Latest news with #ProdigyFinance
Hans India
13 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Germany Was the Goal-Prodigy Finance Made It Happen for Pramendra Kushwaha
Bengaluru :Germany is fast becoming a top destination for international students, offering world-class universities, affordable education, and strong career opportunities in Europe's largest economy. But while the country opens its doors academically, financial access remains a challenge for many students from emerging markets. Pramendra Kushwaha, a young professional from Bangalore, knows this well. After earning a BBA and working at Tata Consultancy Services, he managed high-net-worth European clients, many of whom had global degrees. One conversation, in particular, with a German client left a lasting impact. 'I gained insight about how a global degree has shaped their career, lifestyle, and confidence,' Pramendra recalls. 'That moment made me realise what I was missing.' Driven by his ambition to up-skill and expand his career prospects, Pramendra pursued a master's program abroad. Despite holding a well-paying position at TCS, he faced skepticism about leaving a stable job during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Determined to advance his expertise, he took full initiative to make his goal a reality, navigating financial constraints and securing his path forward through perseverance and strategic planning. He secured admission to Imperial College London and ESMT Berlin and chose Germany for its industry-integrated curriculum and growing relevance in global business. A €10,000 scholarship helped, but he still needed €30,000 to cover tuition and living costs. That's when he discovered Prodigy Finance through ESMT's website and joined a webinar in Bangalore. What stood out was their student-first approach, with no collateral, no co-signer, and full clarity on interest rates and foreign exchange costs. Unlike traditional lenders, Prodigy Finance focuses on a student's future earning potential. 'The process was fast, transparent, and truly designed for international students,' Pramendra says. 'We created Prodigy Finance to support students like Pramendra, talented, ambitious, and ready to lead, but held back by traditional lending models,' said Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance. 'Germany is one of the most promising study destinations, and we're proud to help students make that leap.' Prodigy's loan covered both tuition and living expenses, which international students must prove to obtain a visa. Pramendra arrived in Berlin in August 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. With no family support, no backup, and the world in lockdown, the odds were stacked against him. But kindness found him early. His landlord in Germany personally picked him up from the airport and had already arranged everything he would need to settle in. 'In a time when everything felt uncertain, that gesture meant the world,' Pramendra recalls.
India Today
05-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
No, the US isn't shutting out international students. Experts bust myths
There's been a flood of anxiety lately over US student visas. Social media has blown up with claims of cancelled visas, deportations, and funding freezes. But what's happening on the ground? Not quite the disaster it's made out to Swan from the University of Louisville who leads international admissions at the University of Louisville College of Business and has worked with international students for over 14 years, says it best: "The USA is not Hollywood."While he acknowledges isolated visa issues involving specific situations, he explains that the reality for students studying legally is much calmer. Most people on campus would barely notice year-to-year changes if they didn't follow the news, he VERSUS FACTS ON VISASYes, some students have lost their visas -- but those are rare and often involve specific violations. Riane Corter, a University Relations expert from Prodigy Finance, insists there's no blanket policy targeting students."While visa revocations or stricter scrutiny do exist, they're not part of any coordinated effort to push students out," Corter important thing is to stay informed through credible sources, not viral misinformation, she says. STEM OPT STILL SAFE, FOR NOWA lot of the stress comes from proposals, not actual changes. The idea to end the STEM OPT programme is currently just a bill, and not one with major backing at the moment, Corter adds that US universities actively want international students. They're not just tolerated -- they're needed, especially in high-demand areas like STEM, where talent shortages are rely on international students for their STEM strength, both academically and economically, and this isn't likely to change overnight."US universities want international students here, and they're investing in the resources to support them," she FUNDING FREEZE IS NOT WHAT YOU THINKThe so-called "funding freeze" isn't a universal freeze at all. It's a targeted proposal affecting some specific government-backed PhD research -- not the Master's abroad companies face no funding issues when it comes to Master's students. It's still business as usual for those applying for loans, explains Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance.'We understand that students and families are concerned by conflicting reports around funding and visa changes,' she says. 'It's important to cut through the noise." Kapoor puts it clearly: the panic comes from misunderstanding. The reality on the other hand is steady funding, steady support, and no major shake-ups for students who are following the STILL EYEING THE USIn a recent Prodigy Finance 'coffee chat' in Mumbai, the interest in studying in the US was still strong. Students, especially those aiming for STEM courses, aren't giving up on their they're keeping backup plans for places like the UK or Germany, but the US remains the dream destination.'Students know the long-term value of a US degree,' Kapoor explains. 'Despite the political noise, students are not backing out. They're being patient and strategic, not panicking.""They're willing to wait for things to settle down if needed, but their focus is still firmly on American universities," she adds. WHAT'S REALLY GOING ON?Several myths have been fuelling the storm. No, the US isn't randomly deporting international students. Deportations happen only when students violate visa terms or participate in illegal activities, not those who are enrolled and abiding by the there's no sweeping travel ban in place for international students, not for the key countries from where most applicants claims that the US government is broadly 'anti-immigration' need a reality check. Much of the focus in that arena is on undocumented immigration. In contrast, skilled, legally enrolled international students -- the kind US universities love -- are still Trump has stated that he values skilled international talent and supports expanding H1B SYSTEMS STILL STRONGProdigy Finance continues to back students, offering loan options with and without cosigners. Their flexible approach is designed to help students study in the US without major financial hurdles. That's not changing anytime wraps it up best: 'US universities, especially Ivy League schools and other top-tier institutions continue to welcome international students with open arms."And Swan adds a final note: "The US higher education system deeply values international students. If you stay focused on your studies and follow the rules, you're not under threat.'In short? For those with genuine ambitions and a steady head, the US study path is still very much alive -- and Reel advertisement
