As parents in this ever-shrinking world, one thing’s for sure; gone are the days of dropping our kids off at the local train station – lunch-box packed and text books purchased – and waving them off on route to the local university, only to see them return the following weekend with a bag full of laundry and a ravenous appetite.
In these times of international schools and international outlooks we must prepare for the reality of global education. For them it’s wondrous and the opportunities are boundless. Such is the unfettered growth and credibility of the International Baccalaureate we are now faced with the modern day student. The open-minded risk taker, the principled inquirer, ready for anything and ready for anywhere. No longer are they choosing which course, but which country1.
So what does our role as proud parents look like? How do we help shape the next generation? When do we start to think about all this? I would argue it’s never too early to plan. After all, I have yet to receive complaints from clients who have saved too much for their children’s future!
International-mindedness is a blessing, but it comes at a price. There’s no doubt its money well spent, who wouldn’t want their child travelling the world, immersing themselves in a heady cocktail of culture and education, trampling down barriers and opening up a world they will help run one day?
Preparation is the key and the best approach to managing your child’s education is to work with your Financial Planner to create a bespoke plan for you and your family. Make sure it factors in your objectives, your budgets and your time frames. Below, I have demonstrated some ranges in costs and the differences in saving requirements, based on the timescales you have left before your child commences higher education.
For further information please book a review meeting with your AAM Financial Planner. If you do not have a financial planner yet and require assistance, click here to request your free consultation.
By Tanya Maher
Senior Vice President – Wealth and Protection
AAM Advisory Pte Ltd
Sources:
The Telegraph “A-Levels should be axed in favour of a new baccalaureate.” (27th January 2014)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/secondaryeducation/10598023/A-levels-should-be-axed-in-favour-of-new-baccalaureate.html
Further Information:
Exchange rates used as of the 4/8/2016: GBP £ 1 : S$ 1.7927, USD $ 1 : S$ 1.3422, AUD $ 1 : S$ 1.01859
Australian university fees are based on University of Western Australia – Commerce program. According to the official website, the annual fees for international students are quoted at AU$34,000 p.a
Singapore university fees are based on Singapore Management University – Business Management program. According to the official website, the annual fees for international students are quoted at S$42,970 p.a
United Kingdom university fees are based on University of Manchester – Business Studies program. According to the official website, the annual fees for international students are quoted at GBP20,000 p.a
United States university fees are based on University of Chicago – Economics program. According to the official website, the annual fees for international students are quoted at US$50,997 p.a
Other Considerations:
The above figures assume a rate of inflation of 5% p.a
The rate of returns are for illustration purpose only but not guaranteed
None of the figures above factor in the cost of living for students whilst at university. If you wish to find out the average cost of living in the relevant countries, please note the following websites for your reference:
Australia: http://www.studyat.uwa.edu.au/about/accommodation/costs
Singapore: https://www.smu.edu.sg/global/international-students/living-expenses
United Kingdom: http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/experience/student-life/living-costs/
United States of America: http://financialaid.uchicago.edu/prospective-students/costs
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of AAM Advisory Pte Ltd. This document/article should not be construed as an offer, solicitation of an offer, or a recommendation to transact in any securities/products mentioned herein. The information does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any person. Advice should be sought from a licensed financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment product before making a commitment to purchase the investment product. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. Any prediction, projection, or forecast on the economy, securities markets or the economic trends of the markets is not necessarily indicative of the future performance. Whilst we have taken all reasonable care to ensure that the information contained in this document is not untrue or misleading at the time of publication, we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Any opinion or estimate contained in this document is subject to change without notice. The above report may contain data obtained from third parties and as such we cannot guarantee the accuracy of this data.