From Indian Government Colleges to Harvard: Study Abroad Myths Busted

The trend of studying abroad often starts as a wish, but oftentimes some are held back by financial hurdles or  hesitate because they come from modest schooling backgrounds, like government or small-town institutions. In India, where education standards are high and competition is intense, this worry is real. Job interviewers frequently show bias, with candidates from popular or "posh" universities regarded with more respect, although equally competent students from lesser-known colleges are not necessarily treated equally.

The good news is that overseas it works differently. Universities care more about talent, effort, and potential than the name of your school. Students from government colleges or even small-town backgrounds are treated equally.

There’s also a common myth that only students from elite undergraduate colleges can make it to top MBAs abroad. In reality, schools like Harvard, INSEAD, LBS, and Wharton focus on academics, test scores, and work experience, not your college brand. At Prodigy Finance, too we take the same approach. “We look at a student’s future earning potential, not just where they studied before. If you’ve been accepted into one of our supported schools that fall under our supported countries, you’ll get the same support as someone from a private or elite university. Our mission is to make sure talented students, no matter their background, can access world-class education. A student from a government college with strong grades and a good GMAT score stands shoulder to shoulder with peers from more elite universities,” said Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance.

Study abroad can be more smooth if planned early; instead of spending a fortune on private colleges, students can complete their undergraduate degree at a recognised university, build a strong profile, and prepare early for exams like the GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS, which carry significant weight in admissions. According to the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), undergraduate technical courses in India typically cost between ₹79,000 and ₹1.9 lakh per year.  Families can save up-to ₹25–40 lakhs (USD 30,000–50,000), which can later be used for an international MBA, an investment that often brings much higher returns in career growth and salaries.

Going abroad with no bachelor’s degree or experience is the reason many students get trapped in low paying survival jobs that don’t match their long-term goals. A recognised bachelor’s degree with good scores and relevant work experience  or even a LinkedIn endorsement from a senior can give students a head start when applying for internships, fellowships, and job placements overseas.

Most top MBA programs also expect 2 to 5 years of work experience. Gaining that in Indian companies, startups, or family businesses equips graduates with practical skills that help them stand out. You don’t need the “perfect” degree or heavy spending at the start. A bachelor’s degree with a good score from a recognised university, plus some work experience, is often enough to get started. With the right financial planning, your background doesn’t hold you back, your future is still yours to shape.