What Parents Need to Know When Locking In with an Abroad University?

Making plans for sending your child abroad for higher education in 2026? We have all already brainstormed over our finances, visas, scholarships, and procedure of entry by now. What is, however, being discussed in the Indian context has changed from rankings and popular choices.

Today, the focus is firmly on return on investment, employability, affordability, safety, and career outcomes.

These five questions that the parents are considering prior to applying to any institution in 2026 consist of:

 Q1. Are you applying to a degree that involves a foundation year? What are job opportunities and outcomes?

Answer: By 2026, having a degree will not be a guarantee of a job. Job opportunities following study will be dependent on the relevance of study programs, work visas, and opportunity following completion of the course.

There is also a need for parents to pay attention to recruitment rates while considering outcomes related to recruitment positions obtained by graduates, timescales for recruitment, and median recruitment salaries. Universities/Colleges which display recruitment information for graduates have improved outcomes compared to others who just rely on marketing or advertising. There is also a benefit for inclusion of recruitment program outcomes related to internships, cooperative years, project years, and industrial research years.

Top educational institutions are also spending heavily on career services. OneStep Global is currently working on the alumni career success teams of universities such as the University of Birmingham and the University of Glasgow in the Indian subcontinent. Their offerings include international recruitment readiness.

However, it’s also a good point for parents to be aware of the concept of career momentum, over and above the entry-level occupation. A good program would provide the building of skills, networks, and toughness that can accrue with age.

Q2. How credible or renowned is the university or the program?

Answer: "Rankings no longer decide credibility. Parents demand recognition from employers and accreditation and acceptance from regulatory authorities, especially since they would be sending students back to India and also may operate in other geographies."

Program-level verification is of utmost importance in fields such as the medical, and other connected fields, public health, and management. It holds more significance than just the market value derived by the brand.

In the “Student Perception Study Report 2025” by One Step Global, it is highlighted that there has been an increase in Indian families’ trust in alumni outcomes, peer advice, and counselor advice than advertisement-based communication for other countries such as Ireland.

Q3. What is the total cost each year for tuition and related expenses?

Answer: Tuition represents just one aspect of it. Other factors, such as the cost of living, residence, insurance, visa fees, transport, and exchange rates, have a deep impact on it.

It has to be factored in, budget-wise, by parents and not only on a country-wise basis, but on a city-wise basis. Although being affordable, along with industry accessibility for internships and part-time jobs, turns out to be an important criterion, a place which is less costly translates into less exposure, which could have a negative effect in the end.

The value of investment in educating members of households is also being re-evaluated. The value may be increased with programs involving paid internships.

Financial planning would have to incorporate contingency planning for potential increases in rents or changes in policies. Scholarships or part-time employment would have to be factored in, but not expected.

Q4. How safe and welcoming does your campus feel?

Answer: The issue of safety at the educational institution is more extensive for students in 2026 compared to the safety being referred to in the question when the question is interpreted literally.

Assessment of the accessibility of academic advisory, counseling, tutoring, and international services, especially in the first-year experience, is recommended. The significance of the transition process in the success of the academic experience cannot be overstated.

Interacting with students is also a critical factor. Reaching out to people beyond the normal social interactions helps improve communication skills and instills confidence needed by global companies.

Second, it is accommodation. Campus or reviewed by university housing would be better for monitoring purposes. Appropriate communication in terms of health care facilities, safety procedures, and emergency response would be required.

A safe campus is a campus with great institutional policies and a great student culture. 

Q5. Where are the opportunities for skill development, internships, or experience? 

Answer: Today, employability is based on skills and exposure, and not academics. Effective universities and institutions are those that integrate internship programs, industry projects, research, and work-integrated learning programs into their curriculum. These programs help students in learning to implement theories in practice and make informed career decisions. 

In addition to learning skills and abilities attained through education, the following skills will be sought:

•      Problem-solving skills and abilities that can be applied to different scenarios;
•      Information and communication technology literacy;
•      Communication skills – written and verbal communication;
•      Inter-cultural competencies.
•      Colleges and universities that engage students in career counseling and job market solutions