FROM INDIA · CHAPTER 8
For parents:what to know and ask.
Parents usually carry the money, the loan and the worry. Plan the full cost of the whole course, not only the first year; most Indian education loans need a parent as co-applicant. Money goes abroad under the RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme, up to USD 250,000 per person per financial year. Part-time work helps with daily expenses but cannot be counted on for tuition, because visas require funds to be shown upfront. Universities cannot usually share a student's grades or health with parents without consent, so agree openly how you will stay in touch. Parents can visit on a visitor visa, for example for graduation.
Published by Althéa Consulting · Adviser: Harshita Kohli
Source review: · How to use our guides
- Remittance limit (LRS)
- USD 250,000
- Per resident individual, per financial year
- Loan co-applicant
- Usually a parent
- Part-time work
- For living costs, not tuition
- Visiting
- Visitor visa
- Apply 2–3 months ahead
The questions parents ask us most
- 01
How much will it really cost?
Add tuition for every year, rent and living costs for every month, insurance, the visa and health surcharges, flights and a currency margin of 5–10%. Each country guide has a costs chapter with official figures.
- 02
Should we take a loan or use savings?
Many families combine both. Loan-funded remittances from specified lenders carry no TCS, interest is deductible for eight years under the old tax regime, and savings stay available for emergencies. See the education loans and sending money chapters.
- 03
What does being a co-applicant mean?
You are equally liable for repayment. If collateral is pledged, the property is at risk on default. Ask whether the lender requires term life insurance on the student.
- 04
Is it safe?
All seven destinations are generally safe for students who use normal city precautions. Each country guide has a safety and emergencies chapter with local numbers and the Indian mission's details.
- 05
What if our child falls ill?
Student health insurance or national health cover is mandatory for the visa or enrolment in every destination. Keep a copy of the policy and the university's 24-hour contact.
- 06
Can they pay fees by working?
Not reliably. Work is capped (about 20 hours a week in term in most countries; 140 full days a year in Germany) and visas require proof of funds before departure. Earnings typically cover part of daily expenses.
Staying in touch, and spotting trouble
Under privacy laws in the UK, EU, USA, Canada and Australia, universities generally will not share marks, attendance or health information with parents unless the student consents. Agree on a regular call time and ask your child to name you as an emergency contact with the university.
Withdrawal, missed calls, sudden money requests or talk of dropping out can signal stress, failing modules or a scam. Ask calmly and point them to the university's free counselling service. Each country guide's safety chapter lists free crisis lines.
Checking an agent or consultant
- Ask for a written list of services and fees before paying.
- Check that universities they claim to represent list them on their own websites.
- Pay tuition directly to the university, never to an agent's account.
- Walk away from "guaranteed" admissions or visas, or advice to show borrowed funds.
- Keep copies of every application your child submits; it should be in their own account and email.
Visiting your child
| Destination | Visa for parents |
|---|---|
| UK | Standard Visitor visa |
| USA | B-2 visitor visa (interview needed; check wait times early) |
| France, Germany | Schengen short-stay visa (type C), up to 90 days in any 180 |
| Ireland | Irish short-stay visa (type C); Schengen visas do not cover Ireland |
| Canada | Visitor visa (temporary resident visa) |
| Australia | Visitor visa (subclass 600) |
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
Up to USD 250,000 per resident individual per financial year under the RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme. TCS depends on whether the money is loan-funded; see the sending money chapter.
Yes, on a visitor visa: Standard Visitor (UK), B-2 (USA), Schengen type C (France, Germany), Irish type C, Canadian visitor visa or Australian subclass 600. Apply two to three months ahead.
Usually not without the student's written consent, because of privacy laws. Agree with your child how you will stay informed.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Keep going: the pages that help next.
Each card says what you will find there. Looking for something else? See every page on the site.
FROM INDIA
Education loans from India
Study abroad education loans from India: public banks, private banks, NBFCs and international lenders, collateral, margin money, moratorium and 80E.
FROM INDIA
Sending money abroad
Pay foreign university fees from India: LRS limit of USD 250,000, TCS from April 2026 (nil on loans, 2% above ₹10 lakh), Form A2, forex cards and TCS refunds.
FROM INDIA
Scams & emergencies abroad
Study abroad fraud warnings for Indian students: fake agents, offer letters and visas, forex and job scams, plus lost passports and emergencies abroad.
STORIES
Student reviews
What students say about working with us, in their own words.
YOUR OWN PLAN
Questions about
studying abroad from India?
Bring your profile, budget and timeline. We will turn this guide into a plan for you.
Book a consultation