The Parent’s Guide to Study Abroad: Everything You Need to Know

Your child wants to flourish in life and live up to their full potential. For many, it means studying abroad and receiving a top-notch degree from a good university. But as a parent, you don’t entirely grasp the process. 

Where will they study and how will they get there? 

How much does it cost? 

How to prepare for studying abroad?

It is natural that you have all these questions. You have nurtured your child through childhood to being an early adult and now they want to travel to a different country. 

You feel happy for them and even quite excited. But you would like to know more?

We have compiled a parents’ guide to studying abroad which will explain the overseas education process. We will also explore parents’ role in study abroad so that you are fully informed. Let’s go. 

Understanding the study abroad process: A step-by-step guide

Many students from India travel abroad to study for their bachelor’s and master’s courses. At the end of 2024, over 1.3 million Indian students were pursuing higher education abroad. 

Going abroad to study is a process that needs months of planning and careful execution. Here is a brief overview of the study abroad application process.

Choosing Destination and Institution

It is best to start planning by choosing a destination. Canada (427,000), the US (337,630), and the UK (185,000) were the top destinations, followed by Australia and Germany. In addition, almost 25,000 students were in Russia and 8,600 were studying in China. 

Not only do you and your child have to plan a destination but also an institution. Out of the top 25 universities in the world, only 10 are in the USA. The best universities are spread all over the globe from China to Switzerland and Australia. 

Understanding Academic Requirements

The next step is to understand academic requirements. Each country and each university has its own set of requirements.

Some might require the score of generalized examinations such as SAT, GRE, and GMAT while others lay greater stress on the board examination score and any project work done. 

Proof of language proficiency is also necessary. For English-speaking countries, it is TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE while for France it is DELF or DALF and for Germany, it is TestDaF and DSH. 

Financial Planning

Education abroad can be quite expensive and run into several lakhs. Financial planning for education abroad is vital.

Are you able to finance from your savings or will your child have to opt for an education loan? In case of the latter then can you be the co-borrower? 

These are some of the questions you’ll need to grapple with. 

Scholarship and Funding Options

Universities abroad have a wide range of scholarship and funding options. MIT and Harvard Universities have stated that no deserving student will be turned away for want of funds. In Canada, UK, and Europe too there are large grants that your child can avail. 

Application Process

Next is the study abroad application process. In the US university system, the Fall intake (September) is the most common and popular, with Spring (January) and Summer (May) intakes also available. It takes about 2-3 months to apply and receive admission. For the Fall intake, the deadline is usually between December and February.

Visa Application

If your child has received admission it is time to obtain a visa. While a visa for the UK, Canada, Europe, and Australia takes between 1-2 months, getting a visa for the USA is a different matter. Usually, it takes 6-9 months to obtain a student visa for the USA. 

This is a broad outline of the study abroad application process. There are a lot more details about the study abroad process that you must understand. 

Also Read: Top Countries for India Students to Study Abroad

How parents can support the application process

Now that you understand the study abroad process, the question arises how you can help your child achieve his or her dreams. How to help your child study abroad? Parents play a crucial role in a student’s study abroad journey and here is how you can help.

Offering Guidance

The study abroad application process is complex. There are multiple layers from choosing a subject to selecting the right university. You can be of immense help during this time by offering wise counsel and helping your child arrive at a decision. 

Helping with Research

While your child remains responsible for research, and applications, you can help them by collating the data and neatly organizing information. It need not be a spreadsheet with lots of colored cells. A simple old-fashioned diary and a pen can do wonders at tracking information. 

Providing Financial Planning

This is an aspect where you are going to shine because of your experience. Help create a budget that includes tuition, accommodation, daily expenses, and emergencies. This will be the basis for applying for education loans to study abroad. 

Assisting with Application

Ensure that all necessary documents are prepared and submitted on time. These include transcripts, recommendation letters, passports, visa applications, and more. You can also offer invaluable help by tracking deadlines – university application, education loan, passport application or updation, and visa application. 

Emotional Support

Among everything you can do, this is the biggest. Settling in a new country can be very stressful. But at the same time, it is exciting. Your child might be on an emotional roller coaster going from extreme enthusiasm to silent dread. Offer them reassurance and help them stay positive. If the first choice among universities doesn’t work out, encourage them to seek alternatives. Remind your child that rejections are a part of life and not to become too upset. 

As a parent your role in preparing for study abroad is crucial. You have to be the anchor and provide love, support, and guidance, at every step of the way. 

Financial planning and budgeting for study abroad

Studying abroad is no doubt an exciting opportunity. However, it requires careful handling of finances to ensure your child does not graduate with excessive debt. 

The financial planning stage will require major contributions from you due to your life experience. 

Below are the key steps to create an effective budget and financial plan:

Evaluate your financial situation

Your personal savings and education loans are the primary sources of funding. Scholarships and grants offered by universities can help reduce costs. 

Research various costs

The USA is a more expensive option for studying. Education in public universities in Europe is highly affordable. Even private universities in Europe are cheaper. There are also excellent options elsewhere such as Singapore. 

Help with loan

There are many banks and NBFCs that offer loans for study abroad. They offer loans up to many crores at interest rates between 8.2 – 14%. The terms vary considerably depending on the applicant’s profile and credit score. You will most likely have to be a co-borrower of the loan. 

Banking and currency exchange

Not only does your child need access to funds but also foreign exchange. In addition to the bank-issued debit card and credit card, it is ideal to carry a Forex card from a different bank. For the past few years under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme you can send $250,000 per financial year to your child studying abroad. 

Your assistance and guidance with proper financial planning will allow your son or daughter to focus on visa and other aspects. 

Also Read: Compare Education Loan Interest Rates of Top Banks in India 2025

Preparing your child for life abroad: What to expect

A different culture is bound to be a shock. In addition, they will be completely on their own and thousands of miles away. Proper preparation will help them adjust to a new environment.

• Cultural adaptation – Encourage your child to research about local customs and etiquette. 
• Academic expectations – Your child has to be prepared for a teaching method where professors test the understanding instead of rote learning. 
• Financial management – They have to live within the constraints of a budget and manage debit and credit cards. 
• Emotional well-being – The lack of close friends and relatives might cause depression. Thankfully most foreign universities have excellent counselors for such purposes. 
• Practical skills – Your child needs to learn how to cook a few simple dishes and do laundry. Knowing how to perform chores makes life easier. 

Spending some time and learning a few life skills would go a long way to making your child have a satisfying learning experience abroad.

Key questions parents should ask study abroad counselors

The process of going abroad is fraught with many uncertainties. Most parents want their child to be guided by a counselor rather than relatives or friends. But what are the right questions to ask a study abroad counselor? Here are the key points you must clarify from an expert counselor before sending your child abroad.

• What types of courses are available and at which universities? 
• What are the academic requirements for the program?
• What is the total cost of the program, including tuition, housing, and other fees?
• Are there scholarships, grants, or financial aid options available?
• What is the refund policy if my child needs to withdraw from the program?
• What are the housing options—dormitories, host families, or private apartments?
• What amenities and support services are available for students?
• Are there mentorship or student support services available? 

Insist on a thorough and detailed answer. Do not be swayed by an excellent pitch but be exacting. If you are unable to find the details do not hesitate to switch study abroad counselors. 

While a good counselor can answer your questions, the right tools can help you and your child make smarter, independent decisions at every step of the study abroad journey. That’s where GradRight comes in.

With GradRight’s university search tool, your child can:

• Discover a personalized shortlist of best-fit universities based on academic profile, career goals, and your family’s budget.
  
• Access real data on tuition, living expenses, scholarships, post-study work options, and more.
  
• Compare universities on meaningful factors like placement outcomes, ROI, and visa pathways, not just rankings.

Once you’ve chosen the university, GradRight’s loan bidding platform helps you finance it the smart way:

• 15+ trusted banks and NBFCs compete to offer your child the best education loan.
  
• The process is 100% online—no paperwork, no bank visits.
  
• You can negotiate better interest rates and terms, potentially saving lakhs over the loan tenure.

With GradRight’s help, you stay in control—and your child stays focused on their future.

Study abroad checklist for parents: From documents to departure

Preparing for study abroad is a lengthy process. It consists of the following stages: 

• Research and Planning
• Application Process
• Acceptance and Visa
• Education Loan Applications
• Pre-Departure Preparations

Paperwork, finances, and logistics have to be in perfect order. Here is a checklist to guide you through every step.

A Parents’ Guide To Studying Abroad: Step-by-Step

Tips for staying connected and supporting your child overseas

Going abroad for study will be a major transition for your child. A new country, culture, and food can be disorienting for a few months. Here are some practical ways to stay connected and provide guidance from afar:

Speaks Regularly

Set up regular calls, messages, or video chats and simply have conversations. 

Allow Them Space

Provide your child with sufficient space to find their way. Calling at frequent intervals might be embarrassing as well as impede their focus.

Stay Updated

Ask about their studies, social life, and well-being and remain in close touch. 

Provide Emotional Support

Higher education abroad can be very demanding. Be a source of encouragement and offer comfort. 

We hope the advice in this study abroad guide has been able to ensure you maintain a balance between connection and independence. 

Also Read: Student Visa for USA for Indian Students in 2025(Guide)

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What are the key steps in the study abroad process that parents should know?

As a parent, it’s essential to understand the study abroad process. Here are the various aspects you must know and offer your insights about.

• Research and Planning
• Application Process
• Acceptance and Visa
• Pre-Departure Preparations
• Education Loan Applications

2. How can parents financially plan for their child’s overseas education?

Overseas education can be quite expensive and cost several lakhs. The best way to finance your child’s higher education is to start saving as soon as they are born. Invest a little bit each month in a mutual fund SIP or a similar avenue. 

Besides, you can assist them by becoming a co-applicant on an education loan. For this reason, maintain a good credit rating and always repay your debts in time. 

3. What should parents consider when helping their child prepare for study abroad?

Your guidance is crucial in the study abroad process. Here is where you can make a difference:

• Help your child create a budget for tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. 
• Arrange health insurance, and necessary vaccinations, and create a list of emergency contacts.
• Help them with accommodation, local transportation, and banking arrangements.
• Always encourage them to learn about local customs and adapt to a new environment.

4. What role do parents play in supporting study abroad applications?

As a parent your role is crucial. You have to stay involved without taking over and help them navigate through a maze of applications, exams, and documents. 

It is vital that you offer emotional support during application deadlines, visa processes, and pre-departure jitters. 

5. How can parents stay involved and supportive once their child is studying abroad?

When they are abroad, focus on open communication without being overbearing and overwhelming.

Keep in close touch and express interest in their life but do not invade their privacy. If feasible you can visit your child during their time abroad to know firsthand about their situation.