How to Pay International School Costs from India to Abroad

Different Ways to Pay International School Costs from India to Abroad

There are multiple methods to pay tuition fees from India to abroad. These methods include:

1. Forex Cards:

Forex cards or Foreign Exchange cards are one of the most common methods to Pay International School Costs from India to Abroad. These are prepaid cards and transactions can be made in over 25 countries. With a wide range of currencies accepted on the card, it is the most suitable and convenient option for students studying abroad.

Pros: Budget-friendly and secure, accepted in multiple countries

Cons: Additional charges for different countries and transactions

2. Online Payment Platforms:

There are multiple payment service providers available which provide competitive exchange rates. They ensure faster remittance at comparatively lower costs. One additional advantage over other payment methods is that you can track your payment status.

Pros: Very efficient, convenient, and fast

Cons: Availability and acceptance issues by the educational institution.

3. Debit and Credit Cards:

Other than the forex cards, debit and credit cards are also widely used for making payments for overseas education. Most universities accept VISA cards, American Express and Mastercard. These cards do transactions in a very quick and efficient manner. The process of using cards is also very simple. Login to your account on the given university portal, navigate to the payment page, enter card details and voila! you‘re done with your payment in seconds.

Pros: Quick and efficient

Cons: Additional charges like interest on credit cards can be high.

4. International Wire Transfers:

A wire transfer or an electronic transfer is a method of transferring money abroad. This service is available all over the world. All transfers done via this method go through a domestic automated clearing house before the transaction gets settled. You need to have the beneficiary’s account details for making this transfer including bank details, SWIFT Code, and name. Also, The transaction is usually completed in 24 to 48 hours.

Pros: Safe and secure, the process is clear and transparent

Cons: Costs involved in wire transfers can be high and exchange rate fluctuations may apply.

5. Foreign Currency Demand Drafts:

Most commonly used in earlier times (before internet services came into play), this method is used to transfer money directly to universities. The process involves going to a bank and drawing a demand draft in favour of the beneficiary, i.e., the university. Once the payment is done, the demand draft is mailed to the beneficiary abroad. Once presented to the beneficiary’s bank, the amount is transferred.

Pros: Cheaper than other methods of transferring money

Cons: Transfer takes a long time to get settled, not suitable for urgent situations.

Hidden Charges to Consider While Pay International School Costs from India to Abroad

While Pay International School Costs from India to Abroad, hidden charges can significantly impact the total amount you end up paying. Here are some hidden charges that you may need to consider before choosing any payment method:

• Nostro Charges: It is the fees charged by a bank for using their correspondent bank account in another country to facilitate the transfer. It can vary depending on the banks involved in the transaction. Always check with your bank and the recipient institution’s bank for potential nostro charges.
• Goods and Services Tax (GST): It is the tax levied on financial transactions, including international money transfers and it adds a percentage of the transaction amount as tax. Confirm if GST or any other local tax applies to your transaction.
• KYC Charges: It is the fees related to the verification process banks conduct to confirm the identity of their customers. It is typically a small fee but can add up over multiple transactions. Ensure your KYC process is complete to avoid any delays or additional charges.
• Foreign Exchange Conversion Fees: It is the fees for converting currency from your home currency to the currency of the destination country. It can significantly increase the cost depending on the exchange rate and the fees charged by the bank or service provider. Always compare rates from different providers and choose one with favourable exchange rates and lower fees.
• Receiving Bank Charges: It is the fees charged by the recipient bank for processing incoming international payments and the recipient institution may deduct this fee from the amount received. Inquire with the educational institution about any receiving fees that may be deducted.
• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) Fees: This is an option where the amount is converted to your home currency at the point of sale, often at a higher exchange rate and adds extra cost due to poor exchange rates and additional fees. It is advisable to opt to pay in the local currency of the destination country to avoid DCC fees.

Understanding these charges and planning accordingly can help you manage the costs of paying for overseas education more effectively.

Additional Charges Involved While You Perform an International Transaction

When performing an international transaction, several additional charges can be involved beyond the basic transfer fee. Here are some common additional charges to be aware of:

• SWIFT Fees: It is the fees associated with using the SWIFT network for international wire transfers and typically include charges from the sending bank, intermediary banks, and receiving bank. Always ask your bank for a full breakdown of SWIFT fees and consider using alternative transfer methods if fees are high.
• Intermediary Bank Fees: It is fees charged by intermediaries or correspondent banks that facilitate the transaction. These fees are deducted from the transferred amount, reducing the final received amount. A tip is to use a bank with direct relationships with foreign banks to minimize the number of intermediaries.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: It is the fees charged by banks for processing transactions in a foreign currency or with a foreign bank and typically a percentage of the transaction amount.
• Compliance Fees: It is the fees for ensuring the transaction complies with international financial regulations. It can be fixed or a percentage of the transaction amount. 
• Urgency Fees: In case you want to do an urgent transaction you can be charged extra charges for expedited or same-day transfers. Increases the overall cost if the transfer needs to be completed quickly. It can be avoided by planning transfers in advance.
• Maintenance Fees: It is a monthly or annual fee for maintaining a foreign currency account used for transactions and adds to the long-term cost of holding foreign currency. You should evaluate the necessity of maintaining a foreign currency account based on your transaction frequency.

Documents Required for International Transfer to Pay University Fees

Here are the common documents and pieces of information you may need when making an Pay International School Costs from India to Abroad:

• Proof of identity- Passport, national ID card, or driver’s license.
• Student ID card, admission letter, or enrollment confirmation from the university
• Name, address, and contact details of the university.
• Bank name, branch address, SWIFT/BIC code, IBAN/account number.
• Invoice or statement of fees from the university.
• Description of the purpose, such as “tuition fees,” “accommodation fees,” etc.

How to Apply?

Worried about how to apply for Pay International School Costs from India to Abroad? Follow these simple steps to pay your university fees abroad from India through HiWiPay:

• Complete Student KYC: Enter your foreign currency amount and fill out the student details using the student KYC. Then, fill out the beneficiary account details. In this case, the university details.
• Select Where You Want To Send The Money: The second step is to fill out the beneficiary’s details, including the beneficiary’s KYC. Once you’ve filled out the details, confirm it before moving further.
• Select Who Is Going To Send The Money: Next, fill out the sender’s details, including the sender’s KYC with identity proofs and other documents stated above.
• Make The Transfer: Digitally sign the A2 Form and confirm the amount in Indian Rupees (INR) to generate the payment receipt. Click “Finish” to complete the payment process. 

You can always track your payment status!

Why Choose HiWiPay Over Other International Student Payment Options? 

HiWiPay can be your ultimate aid while making payments for international students. Read further to know why:

• We never charge any hidden fees and are always transparent!
• You can trust us with your money! All your transactions are secured.
• We use an encrypted format for documents and hence, there is no risk of data leak.
• You can compare us with anyone, but we ensure to provide the best quality services at competitive prices.
• Our services are always compliant with laws and regulations governing the transfers.
• While other services may take days to transfer your money, we get the deal done in as low as 24 hours!
• We offer one-time KYC. Complete your KYC once and do multiple transfers.
• We offer an array of payment methods to choose from for your convenience.

Conclusion

When transferring money internationally from India, several factors must be considered. Ensure that you use a trustworthy and cost-effective transfer service provider. Select a payment method that aligns with your needs, as choosing an unsuitable option can lead to unnecessary costs and delays. Since transfer times vary by method, opt for one that fits your schedule and the urgency with which the international student needs the funds.

FAQ for Pay International School Costs from India to Abroad