoming a PADI Professional.
Course Director Ed