Sending fees abroad is the single largest outflow most Indian families ever make. Get the paperwork right the first time and you'll cut the processing time from five days to same-day.
Documents you always need
- Valid passport copy of the student
- University admission letter or I-20 (for US)
- Tuition invoice with the university's bank details
- PAN card of the remitter
- Form A2 (signed by the remitter, not the student)
- Loan sanction letter (if claiming 0% TCS under Section 80E)
Five-step process
Collect the invoice in the correct currency
If the invoice is in the university's local currency (EUR, CAD, AUD), remit in that currency directly. Don't convert to USD first — you'll double-pay FX markup.
Fill Form A2 correctly
Purpose code should be S0305 for education. Tick the 'Liberalised Remittance Scheme' box and match the amount exactly with the invoice.
Decide on TCS upfront
If it's a bank-funded loan, bring the sanction letter and you pay 0% TCS. Self-funded? 2% TCS applies above ₹7 lakh per financial year.
Initiate the SWIFT transfer
Your dealer submits the wire with a UETR number. Save this — it's how you track the payment through the banking system.
Close the loop with the university
Forward the SWIFT acknowledgement and Form 27D (TCS certificate) to the university's bursar. They'll match it against your student ID.
