Prodigy Finance Warns Students Against Rushed Overseas Education Choices

Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, said students as early as Class 11 are enquiring about loans, making early research on universities, careers and ROI more important.

London, May 2026: Rising overseas education demand is pushing more Indian students to plan international degrees earlier, even as inflation and the weakening value of the Indian Rupee add pressure to the financial decision.
According to Prodigy Finance, visa queues are getting longer, education loan enquiries are increasing and students are beginning study abroad planning earlier than before. The United States remains the top choice for overseas education in 2026, followed closely by the United Kingdom, while Germany, Canada and Australia continue to gain interest.
For many Indian students, studying in the United States is linked to better opportunities, global exposure and long term career growth. Prodigy Finance noted that students who plan carefully, choose the right university and align their studies with career goals can benefit from strong academic and professional outcomes.

The concern, however, is that some students choose universities mainly for the appeal of an international degree without fully studying the institution, job outcomes or long term value. Some begin planning immediately after school because of pressure, trends or social perception, rather than a clear understanding of the academic and financial roadmap.
Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, said, “Today, we’re seeing students as early as Class 11 enquiring about education loans and overseas education pathways. Ambition is good, but without proper planning, studying abroad can quickly become financially and emotionally stressful.”

Kapoor said one of the biggest issues is the late realisation problem. “We’ve seen students join universities without fully understanding career opportunities or post-study outcomes, only to realise midway through the course that the university or programme isn’t helping them move forward. In many cases, students later try to switch universities or reapply elsewhere once they understand the gap. That transition often comes with a major financial and emotional cost.”
She added that this is especially common among Indian students who prioritise destination over long term fit. Kapoor said, “One wrong decision in studying abroad can impact much more than finances. We’ve interacted with students who struggled mentally and emotionally because they rushed the process or followed trends instead of asking the right questions early.”

At the same time, Prodigy Finance said there is a positive shift among master’s students, senior students and parents, who are becoming more aware of return on investment. Students are now asking more questions about employability, visa pathways, post study work opportunities and salary outcomes.
Kapoor added, “That is why we at Prodigy Finance always encourage students to ask questions, connect with alumni, and use open forums to understand the reality of studying abroad before making a decision. Platforms like NovaGrad can also help students explore scholarships, guidance, and university options early in the process. The more informed a student is before applying, the better their overall experience tends to be. Unplanned decisions usually only create more pressure later.”

Founded in 2007, Prodigy Finance is an international student lender that has helped over 45,000 international master’s students attend top universities. The company has disbursed over $2.3 billion in funding to students from more than 150 countries. Its borderless lending model allows students to apply for loans based on future earning potential, along with other eligibility, funding and credit assessment criteria.

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