Beyond borders: Stories of students who walked through our open doors


Meet students from South Africa, India, Nigeria, Lebanon and Brazil who turned their study abroad dreams into reality with Prodigy Finance — funding designed to open doors, not limit them.
Dreaming of studying abroad can feel exhilarating and daunting. For many ambitious students, the challenge isn’t about grades or acceptance letters, but the barriers that come with funding their education. This is where Prodigy Finance steps in.
We’ve always believed that talent should open doors, not zip codes or collateral requirements. Over the years, we’ve supported students from 120+ countries on their journeys to the world’s top universities. These are not just numbers, they’re living, breathing stories of determination, courage, and success.
This blog shares real international student success stories, Prodigy Finance student stories of individuals who crossed borders, overcame barriers, and built new futures with the support of funding designed for global learners.
Heath’s story from South Africa to Switzerland
When Heath Hartle from South Africa set his sights on an MBA at IMD Business School, the hurdles weren’t academic; they were financial.
“I expected loan issues to be a significant barrier to entry in my MBA journey, especially as a South African, but the process was a known checklist of items with detailed reasoning that allowed me to take the next step towards an MBA within a few days.”
With Prodigy Finance, Heath discovered that what seemed like a locked door could open with the right support. Instead of months of uncertainty, he had clarity within days, giving him the confidence to step forward and focus on the opportunity that lay ahead.
Ezinneamaka’s path from Nigeria to Spain
For Ezinneamaka Ndubisi, stepping into the lecture halls of IESE Business School in Barcelona meant more than pursuing an MBA. It meant joining a global family of peers and mentors.
“Being able to participate in this world-class MBA programme, to meet and learn from this diverse mix of international students and professors and open myself up to endless career possibilities has all been made possible by Prodigy.”
Her journey is a reminder that when barriers are removed, opportunities multiply. Today, she is part of a network that stretches across continents, and her education abroad success story began with accessible funding.
Jad’s story from Lebanon
Lebanese student Jad Haidar wanted to future-proof his career with an MBA at Grenoble Ecole de Management. What he didn’t expect was how quickly his dream could move from “someday” to “today.”
“I filed an online application, passed the verification stage, and got my loan acceptance in less than one week through a very facilitated process. The team was superbly cooperative.”
For Jad, the process wasn’t just about approval; it was about confidence. Funding study abroad with Prodigy Finance meant he could act decisively, secure his place, and move forward without hesitation.
Kartik’s story from India
For Kartik Prabhu, admitted to Indiana University’s MBA programme, the financial barrier was real.
“As someone who couldn't use family funds for my MBA, I spent a lot of time researching options for funding it entirely on my own. Indian banks seemed like an obvious option, but the need for collateral and a co-signer made them unsuitable for me. That’s when I came across Prodigy.”
After speaking to alumni and comparing options, Kartik realised he could fully fund his education independently without leaning on his family or pledging assets.
His story illustrates why Prodigy Finance exists: to provide access to loans without collateral or co-signer requirements* for most students, making international education genuinely borderless.
Eduardo’s journey from Brazil to Barcelona
For Eduardo Bork Alvo, studying at IESE was never just about career advancement; it was about building the skills to contribute to society.
“Prodigy is a synonym for access to high-quality education. The opportunity to attain high-level studies enables the development of personal and professional skills such that one day, students can return this investment to society and make an impact.”
Eduardo’s story reflects the cycle of impact: when one door opens, many others follow for students, their families, and the communities they return to uplift.
What these global student journeys share
Each of these success stories of international students looks different. A student from South Africa, another from Nigeria, one from Lebanon, one from India, and one from Brazil, each with their own journey, challenges, and dreams. What unites them is not where they came from or where they studied, but the fact that they all found a way forward with Prodigy Finance.
Common threads run through their experiences:
Accessibility without borders: Loans available to students from 120+ countries.
No collateral, no co-signer required for most students*: A unique model that opens access where traditional banks close doors.
Confidence through clarity: An online process designed to be transparent, supportive, and efficient.
Funding that meets real needs: Loans that cover tuition and living expenses, sent directly to schools when needed.
Repayments that respect timing: Payments begin after your grace period (regular), giving you space to start your career first.
These are not abstract benefits, they’re lived experiences of thousands of students who took the leap, secured funding, and created stories of transformation.
Could this be your story?
Studying abroad isn’t just about the degree. It’s about the friendships that cross continents, the careers that shift industries, and the perspectives that reshape lives. If you’ve been wondering whether funding could stand in your way, these real stories of studying abroad show otherwise.
Your dream university may be closer than you think.
👉Check your eligibility today and take the first step to opening doors beyond borders.