Easy Ways to Send Money to India for Students

Sending money to India for tuition fees, accommodation, and family support is common for students and parents in the United Kingdom. However, the cost can vary widely depending on foreign exchange rates, hidden fees, delivery speed, and the payment method used.

This guide explains the cheapest way to send money to India for students, compares different money transfer options, and shows how costs can change at £500, £1,000, and £10,000 levels. It’s written for general information purposes to help you compare money transfer providers before paying education-related expenses.

Compare international money transfer providers.

What affects the cost of sending money to India?

The total cost of an international transfer usually comes from two main components.

Exchange rates vs fees

Some providers advertise low or zero fees but apply a markup to the currency exchange rate. Others use a closer-to-market rate and charge a visible fee instead. For tuition payments, even small exchange rate differences can significantly affect the amount of local currency (INR) received.

Payment method and delivery speed

Costs and timing can also depend on:

• Bank transfer via online banking
• Digital remittance service or mobile app
• Cash pickup or bank deposit in India

Understanding these factors helps identify the best ways to reduce costs.

Common ways to send money to India for students

High-street bank transfers

Banks allow international transfers using bank account details, BIC code, and SWIFT. However, they may:

• Apply exchange rate markups
• Add intermediary or receiving bank fees
• Take several business days

Banks are rarely the cheapest option for student tuition payments.

Digital money transfer services

Digital providers such as Wise allow users to send money online using a mobile app or web platform. These services are often used for:

• Living costs
• Rent or accommodation
• Smaller or regular transfers

Fees and delivery speed are usually shown upfront.

Currency brokers and specialist platforms

For larger tuition payments, some families consider providers such as TorFX, OFX, or Equals Money. These services often focus on:

• Larger amounts of money
• Competitive exchange rates
• Support for staged payments

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Cost examples: sending money to India

The examples below are illustrative only and depend on live market rates.

Sending £500 to India

At £500:

• Bank fees and exchange rate markups can form a large part of the cost
• Digital services often provide clearer pricing

This is often the first money transfer students make.

Sending £1,000 to India

At £1,000:

• Exchange rate differences become more noticeable
• Comparing providers can result in meaningful savings

Compare costs for your transfer amount.

Sending £10,000 to India (tuition fees)

For larger tuition payments:

• Small rate differences can cost hundreds of pounds
• Specialist providers may offer better overall value

Always check the final INR amount received by the recipient’s bank account.

Comparison table: ways to send money to India

Do money transfer services require any special documents for students sending money to India?

Most money transfer services require basic personal details such as full name, date of birth, and proof of address. For student tuition payments, providers may also request additional information like the purpose of the transfer, university details, or supporting documents to meet regulatory and compliance requirements.

Paying Indian universities and colleges

Indian universities usually require:

• Full bank account information
• Account number and IFSC / routing details
• Student name and reference

Some banks in India, such as Axis Bank or Bank of Baroda, process international tuition payments regularly. Always double-check payment details to avoid delays.

Compare providers before choosing.

Is timing important when sending money to India?

Yes. GBP–INR rates can fluctuate during global market hours, affecting costs. For larger tuition payments:

• Some providers offer transfer status tracking
• Others allow rate alerts or staged transfers

This can provide extra peace of mind when paying fees months in advance.

Which option is usually cheapest for students?

There is no single cheapest option for everyone:

• Digital services often suit smaller or regular transfers
• Brokers or specialist platforms may suit large tuition payments
• Cash pickup and credit card transfers usually cost more

Comparing providers each time helps reduce overall costs.

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Destination-specific guidance

Costs and delivery methods can vary by region and bank in India. Before sending money, it helps to review:

• A Send Money to India page
• A Cheapest Way to Send Money to India guide

See costs for sending money to India.

Are there any secure apps recommended for students to send money to India?

Yes. Students often use regulated digital money transfer apps that provide transparent fees, transfer tracking, and strong security controls. Services such as Wise and Remitly are commonly used for India transfers, offering app-based payments, clear exchange rates, and delivery to Indian bank accounts.

FAQs About Sending Money to India for Students

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