NovaGrad uses AI to make studying abroad easier

NovaGrad, an artificial intelligence-powered platform created by UK-based Prodigy Finance, is helping students in Africa and Latin America navigate the complex process of studying abroad by identifying common planning mistakes that can derail applications.

The platform said many applicants lose opportunities at overseas universities not because of academic ability but due to early decisions that later cause complications with visa applications, financial planning, and document submissions.

“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 and a spokesperson for NovaGrad.

“For many families across Africa and Latin America, it’s not just a degree. It’s years of saving, real sacrifice, and hope for a better life for the next generation. That’s why planning properly isn’t optional; it’s what protects that dream,” she added.

According to NovaGrad, one of the most common mistakes students make is choosing a country before understanding the visa pathway and career opportunities tied to their degree.

Many applicants begin the process by selecting popular destinations such as the United Kingdom, Canada or Australia, often influenced by friends or social media success stories. However, the platform said students frequently struggle later to explain what job their chosen programme leads to or how they plan to remain in the country after graduation.

NovaGrad advises students to start with their intended career outcome before selecting a programme, country or university. By identifying the skills required for a target job first, students can then choose academic pathways and destinations where graduates are more likely to secure employment.

Another major challenge identified by the AI platform relates to financial planning.

While tuition fees often dominate discussions about studying abroad, NovaGrad said many families underestimate the additional costs involved. These include accommodation deposits, visa fees, flights, health insurance, transportation and everyday living expenses.

Currency fluctuations can also disrupt financial plans, particularly for families whose local currencies weaken between the application stage and when payments are due.

The platform noted that these overlooked costs can quickly strain budgets and delay plans if students do not prepare for them early.

A third common issue involves the way students manage application timelines.

NovaGrad said many applicants treat the process as a single deadline, when in reality it involves multiple stages that move at different speeds. Standardised test bookings, transcript requests, recommendation letters, document translations and visa appointments must all be coordinated well in advance.

In several African and Latin American countries, administrative delays in obtaining official documents can disrupt the entire process, forcing students to rush submissions or miss scholarship opportunities.

Alcocer said students who navigate the process successfully are often those who begin preparations early and maintain a clear focus on their post-graduation plans.

“Students who start early, plan their finances realistically and stay focused on the career outcomes they want are the ones who keep their options open when the process becomes stressful,” she said.

NovaGrad advised students planning to apply for upcoming international admission cycles to prioritise time-consuming documents, prepare a full-year funding plan beyond tuition fees and build flexibility into their application schedules.

The company said its platform combines artificial intelligence with data insights from Prodigy Finance’s experience in supporting international students to help applicants explore universities, check eligibility for programmes and scholarships, and plan their study abroad journey more effectively.