Plan for overseas education early

by  Sean  Yang | December 2025 | 5 min read

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Key Takeaways at a Glance

  • Overseas education is a long-term investment.
  • Early planning gives you more choices and financial flexibility.
  • Wealth portfolios can be aligned to long-term education goals.
  • Citi can help with planning your wealth portfolio and support during your child’s time overseas.

Introduction

Sending your child for overseas education is more than an academic decision — it's a strategic investment for their future. In this article, we explore how to prepare for the financial journey early, manage costs, and ensure smooth transitions abroad. Follow-up articles will explore themes like destination planning, student financial independence, and currency management strategies.

Why Should You Consider Overseas Education for Your Child?

  • Global exposure, access to top-tier institutions, and establish international networks.
  • Opens doors for long-term career mobility.
  • Develops independence and global thinking early in life.

For many families, it’s about preparing the next generation for leadership on a global stage.

How Can You Plan Early for Your Child’s Education Abroad?

Assess financial readiness Understand your long-term cash flow and current commitments.
Estimate future costs Factor in tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, insurance, travel expenses, and the education inflation rate.
Build a goal-aligned portfolio Allocate assets to match the timeline and currency of the education goal.
Review funding options Scholarships, education loans, or structured withdrawals that allow you to draw down your investments in a planned, tax-efficient manner aligned with tuition timelines and academic milestones.

Start early to gain maximum flexibility and reduce financial pressure later.

 The Citi Advantage

Citi Singapore helps you:

  • Make international tuition payments with real-time eFX rates.
  • Citibank Global Wallet lets you lock in your preferred FX rate instantly and pay in multiple currencies from a single account.
  • Make quick, hassle-free international transfers to pay education fees or support your child’s living expenses.
  • Access insurance solutions designed to cover education-related funding needs while studying abroad.
  • Access to Client Advisors who can give advice on overseas education needs.

How Can Citi Make the Transition to Studying Abroad Smoother?

Beyond tuition fees, your child may need:

  • Regular allowances in local currency.
  • Emergency funds access.
  • Support with card access or replacements overseas.
  • Tools to build responsible financial habits.

Citi helps you and your child stay connected financially with features like mobile banking, global debit cards, and account access from anywhere.

Milestone Tracker: Planning for Overseas Education

Based on Citi’s advisory experience with global clients, this milestone tracker outlines key actions when planning for overseas education:

10–12 Years Before Departure

  • Set a long-term education goal within your broader wealth strategy
  • Explore potential destinations and institutions with your child in mind
  • Begin dedicated investing (e.g., mutual funds, time deposits)
  • Open a separate, goal-linked portfolio to ring-fence funds
  • Review your plan with your Citi Client Advisor to track early-stage progress
  • Explore insurance solutions specifically designed to support your child’s overseas education

5–7 Years Before Departure

  • Estimate future costs including tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance
  • Assess FX exposure based on likely country and currency
  • Structure investments to match the expected time horizon
  • Review your plan with your Citi Client Advisor to stay aligned with changing needs

3–5 Years Before Departure

  • Start conversations with your child about subjects, career interests, and goals
  • Rebalance the portfolio toward lower-risk instruments
  • Explore early scholarship or education funding opportunities
  • Consult your Client Advisor about currency exposure and potential tax implications
  • Review your plan with your Citi Client Advisor to adapt to academic choices and market shifts

1–2 Years Before Departure

  • Finalise institution, country, and program
  • Use Citi’s eFX tools to start converting funds as needed
  • Prepare documentation for visa, tuition payments, and housing
  • Review your plan with your Citi Client Advisor to confirm fund readiness and timing

6–12 Months Before Departure

  • Plan for regular international transfers and emergency financial support
  • Set up mobile and digital banking access for your child
  • Ensure all risks are sufficiently covered by insurance and contingency plans are in place
  • Review your full funding plan with the Citi Client Advisor to ensure all payments, FX, insurance, and access setups are ready for your child’s confirmed start date

A world-class education comes with commitment — not just from your child, but from your wealth strategy. Early financial planning helps turn aspiration into action, ensuring you're ready when the opportunity arises and positioned to make informed decisions every step of the way.

Karen Gibbs

 Sean Yang | Insurance Product Manager

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