NovaGrad Uses AI to Simplify Study Abroad Planning for African and Latin American Students
NovaGrad, an artificial intelligence-powered platform from UK-based Prodigy Finance, is transforming how students from Africa and Latin America approach studying abroad. The platform identifies common mistakes in planning applications that can derail dreams, such as visa complications, financial miscalculations, and missed deadlines. For many, these issues—not academic ability—determine whether they succeed in securing a spot at overseas universities.
“Studying abroad can change a student’s life, and for students from humble backgrounds, it can change an entire family’s future,” said Mariana Alcocer, vice president of acquisition at Prodigy Finance. She emphasized that proper planning is crucial for families who invest years of savings and hope in their children’s education, noting that even small oversights can jeopardize a lifelong dream.
One of the most common pitfalls, NovaGrad reports, is selecting a destination before considering visa pathways and career opportunities. Students often choose countries like the UK, Canada, or Australia based on popularity or social media influence, but later struggle to articulate their professional plans or post-graduation options. NovaGrad recommends identifying a target career first, then selecting degrees and universities that align with viable employment prospects.
Financial planning is another major hurdle. Tuition fees are just the beginning—students and families often underestimate costs such as accommodation deposits, visa fees, health insurance, flights, and everyday living expenses. Currency fluctuations can further disrupt budgets, especially for families relying on weaker local currencies. NovaGrad advises creating a full-year funding plan that accounts for all potential expenses to avoid last-minute financial pressure.
Finally, managing application timelines is critical. Students frequently treat studying abroad as a single deadline, overlooking the multiple stages involved, from standardized tests and document translations to visa appointments. Delays in official documents, common in several African and Latin American countries, can force rushed submissions or missed scholarships. NovaGrad combines AI insights with Prodigy Finance’s experience to guide applicants through each step—helping them explore universities, check eligibility for programmes and scholarships, and ultimately plan a smoother study abroad journey.
source: punch