London, Mar 6: In 2025, studying abroad became more uncertain than many students expected. The new rules on Visa policies in the USA and rising financial concerns made thousands rethink their plans to study abroad. Many postponed their applications. Some chose different countries. Others dropped the idea entirely.
Harini Shanmugasundaram chose a different path. Today, the young dentist from Chennai is pursuing her master’s degree in Biomedical Science with a concentration in neuroscience at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Just a few years ago, the thought of studying and working in research labs thousands of miles away from home felt like something far beyond her reach.
After completing her dentistry degree in Chennai in 2024, Harini began her career as an intern at a government dental hospital in her hometown; everything was moving exactly as planned. But somewhere in the background, a different kind of curiosity was taking shape.
Like many people, Harini watched the pandemic unfold in real time. She saw how the world came to a standstill as researchers across countries raced to find answers. The speed, urgency and scale of that global effort stayed with her.
“It was fascinating to see how scientists, governments and pharmaceutical companies came together to solve a real-world problem,” Harini says. “That’s when I realised healthcare is not only about clinical practice. There is a whole world of research that shapes the future of medicine.”
It was at that point she began to explore biomedical research. She researched postgraduate programs in various countries and ultimately chose the US due to its strong research ecosystem and thriving biotechnology industry.
However, the timing was far from ideal. When Harini received her admission offer, visa uncertainty dominated international student discussions. Many applicants reconsidered their decisions. At the same time, universities across the United States were dealing with federal research funding cuts, adding another layer of uncertainty for students planning to pursue research-based programmes.
Still, everything fell into place just in time. Her admission and loan approval came days before a worldwide pause on visa applications. She managed to secure an appointment, attended her interview, and received her visa.
When she arrived on campus, she discovered something unexpected. She was the only Indian student in her program.
Harini’s biggest challenge was not academic. It was financial. Coming from a modest family background, Harini did not want her parents to carry the burden of funding her international education. “They did offer to support me,” she says. “But I wanted this decision to be completely mine.” Harini chose to take responsibility for her study abroad journey herself. She applied for an international student loan through Prodigy Finance and received approval in just ten days. The quick support allowed her to continue her plans without placing pressure on her parents.
Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, says stories like Harini’s reflect the resilience and ambition of many international students. “At Prodigy Finance, we believe talented students should not have to pause their dreams because of financial barriers,” Kapoor says. Even during a year of visa uncertainties, Harini remained determined. She secured funding based on her future earning potential, making sure her family did not have to carry the financial burden.
Studying abroad has its own challenges, and Harini felt it hard; her first few months meant adjusting to a new way of studying, learning to live in a different country, experiencing a new culture, and dealing with moments of homesickness. Looking back now, she sees that period as part of her growth.
Her ambitions now go far beyond earning a degree. Harini hopes to pursue a PhD and eventually start a biotechnology company focused on developing solutions that improve people’s lives, and hopes to bring that innovation back to India in the future.
This Women’s Day, her story carries a simple message for young women across the country. When Harini first spoke about studying abroad, some people suggested she should think about marriage before her education. She never opposed the idea of marriage. She simply believed building something for herself had to come first. Her journey from Chennai to New Jersey shows what determination and curiosity can achieve. Sometimes the most powerful decision a woman can make is simply choosing her own future.