Guide for Indian Parents: 7 Vital Things to Know Before Studying Abroad
With over 1.3 million Indian students estimated to pursue higher education overseas annually, it is not uncommon for Indian parents to learn that their child secretly dreams of studying abroad. While it promises to offer unparalleled access to world-class academic opportunities and foster the development of a truly global perspective, it can be overwhelming to consider the lengthy process and the safety of your child.
This comprehensive guide for Indian parents lists 7 vital things to know before studying abroad. Before you set your heart on sending your child abroad for education, as Indian parents, you must know the answers to the following 7 questions:
- How to choose a student-friendly and budget-friendly country?
- Which exams to take for which course, college, and country?
- How to prepare documents like SOPs or essays and convince references for LORs? What is a WES evaluation?
- How to secure your child with the best medical insurance and safe accommodation?
- How to find suitable study abroad scholarships and funding options?
- How to file a student visa application that impresses the visa officer?
- What your child must know before flying abroad for higher studies?
This journey to study abroad for Indian students involves both emotional and logistical aspects. Seeking help from professionals with a comprehensive knowledge of the matter is necessary to make informed decisions. Let us understand these aspects at our level before taking professional guidance.
#1 Choosing a Student-Friendly and Budget-Friendly Country
Selecting the most suitable destination and institution is a critical decision that requires thorough research in various areas, such as course curriculum, campus environment, available accommodation options, and career prospects. It is essential to align these choices with your child's motivations and determine where they are most likely to thrive academically and personally.
Check out the top countries, their popular streams, top universities, and an estimate of the costs involved for international students.
| Country | Popular Streams | Top Universities as per QS World University Rankings 2026 | Estimated Annual Budget (Tuition & Living) | Stay Back Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | STEM, Business, Accounting | #1 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) #3 Stanford University #5 Harvard University | US $60,000 - $90,000+ | OPT: 1 year STEM-OPT: 3 years |
| UK | Digital Marketing, Business, Arts | #2 Imperial College London #4 University of Oxford #6 University of Cambridge | £45,000 - £75,000+ | 2 to 3 years |
| Australia | Nursing, Business, IT, Engineering | #19 The University of Melbourne #20 The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) #25 The University of Sydney | AU $40,000 - $70,000+ | 2 to 4 years |
| Canada | Diploma Courses, Engineering, IT | #27 McGill University #29 University of Toronto #40 University of British Columbia | CA $35,000 - $65,000+ | 8 months to 3 years |
| Germany | Engineering, Science, Data Science | #22 Technical University of Munich #58 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München #80 Universität Heidelberg | €12,000 - €25,000+ | 18 months |
| Ireland | Data Science, IT, Pharma | #75 Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin #118 University College Dublin #246 University College Cork | €25,000 - €50,000+ | 1 to 2 years |
#2 Exams Required to Study Abroad for Indian Students
Indians aspiring to study abroad are required to take two types of exams, viz., a universal language proficiency and aptitude test to demonstrate the ability to study in a fast-paced environment.
1. English Language Proficiency Tests
Applicants from non-English-speaking countries like India are required to submit scores for either IELTS Academic, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, or OET, among others. These scores are used by the university’s admission committee as well as visa officers to ensure that an applicant is capable of studying in an English-speaking country without the support of their native language.
Some countries and universities may have a specific exam or score requirement. While most countries accept all of these exams, some countries or universities may have a preference for certain ones. For instance:
| English Exams | Country Acceptance |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand |
| TOEFL | USA, Canada |
| PTE Academic | Australia, UK, USA |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | USA, Canada |
2. Standardised Aptitude Exams
Just as the Indian competitive exams like the NEET for medical studies and JEE Mains for engineering, international universities also have basic aptitude test requirements. This criterion is met through exams such as the ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, or LNAT, among others. The scores of these exams are used by the admission committee of international universities to evaluate a student's academic readiness for a particular programme. These scores also make an application more competitive.
Specific exams and scores vary depending on the programme level, such as undergraduate or postgraduate courses. Here’s an easy bifurcation of these exams and their acceptance:
| Standardised Exams | Skills Assessment | Required For | Country Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) | Reading, writing, and math | Undergraduate studies | Mostly USA, some universities in Canada and the UK |
| ACT (American College Testing) | English, math, reading, and science | Undergraduate studies | USA |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examination) | Verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills | Master's and PhD programmes | USA, Canada, and parts of Europe |
| GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) | Analytical, quantitative, verbal, and integrated reasoning skills | Business schools for MBA and management-related master's programmes | Worldwide |
| MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) | Subject expertise in Medicine | Medical schools | USA, Canada, and Australia |
| LSAT (Law School Admission Test) | Subject expertise in Law | Law schools | USA and Canada |
| LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test) | Subject expertise in Law | Law schools | UK |
Note: While some global universities have gone test-optional, some offer you the flexibility of providing either the SAT or the ACT for undergraduate studies and either the GRE or the GMAT for graduate studies in management.
#3 Preparing the Study Abroad Documents
It is essential to understand the different kinds of documents required at different stages of the study abroad journey, from successfully applying and flying to the dream country. Given below is a comprehensive checklist to help you organise your child's documents for university applications, visa filing, scholarships, loan applications, and travel.
University Admission Documents
- Academic Transcripts and Certificates (evaluated by WES)
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Standardised Test Scores
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Letter of Motivation
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
- A valid passport
Scholarship Documents
- Completed Application Form
- Academic Transcripts and Diplomas
- Scholarship Essay/SOP
- Letters of Recommendation
- CV/Resume
- Portfolio or Essay
- Proof of Financial Need
Loan Application Documents
- KYC (Know Your Customer) Documents
- Academic Documents
- Income Proof
- Collateral Documents
- Duly Filled and Signed Application Form
Visa Filing Documents
- Valid Passport
- Acceptance Letter
- Proof of Financial Resources
- Academic Documents
- Health Certificates and Vaccination Records
- Visa Application Form
- Passport-Sized Photographs
- Proof of Identity
Flying and Arrival Documents
- Valid Passport and Visa
- Flight Tickets and Boarding Pass
- University Acceptance Letter
- Proof of Accommodation
- Medical and Travel Insurance
- Financial Documents
- Emergency Contact List
- Originals and Photocopies
‘How to go about these different processes to study abroad?’ might feel a little overwhelming. Don’t be alarmed! You can always seek help from country specialists. Register at AECC today and get expert guidance throughout the process, starting from deciding to join to flying to the dream university.
#4 Safe Accommodation & Health Security
Getting the best accommodation and health cover for your child’s safety when living abroad is not only an essential part of the study abroad requirement, but also a decision to be taken seriously. To choose a safe accommodation in a student-friendly environment for your child’s education, you need to ensure the following:
Campus & Local Safety
Before Flying: Get acquainted with the location of the university campus and hostels. Check the off-campus facilities, including homestays, which are safer and more comfortable. Find accommodation with the assistance of official house hunters for international students. You can ask your counsellor to help you with the same.
Upon Arrival: Upon the arrival of your child in the foreign university, encourage them to use safety apps, stay updated on vaccinations, and register with the Indian Embassy for timely assistance.
Medical & Emergency Preparedness
Before Flying: Ensure extra vigilance on healthcare. Learn which Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is the best for your child.
Upon Arrival: Cultural shock can be big for some students. Ensure that your child’s emotional health does not suffer in a new place. Counsel them to take advantage of university mental-health services and peer groups to manage culture shock. To avoid homesickness, schedule regular check-ins with video calls.
Also, be supportive, not smothering. Promote their independence by encouraging them to budget on their own, trust them to be responsible, and encourage problem-solving and engagement in student communities and clubs. These skills will shape lifelong confidence in your child.
Emergency Preparedness
Prepare your child to understand the privacy norms for personal safety and stay alert for emergencies in the study destination. This can be done by referring to the past events faced by international students. This is a vital step to ensure that your child lives safely abroad.
#5 Study Abroad Scholarships and Funding Options
The true cost of studying abroad extends far beyond tuition fees. Therefore, financial strain stands out as the primary concern for Indian parents contemplating overseas education. Budgeting your child’s education abroad must account for accommodation, food, health coverage, communication expenses, and travel. Besides, unpredictable exchange rates can add further financial pressure.
Scholarships to Study Abroad
Exploring scholarship and other funding opportunities can ease financing. Indian students can avail of numerous university-based, government-funded, or private scholarships, which can be merit-based or a combination of merit and need-based. Examples include the Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship (US), Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (European Union), DAAD Germany Awards, Australian Awards Scholarships, and Commonwealth Scholarships (UK). Check out more popular scholarships to study abroad, as well as proven tips to write your scholarship essay.
Education Loans to Study Abroad
Another option to fund your education is applying for a student loan. This can be applied to several Indian banks against your property or other assets of yours. You would need to show your family income and the ability (with a roadmap) to return the loan in the said time with interest.
#6 Filing the Student Visa Application
An interesting and most important step is to prepare for the student visa and interview. This can be anxiety-inducing in the process because the rejection rate is usually high around the peak season (when maximum applications happen around the world). Especially, the F-1 visa delays and rejections can lead to considerable anxiety about the time and financial resources invested or wasted. It is highly advisable to seek professional advice in this step.
#7 Pre-Departure & Post-Arrival Checklist
As the date of departure to your child’s dream country approaches, a series of practical steps is essential to ensure a smooth transition for the student. This pre-departure checklist helps minimise last-minute stress. Besides keeping a copy of all your documents, ensuring that all health checks are completed and necessary vaccinations or boosters are taken is vital for the child's well-being abroad. Finally, planning for travel safety, including securing appropriate travel insurance, is a non-negotiable step before the child embarks on their journey.
With this guide on 7 vital things to know before studying abroad, Indian parents can confidently navigate the study abroad journey, empowering their children to achieve their global aspirations while maintaining strong family bonds and ensuring their well-being in a new environment.
To sum up, the goal for Indian students and parents to smooth out their study abroad journey is to find an agent that is equipped and experienced to help with each of the above-discussed areas. Selecting the right study abroad consultant can be a pivotal step. A reliable consultant can simplify the process, offering clarity amidst the overwhelming options of courses, universities, and immigration procedures. Before you finalise a consultant, know the correct questions to ask your study abroad advisor.
If you are looking to connect with trustworthy counsellors for application assistance in one of the popular destinations, register at AECC today. Book your free consultation call, get associated with our destination expert for 1:1 support, and figure out your child’s chances of getting enrolled in the top universities of your choice.