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 unparalleled access to world-class academic opportunities and fosters the development of a truly global perspective, it can be overwhelming to consider the lengthy process and the question of your child’s safety and well-being. This comprehensive guide for Indian parents lists 7 vital things to know before studying abroad.
What Indian Students and Parents Should Know About Studying Abroad?
Before you set your heart on sending your child abroad for education, you, as Indian parents, must know the answers to the following 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?
The long 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.
Choosing a Student-Friendly and Budget-Friendly Country
Selecting the most suitable destination and institution is a critical decision that requires thorough research across 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 the costs for international students.
| Country | Popular Streams | Top Universities | Estimated Annual Budget (Tuition & Living) | Stay Back Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | STEM, Business, Accounting | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Stanford University Harvard University | US $60,000 - $90,000+ | OPT: 1 year STEM-OPT: 3 years |
| UK | Digital Marketing, Business, Arts | Imperial College London University of Oxford University of Cambridge | £45,000 - £75,000+ | 2 to 3 years |
| Australia | Nursing, Business, IT, Engineering | The University of Melbourne The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) The University of Sydney | AU $40,000 - $70,000+ | 2 to 4 years |
| Canada | Diploma Courses, Engineering, IT | McGill University University of Toronto University of British Columbia | CA $35,000 - $65,000+ | 8 months to 3 years |
| Germany | Engineering, Science, Data Science | Technical University of Munich Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Universität Heidelberg | €12,000 - €25,000+ | 18 months |
| Ireland | Data Science, IT, Pharma | Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin University College Dublin University College Cork | €25,000 - €50,000+ | 1 to 2 years |
Exams Required to Study Abroad for Indian Students
Indians aspiring to study abroad are required to take two types of standardised exams: a universal language proficiency test and an aptitude test to demonstrate the ability to study in a fast-paced environment.
1. English Proficiency Tests
Applicants from non-English-speaking countries, such as 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 admissions committee and 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 prefer 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 Indian competitive exams like the NEET for medical studies and the JEE Main for engineering have basic aptitude tests, international universities also require them. This criterion is met through exams such as the ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, or LNAT, among others. The scores from these exams are used by the admissions committees 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.
Preparing the Study Abroad Documents
It is essential to understand the different kinds of documents required at various 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
The different lengthy processes might feel a little overwhelming. Don’t be alarmed. You can always seek help from country specialists. Start expert guidance throughout the process, from deciding to join to flying to your dream university. Learn how career counselling is key to study abroad success.
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 university campus and hostels. Check the off-campus facilities, including homestays, which are safer and more comfortable. Find accommodation through official house-hunting services for international students. You can ask your counsellor to help you with the same.
Upon arrival: Encourage your child to use safety apps, stay up to date with vaccinations, and register with the Indian Embassy for timely assistance.
Medical & Emergency Preparedness
Before flying: Ensure extra vigilance regarding your healthcare. Learn which Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is the best for your child.
Upon arrival: Cultural shock can be significant for some students. Ensure that your child’s emotional well-being is not compromised in a new environment. Counsel them to take advantage of university mental-health services and peer groups to manage culture shock. To avoid homesickness, schedule regular video calls for check-ins to stay connected and maintain a sense of belonging.
Also, be supportive, not smothering. Promote their independence by encouraging them to budget independently, trusting them to be responsible, and facilitating 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 past experiences of international students. This is a vital step to ensure that your child lives safely abroad. Good study abroad advisors can help you and your child prepare to navigate life through several emergencies.
See Also: Points to Keep in Mind While Choosing Your Study Abroad Consultant
Study Abroad Scholarships and Funding Options
The true cost of studying abroad extends far beyond tuition fees. Therefore, financial strain is the primary concern for Indian parents considering 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 the financial burden. 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 used against several Indian banks to secure your property or other assets. You must demonstrate your family’s income and the ability (with a roadmap) to repay the loan, including interest, within the specified timeframe.
Also Read: Questions to Ask Your Study Abroad Advisor
Filing the Student Visa Application
The most important step is to prepare for the student visa and interview. This can be anxiety-inducing during the process because the rejection rate is also high during the peak season (when the most applications are submitted worldwide). 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.
Related Article: Step-by-Step Guide to Study Abroad.
Pre-Departure & Post-Arrival Checklist
As the departure date of 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, it is crucial to ensure that all necessary health checks are completed and that the child receives all required vaccinations or boosters for their 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 is to find an agent 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 array of course options, 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 a popular destination, register at AECC today. Book your free consultation call, connect with our destination expert for 1:1 support, and find out your child’s chances of getting enrolled in the top universities of your choice.