From Admission to Arrival: A Parent’s Timeline for Study Abroad

It’s important to make a clear note of all timelines shared below to boost the chances of your child’s study abroad application being successful.

Apply for Admission and Plan Finances: 8-12 Months Before Departure

Applying to a university of your choice in your preferred country is the first step in your study abroad journey. Most universities overseas open applications for international students at least 8-12 months prior to the intake period ( generally in Fall/Spring/Winter). While many universities typically have two intake seasons (Fall and Spring), a few may also open applications during the Winter intake for some specialised courses.

• 12-18 months before intended departure: Research

Begin your research into the top study abroad destinations, highly ranked universities, and popular courses among international students.

• 8-12 months before intended departure: Apply

The Fall intake at most universities abroad runs from September to December each year, accepting student applications for the academic year that begins in September the following year (around 12 months later). Begin the university application process well in time to avoid missing deadlines.

• 6-9 months before intended departure: Plan finances

Start planning the finances to send your child to study abroad early on. Start by creating a detailed budget plan that covers the total cost of studying abroad, such as tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, and travel expenses. Start researching the top scholarship programs offered in various countries and their eligibility criteria. Also, start gathering the documents needed to apply for an education loan to study abroad (if required) and to provide proof of sufficient finances.

Secure Enrollment: 3-6 Months Before Departure

• 3-6 months before intended departure: Receive offer letter

After submitting the application to the university(s) of your choice, it will be processed by the concerned authorities. If your application is accepted, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE), after which you can begin the student visa application process. Apply for a Student Visa, Plan Travel, and Book Accommodation

• Student Visa Application: ASAP

After receiving the offer letter from a university abroad, research the study abroad visa requirements and apply for a student visa as early as possible. Applying early provides sufficient time before your course start date for visa processing (every country has its own processing times for applications).

• Plan Your Travel

Once you receive your study visa, make your travel arrangements and book flights at the earliest to avail the best prices and availability.

• Book Student Accommodation Abroad

Make suitable arrangements for comfortable, affordable study abroad accommodation in advance. You can choose from on-campus accommodation (relatively pocket-friendly and safer) or private rooms/studio apartments.

Getting your child to the flight to their intended study abroad destination is just half the work done. Once they arrive in the country for the study program, your responsibility to settle them comfortably in their first few weeks lingers on. The key here is to build their confidence while providing emotional support as needed, gradually.

• Help with financial and administrative setup: Set up a bank account for your child in the new country. Secure a local SIM card and an internet connection to stay connected with them after.

• Foster socializing: Encourage your child to socialize and make friends in the neighbourhood or with other roommates/classmates (if in campus accommodation) to help build a peer support group in the new country.

• Provide emergency contacts: These include the contact details for international student support services, university services, police, hospitals, and other local emergency services, to be readily available as required.

Amidst all the rush of completing formalities and meeting deadlines to ensure a seamless transition for your child abroad, you may tend to lose out on spending quality time with them, which is the most important thing to do before they move abroad for higher studies.

This is why seeking the help of expert study abroad consultants is helpful. They are happy to take care of all formalities from study abroad admission applications to arrival support so that you can free yourself to spend time with your child.

IDP Education study abroad consultants provide complete guidance and support at every stage of your child’s study abroad application process - from application to post-arrival. We also offer an exclusive range of Student Essentials Services (SES) to help your child feel settled in the first few weeks abroad:

• Student banking service

• Accommodation

• SIM Cards

• Forex Card

• Student Identity Card

From filling out university applications to securing study visas until the airport drop-off, your child’s study abroad journey is equally a milestone for you. And it must be cherished rather than rushed through. By planning and organizing ahead of time, you can free up considerable time to enjoy what truly matters—spending ample time with your child before they move on to the next important chapter of their lives. And IDP overseas education consultants can help you on this beautiful path by transforming an overwhelming experience into a memorable one.

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