Every year, thousands of Indian students choose to study abroad. One of the most important tasks in this journey is figuring out how to pay tuition fees to a foreign university. The process may sound tricky, but it’s simple and stress-free with the right guidance and steps.
When you’re about to transfer money abroad from India for education, you’ll want the method that’s cost-effective, safe, fast, and compliant with RBI rules. This blog breaks down the best ways to pay tuition fees abroad and tips to help you save money and avoid delays.
This Blog Includes:
Top 5 Ways to Pay Tuition Fees to a Foreign University from India
Online money transfer services are the most efficient and student-friendly options to pay tuition fees to a foreign university from India.
However, other methods like bank wire transfers, university payment portals, foreign currency demand drafts and international money orders also help students to pay international tuition fees. They serve as good backups depending on university requirements, urgency, and personal preferences.
Here are the top five ways to send money safely and legally. We’ve also added a simple step-by-step process for each method.
Online Money Transfers
When it comes to paying tuition fees for studying abroad, online money transfer services are the most efficient, transparent, and cheapest way for international money transfers.
They offer fast processing times, good exchange rates, and allow you to track your payment easily from the comfort of your home.
With platforms like Fly Finance, Wise, Flywire, ICICI Money2World, and Remitly, you can make payments in just a few clicks, ensuring your tuition fees are paid on time without unnecessary delays.
Why choose this?
- Fast processing (1–2 working days)
- Good exchange rates
- You can track the payment from your phone or laptop
Things to consider:
- Transfer fees may range from INR 500–INR 1,500
How to Pay Tuition Fees Abroad Online?
- Visit the Platform’s Website or App
Choose an online money transfer platform like Fly Finance and go to their website or download their app. - First, tell the platform where the money is going. This includes:
- The country and city of the university
- The postal or ZIP code
- These details help route your payment to the correct destination.
- Next, enter the amount you wish to send and select the purpose, tuition fee payment in this case. Make sure to send a little extra if you can. It helps cover any last-minute exchange rate changes and ensures your full fee reaches the university.
- Now, fill in the recipient’s banking details. This typically includes:
- University bank account number
- SWIFT/BIC code
- Bank name and address
- Any reference number or student ID required by the university
Once these steps are complete, upload the required documents (like your admission letter and ID proof), make the payment using your Indian bank account, and track your transfer online.
Also Read: How Does International Money Transfer Work: Steps & Documents Required
Bank Wire Transfers
Bank wire transfers are one of the most secure and widely accepted methods to pay tuition fees to universities abroad. This traditional method is ideal for one-time, high-value transactions, especially when the university specifically requests payment via wire transfer.
It’s done through your local bank branch or online banking using a SWIFT code, ensuring that your funds are sent directly to the university’s bank account. While it’s not the fastest or cheapest option, it offers peace of mind thanks to its global acceptance and security.
Why Choose a Bank Wire Transfer?
- Highly secure for large international payments
- Accepted by universities worldwide
- Ideal for one-time tuition fee transfers
However, keep in mind:
- It can take 3–5 working days to process
- Transfer fees can be high (INR 1,000–INR 5,000)
- Exchange rates may not be as favourable as online platforms
How to Send Money to a Foreign University via Bank Wire Transfer?
Step 1: Visit the Bank or Use Online Banking
Start the process by either visiting your bank branch or logging into your online banking portal (if international transfers are enabled).
Step 2: Fill out the SWIFT Transfer Form
Ask for a SWIFT transfer form (also called a wire transfer form). This form will collect all the essential details required for international wire transfers.
Step 3: Enter University Bank Details
You’ll need to provide:
- The university’s bank account number
- SWIFT/BIC code
- Bank name and address
- Purpose of transfer (tuition fees)
- Student ID or reference number if provided by the university
Step 4: Attach Supporting Documents
Most banks will ask for documents such as:
- Admission letter
- Student visa copy
- University fee structure or invoice
Step 5: Authorise and Send the Transfer
Once everything is filled and verified, the bank will process your request. You’ll receive a receipt or reference number to track the payment.
University Payment Portal
Paying tuition fees through the university’s official payment portal is one of the safest and simplest ways to send money abroad. Many universities partner with trusted global platforms like Flywire or Western Union GlobalPay, allowing students to make direct payments without relying on third-party services.
It’s fast, secure, and you get an instant confirmation once the payment is complete. Since there are no middlemen involved, your money goes straight to the university, reducing the chances of delays or errors.
This method is especially helpful if your university offers multiple payment modes like cards, bank transfers, or online wallets.
Why Use the University Payment Portal?
- Direct payment to the university
- Instant confirmation after a successful transaction
- Safe and secure, with no intermediaries
- Convenient and easy to access from anywhere
However, please note that some universities may charge a 2–3% card processing fee for debit/credit card payments.
How to Pay Tuition Fees Through a University Portal?
Step 1: Go to the University Website
Visit your university’s official website and find the section for “Tuition Fee Payment” or “Make a Payment”, usually under the Finance or Admissions tab.
Step 2: Select Your Country and Payment Method
Choose your home country (India, for example), and the portal will show available payment options like:
- Debit/Credit Card
- Bank Transfer
- Flywire or Western Union GlobalPay
Step 3: Enter Student and Payment Details
Fill in your:
- Full name
- Student ID or reference number
- Amount to be paid
- Preferred payment method
Step 4: Complete the Payment
Make the payment using your selected method. For card payments, enter your card details; for bank transfers, follow the instructions provided on the screen.
Step 5: Get Instant Confirmation
Once the payment is processed, you’ll receive an instant confirmation on the screen and usually via email as well.
Foreign Currency Demand Draft
A Foreign Currency Demand Draft (FCDD) is an old-school but still reliable way to pay tuition fees abroad, especially when digital payments aren’t an option.
Foreign Currency Demand Draft is a paper-based instrument issued by Indian banks like SBI, ICICI, or HDFC, and made payable directly to the university. While it’s slower than online transfers, it comes with very low fees (INR 200–INR 500) and is accepted by many international universities.
If you’re not in a rush and prefer a low-cost method, a demand draft can be a budget-friendly solution for tuition fee payments.
Why Choose a Foreign Demand Draft?
- Low charges compared to wire transfers or card payments
- Universally accepted by most universities
- Safe and straightforward for high-value, one-time payments
Keep in mind:
- Delivery takes 7–10 working days
- There’s a small risk of loss or damage during courier transit
How to Pay Tuition Fees Abroad Using a Foreign Demand Draft?
Step 1: Visit Your Bank
Go to your nearest branch of an authorised bank (e.g., SBI, ICICI, HDFC) that offers foreign demand drafts.
Step 2: Request a Demand Draft
Fill in the required form and provide these details:
- University name and address
- Amount to be paid
- Currency in which the university accepts the fee (e.g., USD, GBP)
Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents
Banks usually ask for:
- Admission letter from the university
- Student visa (if available)
- Photo ID proof (like your passport or PAN card)
Step 4: Collect the Demand Draft
The bank will issue a paper draft made out in the name of the university, payable in foreign currency.
Step 5: Courier the Draft to the University
Send the draft to the university’s admission or finance office via a reliable international courier service. Keep the tracking number safe.
Step 6: Wait for Confirmation
Once the university receives and processes the draft, it will send you a payment confirmation.
Also Read: How to Make a Demand Draft in a Bank: A Step-by-Step Guide
International Money Order
An International Money Order is a traditional but secure way to pay tuition fees abroad, especially when you want a private and non-digital payment option.
Issued by the Post Office, it works like a prepaid order to send money to a recipient, often without needing them to have a bank account.
It’s safer than cash and can be helpful in regions or cases where banking infrastructure is limited. While not the fastest or most modern method, it still serves as a reliable alternative when online options are unavailable.
However, it’s important to note the extra fees, irrecoverability, and fraud risks before choosing this method.
Why Choose an International Money Order?
- Private and secure – no need for digital banking
- The recipient doesn’t need a bank account
- Issued by the Post Office, a trusted government service
Be aware of:
- Additional fees for processing and international delivery
- Non-refundable if lost or damaged
- Higher fraud risk compared to bank transfers
How to Send Tuition Fees Using an International Money Order?
Step 1: Visit the Post Office
Head to your nearest India Post branch or an authorized agent that issues international money orders.
Step 2: Fill Out the Money Order Form
Provide the following details:
- Recipient’s full name (university name)
- University’s complete address
- Purpose of payment (mention it’s for tuition fees)
Step 3: Pay the Amount
You’ll be required to pay:
- The tuition fee amount in Indian currency
- Plus, applicable service charges for issuing and mailing the order
Step 4: Receive the Money Order
The Post Office will issue a physical money order in foreign currency, which acts like a guaranteed payment instrument.
Step 5: Mail It to the University
Send the money order via a reliable international courier service or registered post to the university’s admissions or finance office.
Step 6: Track and Confirm
Keep the receipt and tracking number safe. Once the university receives and processes the money order, they’ll issue a confirmation of your payment.
Compare the Best Ways to Pay Tuition Fees to a Foreign University
Paying tuition fees to an international university can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. From modern digital platforms to traditional bank methods, each has its own pros and cons in terms of speed, cost, and convenience.
To help you choose the most suitable method, here’s a comparison table of the 5 best ways to pay tuition fees abroad for Indian students.
| Payment Method | Processing Time | Charges | Best For | Accepted By | Tracking Option |
| Online Money Transfer | 1–2 working days | INR 500–INR 1,500 approx | Fast, easy, and trackable payments | Most universities | Yes (Real-time) |
| University Payment Portal | Instant–2 days | 2–3% (card fee) | Direct payments via the official portal | Universities using Flywire/GlobalPay | Yes (Instant email) |
| Bank Wire Transfer | 3–5 working days | INR 1,000–INR 5,000 | One-time, high-value transactions | All universities | Yes (Reference ID) |
| Foreign Demand Draft | 7–10 working days | INR 200–INR 500 | Budget-friendly, paper-based payments | Most universities | No |
| International Money Order | 7–14 working days | Varies (Post Office) | Private, offline payments when banks aren’t used | Limited universities | No |
Key Takeaways
- Online Money Transfer – Fast, secure, and trackable; ideal for quick tuition payments.
- Bank Wire Transfer – Safe and accepted worldwide, but slower and more expensive.
- University Payment Portal – Direct, instant, and hassle-free if your university supports it.
- Foreign Demand Draft – Low-cost option, but slow and dependent on courier delivery.
- International Money Order – Offline and private, but outdated and risky.
RBI Rules & Tax on Foreign Tuition Fee Payments
Before sending money abroad to pay your tuition fees, it’s important to understand the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) and the taxes involved. These rules ensure that your international money transfer is legal, smooth, and within the government’s guidelines.
What is LRS?
The Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allows Indian residents to send up to USD 250,000 (approx. INR 2 crore) per financial year abroad for purposes like education, travel, medical expenses, and more.
So, if you’re planning to study abroad, you can legally transfer your tuition fees under this scheme.
TCS (Tax Collected at Source) on Education Transfers
Depending on how you’re funding your education, Tax Collected at Source (TCS) may apply when you transfer money. Here’s all about TCS on foreign remittance for the education section–
- 5% TCS: If your total remittance exceeds INR 7 lakh per year, and you’re not using an education loan.
- 0.5% TCS: If you’re sending money through a sanctioned education loan from a financial institution.
This tax can be claimed as a refund or credit while filing your income tax return.
Also Read: Know the Tax Implications of Money Transfers from Canada to India
Documents Required for Tuition Fee Transfers
To send money abroad under LRS, you’ll need to submit the following documents to your bank or money transfer platform:
- Admission letter from the foreign university
- Tuition fee invoice
- PAN card of the sender
- A passport copy of the student
- Valid ID proof of the sender (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
To sum up, when deciding how to pay tuition fees to a foreign university, consider your priorities like speed, cost, and convenience.
Whether you choose online money transfers, wire transfers, university portals, or FCDD, always:
- Compare exchange rates
- Check for hidden charges
- Confirm university payment guidelines
- Understand the RBI and TCS rules
Check out the FAQs for more information.
FAQs
The top five ways to pay tuition fees from India to a foreign university are:
– Online Money Transfer Platforms (e.g., Fly Finance, Wise, Remitly)
– Bank Wire Transfers
– University Payment Portals (e.g., Flywire, Western Union GlobalPay)
– Foreign Currency Demand Draft (FCDD)
– International Money Order
Each method varies in terms of speed, cost, and convenience.
The cheapest methods to pay tuition fees abroad are:
– Foreign Currency Demand Draft (FCDD) – Charges between INR 200–INR 500
– Online Money Transfers – Cost-effective with charges around INR 500–INR 1,500 and competitive exchange rates
These options offer low transaction fees, but FCDD is slower compared to digital methods.
Forex cards are not suitable for large payments like university tuition fees, as most universities do not accept card payments for this purpose. However, they are convenient for students to manage their daily expenses while studying abroad.
Under the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), an Indian resident can legally remit up to USD 250,000 (around INR 2 crore) per financial year for education purposes.
So, you can pay your tuition fees online up to this limit, provided you have the necessary documents and comply with the TCS regulations.
Transfers like bank wire transfers take 3–5 working days because:
– They involve intermediary (correspondent) banks between your Indian bank and the university’s foreign bank.
– SWIFT processing requires manual validation and settlement.
– Time zone differences, public holidays, and banking hours in both countries can cause delays.
– For faster transfers, online money transfer services are recommended (1–2 days processing time).
The best way to send tuition fees to a US university is through:
– Online Money Transfer Platforms (e.g., Fly Finance, Wise, Remitly) – Fast, secure, cost-effective
– University Payment Portals – Direct, instant confirmation, fewer errors
Choose based on what your US university accepts, and always compare exchange rates and fees before initiating the transfer.
To avoid unnecessary charges:
– Use online platforms offering competitive exchange rates and low fees.
– Check if your university has a preferred payment portal (like Flywire) – they often waive extra charges.
– Avoid credit/debit card payments on university portals if they charge 2–3% processing fees.
– Send a slightly higher amount to cover exchange rate fluctuations and avoid short payments.
– Always check for hidden charges and conversion fees.
Here’s what you’ll typically need to submit:
– Admission Letter from the foreign university
– Tuition Fee Invoice
– PAN Card of the sender
– Passport Copy of the student
– Valid ID Proof of the sender (like Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
– Student Visa (for some banks or transfers)
These documents help banks and transfer platforms process the payment under the RBI’s LRS guidelines.
To learn more about bank accounts for students, the best education loans, forex, banking experience for global students, or international money transfers, reach out to our experts at 1800572126 to help ease your experience with studying abroad.
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