University Dreams, Parental Regrets: Why Education Planning Can’t Wait
Tiffany Toh
By Rohit Singh
For many expat parents living in Singapore, sending their children abroad for university represents more than academic achievement – it symbolises hope, opportunity, and the legacy of a better future. Whether it’s an Ivy League degree in the US, an engineering programme in Australia, or a top-tier business school in the UK, these aspirations come with a steep price tag.
Unfortunately, too many parents underestimate how quickly education costs can spiral, or they delay planning in hopes that they’ll “figure it out later.” For some, that delay turns into financial regret. At a time when parents should be celebrating their child’s future, they find themselves facing debt, limited choices, or having to say no to once-possible dreams.
The cost of waiting
The financial reality of international education is sobering. A four-year undergraduate programme overseas can easily exceed S$200,000 – S$350,000 per child. This includes not just tuition, but accommodation, travel, healthcare coverage, and the unpredictability of foreign exchange rates. For expat families, who often don’t qualify for domestic subsidies or student grants, the burden is heavier and far less predictable.
When planning is left too late, families are left scrambling – relying on personal loans, tapping into retirement funds, or making painful sacrifices. The stress this places on both parent and child can be immense. In some cases, students have to delay university or choose a school based on affordability rather than fit or ambition.
A strategic approach for expats in Singapore
Early education planning helps families avoid this. It spreads the financial load over more years, creates more room for investment growth, and keeps other life goals – like home ownership or retirement – on track. It’s not just about saving more; it’s about saving smarter.
At GFC, we work with many expatriate families navigating these challenges. Our process starts with a detailed analysis of your current financial situation and long-term goals. We take into account investment portfolios, expected education timelines, currency exposure, and your retirement needs.
From there, we build a personalised, flexible plan tailored to your family’s unique journey. This may include a mix of disciplined savings, structured investment portfolios, and insurance-based planning – all reviewed and adjusted quarterly to ensure everything stays on track, even as life changes.
Secure your child’s future today
When your child is finally accepted into the university they’ve worked so hard to reach, you should be filled with pride – not panic over how to fund the next semester.
Thinking ahead is one of the best gifts you can give your child – and yourself. If you’re ready to explore a plan that supports both, I’m here to walk through the options with you.
It’s never too early – or too late – to take a thoughtful next step. You’re welcome to book an obligation-free consultation – no pressure, just a conversation to help you start thinking through what’s right for you and your family.
Rohit Singh has been with GFC for nearly 8 years and has established himself as one of our top performing consultants. He specialises in holistic financial planning for individuals living in Singapore.
Rohit is an authorized representative of Global Financial Consultants Pte Ltd- MAS License No- FA100035-3.
To learn more about how he may be able to help you, please contact him:
✆ Phone number: +65 85015002
✉ Email address: rohit.singh@admin.gfcadvice.com
☜ LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohit-singh-9b56b0124/
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General Information Only: The information on this site is of a general nature only. It does not take into account your individual financial situation, objectives or needs. You should consider your own financial position and requirements before making a decision.
*Please note that Rohit Singh is not a tax agent or accountant and none of the content outlined here should be taken as personal advice. You should consult your tax agent and financial adviser to review your current personal finances and financial goals to consider whether this strategy is appropriate for you.