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 we can support you with practical, flexible options to help you succeed in both the IELTS test and as an international student.
Why being a student and a parent is a strength
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.
Studying as a parent: Biggest challenges to overcome
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.
Study tips from real parents: What actually works
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.
“My children were still quite young at the time - my son was 11, and my daughter was just 6. Like many parents, most of my time was taken up by work and family. The only quiet time I really had to prepare was late at night, after everyone had gone to sleep. I’m quite strategic by nature, so I wanted to know everything I could about how to approach the test and what examiners were looking for. For me, preparation was less about improving my English and more about learning how to perform well in the test itself." - Kavitha Doraimanickam, IELTS test taker (Australia)
She offers the following tips to fellow parents who are taking IELTS:
"My biggest advice for other parents is to be realistic about your time and use it strategically. Even if you only have an hour at night, make it count. Focus on understanding the test format, practise under timed conditions, and learn what examiners are actually assessing.”
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.
“I am a Content Marketer and my weekdays were busy with office work and mummy duties while I am off work. So, finding quiet study time was a challenge. To stay consistent and realistic, I created a simple study plan. My schedule for preparation revolved around my daughter’s routine, that way I balanced both. I used weekday evenings for focused preparation and dedicated weekends to taking mock tests, while my husband took care of my daughter.” - Yamini Paranirajan, IELTS test taker (India)
As she worked towards her goal, Yamini focused on improving her weak spots, knowing this would make the biggest difference on test day.
“The mock tests were especially helpful because they showed me which areas needed more attention. For me, Writing was the most challenging, so I spent extra time improving that test skill. With focused preparation and the right support from my family, I was able to achieve an overall band score of 8.”
Yamini also emphasized that it’s okay for progress to look different when you’re parent.
“Preparing for the IELTS while raising a young child wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. My advice to other parents preparing for IELTS is to take it one step at a time. Even small amounts of daily practice can make a big difference. Stay patient with yourself and remember that your goals are achievable – you can do this.”
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 I first decided to move to Canada, IELTS felt like the biggest hurdle in front of me. Between a full-time job, household responsibilities, and being present for my family, there never seemed to be enough hours in the day. I studied whenever I could, during lunch breaks, after everyone had gone to bed, and on weekends. There were moments when I doubted myself, but my husband and family kept reminding me why I started. They took on extra responsibilities, encouraged me through the tough days, and celebrated every small win along the way. Looking back, IELTS wasn't just a test of English, it was a test of perseverance, teamwork, and belief in a shared dream.” -Lekha Gunasekaran, IELTS test taker (India)
Preparing for IELTS: How we help parents succeed
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.
We offer a wide range of IELTS test Preparation Materials to help you get ready your way.
IELTS Preparation Guide
Access our IELTS Preparation Guide for an overview of the IELTS test and learn important information to help you prepare for your IELTS test.
Full IELTS Mock Test
Together with E2Language, we developed a full IELTS mock test covering Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Get an instant band score estimate, personalised feedback, and access to 25 live classes.
IELTS Prepare Hub
The IELTS Prepare Hub makes it easier to find the study materials that suit you best. 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.
“The free practice tests, IELTS Masterclass, band descriptors and YouTube videos were incredibly helpful. They helped me quickly understand common mistakes and what I needed to avoid.” - Kavitha Doraimanickam, IELTS test taker (Australia)
Final thoughts
Balancing parenting with IELTS preparation and studying 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. We are here to support 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 wide range of IELTS Preparation Resources provides trusted tools 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.
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Achieve your visa, work, and study goals with IELTS. Find your closest test centre and book your test now.