From IELTS to Studying Abroad: How to Prepare for Success as a Parent

Most study advice assumes you have a quiet space, a predictable routine and long, uninterrupted blocks of time.

But what if pursuing your educational goals is something you have to fit in around the needs of others?

This is the reality for many parents preparing for IELTS or studying abroad.

If you’re finding it difficult to balance study with everything else, we see you. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re just in a stage of life that calls for a different approach.

That’s why we’ve put together this article. You’ll hear from parents who have been in your shoes, sharing what worked for them. We’ll also show you how IDP can support you with practical, flexible options to help you succeed in both the IELTS test and as an international student.

It might feel like being a parent puts you at a disadvantage when you’re preparing for IELTS or studying abroad. However, it doesn’t make you any less likely to achieve your goals than your peers without children.

In fact, balancing study and parenting can help you build skills for long-term success. Managing competing priorities, solving problem, planning finances and building supportive communities are all strengths that employers actively look for.

While it’s normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes, don’t underestimate just how much you’re accomplishing. The resilience and adaptability you’re building as you navigate both roles will help you thrive in both your personal life and future career.

You might be asking yourself how you can start developing these skills. Before we explore specific strategies, let’s take a closer look at the unique challenges parents often face when preparing for IELTS or pursuing study opportunities abroad.

While these obstacles can feel daunting, recognising them can help you approach your journey with realistic expectations and greater confidence.

Finding time

Balancing study with parenting is often one of the biggest challenges for both parents preparing for IELTS and those studying abroad. Lectures, assignments and test preparation have to fit in around school drop-offs, childcare, work and family routines. Even when you do carve out study time, unexpected situations, like a sick child, can quickly disrupt your plans. Progress can feel slow when you can’t always commit to the same routine.

Finding energy

It’s not just about finding time to study; it’s about having the energy to use it. As a parent, your brain is already carrying a lot: doctors' appointments, school forms, meal planning and everything in between. If your children are very young, you might be dealing with broken sleep too. All of this can leave you feeling both physically and mentally exhausted, making it harder to focus and take in new information.

Getting support

You’ve probably heard the expression that it takes a village to raise a child, but when you move to a new country, that village is often just you and your partner. Without extended family or close friends nearby, finding the time and energy to study becomes even more difficult. It can also feel very lonely, especially if your classmates are not at the same stage of life as you.

Finding family-friendly housing

If you’re studying abroad, finding accommodation that meets the needs of both you and your child can be challenging. Many student housing options are designed for individuals and may not be suitable for families. Factors such as safety, proximity to schools, public transport and healthcare facilities often become especially important for parents.

Budgeting for the whole family

For international students who are parents, budgeting extends beyond tuition fees and basic living expenses. You also need to plan for childcare, school‑related costs, healthcare and often higher accommodation expenses, which can lead to financial strain if costs are greater than you anticipated.

Planning for your child’s education

Understanding a new country’s school and childcare systems can feel overwhelming, especially when you are also preparing for university studies. You may need to research school enrolment processes, age requirements, availability of childcare and local regulations.

Adapting to family life in a new country

Moving abroad affects your entire family, not just you as a student. Children may need time to adjust to a new culture, language and social environment. As a parent, you'll have to support their emotional adjustment while adapting to a new environment, academic system and cultural differences yourself. Balancing these responsibilities can create significant pressure for both you and your family.

If being both a parent and a student feels like too much some days, you’re not alone. We chatted with three mums who have taken the IELTS test. We asked them about their biggest challenges and what helped them along the way.

Use your time strategically

When Kavitha Doraimanickam took the IELTS test for her Australian Permanent Residency (PR) application, she knew she needed to get the most out of every study session.

She offers the following tips to fellow parents who are taking IELTS:

Create a study plan that works for you

Yamini Paranirajan took the IELTS test for migration while juggling full time work and caring for her three-year-old. She shared how having an IELTS study plan that suited her family’s situation made the preparation process more manageable.

As she worked towards her goal, Yamini focused on improving her weak spots, knowing this would make the biggest difference on test day.

Yamini also emphasized that it’s okay for progress to look different when you’re parent.

Involve your family in your study journey

For many parents, putting others first comes naturally, so it’s easy to think IELTS preparation is something you have to handle on your own. Lekha Gunasekaran’s story is a reminder that accepting help from family can make all the difference.

When you’re preparing for IELTS as a parent, we know that flexibility is key. You’re already juggling enough without having to search for study materials that are both trustworthy and fit in with your schedule.

At IDP, we offer a wide range of free IELTS test preparation materials to help you get ready your way.

IELTS Prepare Hub

Our IELTS Prepare Hub makes it easier to find the study materials that suit you best. As one of the co-owners of the IELTS test, you can be reassured that all the preparation materials on our website have been developed or endorsed by IDP.

Here’s what can you do in the IELTS Prepare Hub:

• Check your strengths and weaknesses with our English self-assessment tool.

• Access online courses that you can start and stop when you need to.

• Use a longer study session to take a practice test.

• Explore our preparation library to find articles and videos that target the areas you want to improve.

IELTS by IDP app

If you’re struggling to schedule in longer study sessions, the IELTS by IDP app helps you make the most of spare moments throughout the day.

• Join a free IELTS masterclass webinar at a time that works for you.

• Practise grammar and vocabulary during your commute with our interactive quizzes.

• Listen to the IELTS Prepare by IDP podcast while you’re waiting in the school car park.

• Drop into our IELTS Community during your coffee break to get expert answers to your questions about the test.

While flexible study tools can make a big difference, it’s just as important to have a flexible approach to learning. Whether you’re creating a plan for IELTS preparation or getting ready for your next uni exam, these strategies can help.

Make your study plan adjustable

Traditional study plans often don’t work for parents because they’re too rigid. Instead of a daily schedule, try listing what you want to achieve each week. This gives you the freedom to choose tasks based on the kind of day you’re having. Focus on quick wins when time is tight and deeper work when you have more energy.

Try shorter study sessions

Evenings don’t always go to plan, especially with little ones around. The good news is you don’t need long, uninterrupted blocks to study effectively. 15–30 minutes can work just as well, as long as you’re consistent. In fact, shorter learning sessions are often more effective when you’re tired as they help you stay focused and absorb information more easily.

Manage your energy

Think about when you have the most energy. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Even if your ideal study time isn’t always practical, you can still match your tasks to your energy levels. Save lighter tasks for low-energy moments and tackle more challenging work when you feel more focused like on a weekend morning.

Get your kids involved

If your kids often interrupt your study time, it might help if you explain why studying is important to you. Better still, involve them. If they’re old enough to have school homework, try studying together. If you’re preparing for IELTS, combine English practice with family movie night by asking them to choose an English film.

Protect your wellbeing

When you’re balancing study with family life, it’s easy to put yourself last. But you can’t be present for your family and achieve your study goals if you don’t look after your own needs too. Make time for rest, connection, movement and healthy food. Be kind to yourself and don’t be afraid to reach out for professional support if you’re struggling.

Studying abroad as a parent can be rewarding, but it also comes with challenges that other students may not face. With the right preparation and guidance, these can be managed more confidently. IDP supports student parents at every stage of the study abroad journey, helping you make informed choices for both your education and your family.

Study options

IDP counsellors help you explore study options that better suit family life. This includes identifying institutions that offer flexible timetables, blended or online learning options and access to on‑campus support services. With personalised guidance, you can choose a study destination and course structure that makes it easier to manage both your education and your responsibilities as a parent.

Accommodation

IDP can support you by providing guidance on accommodation options in your chosen destination. Our counsellors help you understand the types of housing available and what to consider when choosing a place to live. This helps you select accommodation that is close to your university, your child’s school and essential amenities, supporting your family’s daily routine.

Managing Finances

IDP can help you explore scholarship opportunities that may help reduce your overall costs. Our counsellors also help you understand the general cost of studying abroad as a family, including ongoing living expenses. With clearer expectations, you can plan your finances more effectively before you move, reducing the risk of financial stress later.

Navigating school and childcare systems

IDP provides destination‑specific guidance to help you understand schooling and childcare options in your chosen country. By sharing reliable information and directing you to relevant resources, IDP helps you plan your child’s education alongside your own, before you move overseas.

Adjusting to a new environment as a family

IDP counsellors offer practical pre‑departure advice to help you prepare your family for life in a new country. This includes guidance on settling in, accessing community support and understanding local services, helping your whole family feel more prepared and supported from the start.

IDP student community support for parents

Studying abroad as a parent can sometimes feel isolating, especially when you are adjusting to a new country while supporting your family. The IDP Student Community offers a space to connect with other international students, including those managing studies while parenting. By joining the community, you can share experiences, learn from others who have already moved overseas with their families, and access practical tips on settling in, accommodation, budgeting, and daily life. This sense of connection and shared understanding can make the transition easier and help you build your village during your study abroad journey.

Balancing parenting with IELTS preparation and studying abroad isn't easy. There will be days when family comes first, study plans change and progress feels slower than you'd hoped. That's completely normal as success doesn't always come from having the perfect routine.

It’s all about taking small, consistent steps, leaning on your support network and using flexible strategies that fit your family's life. While life abroad may initially seem full of added responsibilities, eventually it can open doors to better opportunities, global exposure and a stronger future for both you and your children.

Remember, you don't have to navigate this journey alone. IDP supports you as a student and as a parent, helping you make informed choices that balance your educational goals with your family’s wellbeing.

And if you’re preparing for the IELTS test, our Prepare Hub provides trusted resources that help you create a family-friendly study schedule.

Ready to take the next step? Choose the IELTS test date, time and location that works best for you with our flexible booking options.