Overview
Education decisions for internationally mobile families are rarely only about the school. A child's immigration status determines where they can enrol and whether they pay domestic or international fees; the curriculum they follow shapes which universities they can apply to; and admissions timelines at leading international schools frequently run a year or more ahead of a family's move. Treating education as part of the relocation plan, rather than a task for after arrival, avoids missed deadlines and difficult transitions.
International families commonly choose between several curricula. The International Baccalaureate offers the Primary Years, Middle Years, Diploma and Career-related Programmes and is taught in schools across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the Americas. British-curriculum schools follow IGCSE and A level pathways, American-curriculum schools typically offer a high school diploma with Advanced Placement courses, and many families also consider bilingual or national schools. Each has implications for university admission in different countries.
Where a family is relocating under a residence programme, children are often included as dependants, which can simplify school enrolment. Older children, or those studying in a different country from their parents, may need a student visa in their own right, with its own sponsorship, financial and language requirements. We map these requirements early so that the immigration route and the education plan support one another.
University planning starts well before the final year of school. Subject choices, standardised tests, language certification and application platforms differ by destination, and some countries apply different fees to students depending on residence or citizenship status. We help families understand those differences and coordinate with specialist education consultants and schools where appropriate.
Key benefits
- Education planning integrated with the family's residence or citizenship strategy
- Early visibility of admissions windows, waiting lists and entrance assessments
- Clear explanation of curriculum options and how they affect university choices
- Smoother transitions between curricula, languages and academic calendars
- Alignment of dependant or student visa requirements with enrolment dates
- A single coordinator for school correspondence, documents and the wider relocation
Requirements
- Academic records and reports for the past two to three years
- Clarity on the family's intended destination, timeline and length of stay
- Children's immigration status in the destination country, as dependants or students
- Language proficiency suited to the school's language of instruction, or a plan for support
- Budget for tuition, enrolment deposits, capital levies and boarding where relevant
- Availability for entrance assessments and interviews, in person or online
- Health and immunisation records as required by schools and local authorities
Service modules
School search and admissions
A short list of schools matched to the child's profile, curriculum preferences and location, followed by management of applications, assessments and offers.
Curriculum transition planning
Guidance for children moving between systems, such as from a national curriculum to the IB or British pathway, including timing and academic support.
University pathways
Planning of subject choices, testing, application platforms and timelines for universities in the countries the family is considering.
Visa and status alignment
Confirmation of whether a child can study as a dependant under a parent's residence or needs a separate student visa, and coordination of the relevant applications.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Family profile
We discuss each child's academic history, interests, languages and the family's relocation plans.
- 2
Options and short list
We present schools or universities that fit the profile, with curriculum, fees and admissions timelines compared.
- 3
Applications
We coordinate application forms, references, assessments and interviews, and track deadlines.
- 4
Immigration alignment
We confirm the visa or dependant route and make sure documents are ready for enrolment.
- 5
Enrolment and transition
We manage acceptance, deposits and onboarding, and coordinate with relocation and housing near the chosen school.
Typical documents
- Passports and residence or visa documents for each child
- School reports and transcripts, with certified translations where needed
- Teacher references
- Standardised test or language certificate results
- Birth certificates and proof of parental responsibility
- Immunisation and medical records
- Proof of address or intended address in the destination
- Evidence of funds for tuition where a student visa is required
How Legal Wealth helps
Legal Wealth treats education as an integral part of a family's relocation. We align school and university plans with the immigration route, keep track of admissions windows and visa requirements, and coordinate with schools, education specialists and relocation providers so that children start in the right place at the right time. Our role is to plan and coordinate; admissions decisions rest with the schools and universities themselves.
Enquire with Legal WealthFrequently asked questions
How early should we start?
Ideally 12 to 18 months before the intended start date. Popular international schools in major cities can have waiting lists, and some admit mainly at the start of the academic year.
Can children study as dependants under our residence permit?
In many countries, children included as dependants under a parent's residence permit can enrol in local schools. Rules for older children and for study in a different country vary, so we confirm them for each case.
Which curriculum is best for university admission?
There is no single answer. The IB Diploma, A levels and American high school diplomas are all widely recognised, but universities set their own entry requirements. The right choice depends on the child and the countries being considered.
Will we pay international or domestic university fees?
Fee status depends on the rules of each country and often on residence history or citizenship, not only on current address. We explain the relevant tests early so they can be factored into the plan.
Do you guarantee school places?
No. Admissions decisions are made by schools and universities. We help families prepare strong, well-timed applications and manage the process.
Can you help with boarding schools?
Yes. We can include boarding options in the short list and coordinate guardianship arrangements and student visa requirements where needed.
Last reviewed: 2026-10. Requirements, fees and timelines change. Information is general, reviewed on the date shown, and is not legal or tax advice.
