Top Things NRI Families Should Know Before Moving to Schools in Bangalore
- 24 September 2025
With the recent change in rules in the US, the H1 B visa, there is an influx of NRIs back into their home country. Relocating back to India is not just a difficult step but also a big decision for any family, but for parents, the biggest question is almost always the same: “What about my child’s education?”
If your child has been studying abroad, you want their transition to India smooth & seamless so that they feel at home without losing the academic teaching & learning standards alongside global exposure and opportunities they’ve had experienced so far. That’s why choosing the best school becomes one of the most important steps in your relocation journey.
Here are a few things every NRI family should keep in mind while planning the move:
At Oakridge, we receive enquiries from relocating NRI families, and their biggest challenge is avoiding disruption in learning. If your child has been in an IB program or any other international curriculum, search for schools in India that offer a similar programme. This way, your child can continue seamlessly and stay aligned with global university pathways.
A parent who moved back from the US told us, “My son was in the Middle Years Programme in the US in an IB school. Finding a school in India where he could pick up right where he left off was such a relief.”
While many international schools in India have a specific admissions window and higher grades have limited seats, especially Grades 6, 9, and 11. It is recommended to plan the search for school well in advance. Initiate conversations with schools early, even while you’re still abroad. Many schools such as Oakridge International School offer virtual campus tours and online counselling, so you don’t have to wait until you land in India to start the process.
Parents often ask, “Will moving back to India affect my child’s chances of getting into top universities?” The good news is, many IB Schools, especially Oakridge International School – Bengaluru, have dedicated university counselling team with a proven track record of placements in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and beyond. Choosing the right IB school that actively supports your child’s higher education journey is a smart step.
For children returning after staying abroad, the transition isn’t just about academics—it’s about fitting in socially and emotionally. Schools that have a strong NRI parent/student community, diverse classrooms, and buddy systems for new students can make this adjustment much smoother.
Unlike in many countries, daily school commutes in Bengaluru can be longer. Choose a school that provides bus transport, ensures student safety & wellbeing with exceptional child safeguarding policies. This should be a parent’s top priority when shortlisting schools.
Children who’ve been abroad are used to a balanced focus on academics and co-curriculars. Look for schools that offer strong arts, sports, leadership, and community, action, service programmes—so your child continues to grow beyond the classroom.
School fees in India can vary widely depending on the choice of curriculum. Typically, IB schools are on the higher end due to the premium infrastructure and academic quality they offer. Transparent fee structures, combined with the value of global curriculum, co-curricular opportunities, and university guidance, help you see the bigger picture—not just the numbers. Choose the school that fits your long-term financial plans to ensure the continuity of your child in the same school.
Oakridge International School, being a part of the larger group Nord Anglia Education, goes the extra mile to welcome relocating families—from ensuring a seamless admission process to special onboarding programmes, mid-year academic support, cultural orientation, and even parent support groups. This makes the transition easier, not just for your child, but for you as a parent too. Choose a school that offers flexibility to offer admission in the middle of the year.
