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From Piggy Banks to Grants: How to Finance Your Overseas Education the Smart Way

Written by Nisreen Mamaji
February 17, 2026 — 4 min read
From Piggy Banks to Grants: How to Finance Your Overseas Education the Smart Way
MoneyWorks Monthly - August Edition

Dreaming of an international education whether it's strolling through ivy-covered campuses in the U.S., exploring historic universities in Europe, or tapping into tech innovation hubs in Canada or Australia is becoming more common among Indian students and families. But while the dream is becoming more accessible, the financial reality can feel overwhelming.

From tuition fees that run into lakhs, to living costs, travel expenses, currency fluctuations, and hidden administrative charges there’s a lot to plan for beyond just getting an admission letter. What often starts as an exciting academic goal can quickly spiral into financial anxiety if there’s no clear roadmap.

Fortunately, with the right guidance and timely preparation, that dream doesn’t have to come at the cost of long-term debt or financial strain. Whether you're a student or a parent supporting one, this four-pronged plan can help you make smarter choices, reduce the need for excessive borrowing, and take confident steps toward a global degree.

Four Pronged Approach: Save → Invest → Apply → Borrow

  1. Begin EarlyStarting with a disciplined savings plan is your first step. Starting an Education SIP  of ₹25000, with 10% annual step-up for a child of 5 years  will yield about ₹1.5 crore at age 18 at an expected CAGR of 12%. In current terms the cost of  educational expenses is about ₹80 lakhs. Therefore the parents can budget for education based on expenses and ability to save.
  2. Explore Scholarships & GrantsFunding options such as Corporate Trusts, Indian family trusts,  and university-specific scholarships can significantly reduce your education expenses. These opportunities are competitive but accessible if you research and apply early.
  3. Use Loans WiselyWhen scholarships and savings fall short, education loans from institutions like HDFC Credila and Avanse are viable options. Seek loans only for the gap, not the full cost, to reduce repayment pressure.
  4. Account for Hidden CostsBeyond tuition and rent, plan for visa processing, mandatory health insurance, daily commute, textbooks, and emergencies. These often underestimated expenses can drain your resources if not budgeted.

What a Balanced Financial Plan Could Look Like

Strategy

Suggested Action

Early Investments

SIPs with a step-up structure

Scholarship Focus

Apply to both merit and need-based awards

Loan as a Backup

Only for remaining gaps (up to ₹50–60 lakhs)

Expense Buffer

Emergency fund for hidden costs and currency shifts

Nisreen’s Nugget

When our team  guided a 22-year-old student aiming for elite institutions abroad wherein she needed ₹23 lakhs, since she was receiving a tuition grant.

With ₹10,000/month and 10% annual step-ups, she could reach about ₹10 lakhs in five years at an expected CAGR of 12%. To manage the remaining gap, we explored institutional scholarships, friendly loans and selective lending. 

The result? A financially feasible path to a world-class education without overwhelming debt.

Ready to map your personal study-abroad plan? Whether you're saving, applying, or evaluating funding options;  MoneyWorks is here to help. Let’s make a global degree affordable without compromising your financial future.

Contact Us Here

MoneyWorks Financial Services 📍 Office Address: 1st Floor, Unit-2 Guinea Paradise JP Road, Seven Bungalows, opposite Presto Laundry, Versova, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400061

📞 Call us: +91 98197 74132 📩 Email: support@moneyworks.co.in

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Terms and Conditions:

The content of this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. All investment decisions should be made based on your personal financial goals, risk tolerance, and after consulting a qualified financial planner.

Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully before investing. Past performance is not indicative of future results. MoneyWorks Financial Services and its representatives are not liable for any losses or damages arising from the use of this content. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or timeliness of any information.

Written by Nisreen Mamaji

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