Should Parents Send Their Children Overseas for University?

At some point, many Singaporean parents find themselves weighing the same question:

Should I send my child overseas for university?

It’s a decision that isn’t just financial — it’s emotional, cultural, and deeply personal.

For some, the overseas education dream symbolises opportunity and prestige.

For others, it feels like an unnecessary expense when local universities already rank among the world’s best.

But beneath those surface-level considerations lies a deeper question:

What exactly are we hoping our children will gain from it?

The Prestige and Perception Factor

Let’s be honest — prestige plays a big part in this discussion.

Names like Oxford, Harvard, or Stanford still carry immense social weight, especially in a society that prizes academic excellence.

Parents may feel that an overseas degree gives their child an edge — a mark of distinction in Singapore’s competitive job market.

Yet, prestige is a tricky motivator.

If the decision is made solely for reputation, students may find themselves in environments that don’t align with their interests, learning styles, or emotional readiness.

Prestige opens doors — but only if the person behind the door is ready to walk through it confidently.

The Financial and Practical Realities

An overseas education is a serious financial commitment.

Tuition fees, accommodation, travel, and living expenses can easily surpass S$200,000 to S$300,000 — even more in countries like the US or UK.

And while that investment can pay off through exposure and global networks, it’s also worth asking:

Would that same investment, if spent on internships, mentorships, or specialised programmes locally, yield equally strong outcomes?

The truth is, education value today is no longer bound by geography.

What matters most is how students apply themselves — whether at home or abroad.

The Real Value of Studying Overseas

When done for the right reasons, studying overseas can be transformational.

It forces students to become independent, to manage their own time, to adapt to new cultures, and to develop resilience away from the safety net of home.

They learn to budget, cook, and navigate — sometimes literally — through systems that challenge their comfort zone.

But this also requires maturity.

Sending a student who is not yet emotionally ready can lead to loneliness, burnout, or academic struggles that overshadow the benefits.

What Should Parents Really Consider?

Instead of asking, “Can we afford it?”

perhaps the better questions are:

• Is my child ready to live independently and take responsibility?

• Will this environment nurture their growth, or overwhelm them?

• Are we doing this for prestige, or for personal development?

• Would they thrive better in a local university with a stronger network of support?

When the decision stems from your child’s goals and readiness — not societal perception — it tends to yield far more meaningful outcomes.

The Bigger Picture

In a globalised world, overseas exposure no longer requires physical relocation.

Students can now build international perspectives through exchange programmes, online collaborations, or internships abroad — often at a fraction of the cost.

The question, then, isn’t “overseas or local?” but rather “how can my child best grow and prepare for life?”

A Thought to Leave You With

Education has always been an investment — but it’s not just about money or prestige.

It’s about self-discovery, readiness, and learning to thrive wherever one is planted.

So before deciding on where your child studies, ask instead:

What kind of person do I want my child to become through this experience?

Because in the end, it’s not the university name on the degree that defines success —

it’s the strength of the person carrying it.