upGrad launches ‘Study Abroad’ program for learners

With its commitment to deliver quality transnational education, upGrad, South Asia’s largest higher edtech, in a most recent move, announces ‘Study Abroad’ program, to enable learners experience on-campus learning with renowned international universities.

The idea of this initiative draws back from a recent survey conducted by the edtech leader, wherein it was found that a lot of upGrad learners and alumni are still willing to travel and study abroad, to find employment in foreign regions. Responding to such emerging demands, but also keeping affordability in mind, as not everybody in such testing times is willing to make heavier financial commitments, upGrad has designed this unique model offering.

According to UNESCO, there were 5 million international students across the globe in 2018 and 750,000 of those happened to be from India during the pre-COVID era. These students used to spend nearly $15 Billion each year to study abroad. However, the pandemic has unwillingly forced students across the country to rethink their decision of traveling overseas. That is where the differentiation of the 'Study Abroad' program comes into the picture – learners can now study online this year, and by next year when there are indications of green shoots, they can move abroad.

The program is designed carefully keeping in mind the online cost for 1 year, which is 1/10th of the offline expenses, thus offering dual benefits of being cost-effective, with an added advantage of mobility. Learners under this arrangement, have a chance to study abroad and explore job opportunities in the respective region as per their choice in the coming future, at a cost significantly lesser than what they would have to pay for a fully on-campus foreign course.