From Nepal to Germany: Pramendra Kushwaha’s journey to studying abroad with Prodigy Finance
Discover how Pramendra Kushwaha moved from Nepal to Germany to study at ESMT Berlin, navigating funding, visas, and career growth with Prodigy Finance.
Studying abroad is a dream for many students, but the reality often feels complex. Between visas, tuition fees, living costs, and adapting to a new culture, the path forward can seem overwhelming.
Pramendra Kushwaha’s journey shows what’s possible with determination, planning, and the right support. Born in Nepal, raised partly in India, and now building his career in Germany, Pramendra pursued a Master’s in Management at ESMT Berlin with support from Prodigy Finance. His story reflects resilience, ambition, and the growing appeal of Europe as a study destination.
Early life and education
Pramendra was born in the mountains of Nepal to a Nepali father and Indian mother, growing up immersed in two cultures from an early age. He completed his schooling in Nepal before moving to Bangalore, India, to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration at Bangalore University.
Living in Bangalore, often called the “Silicon Valley of Asia,” exposed him to diverse perspectives and global career aspirations. During his undergraduate studies, Pramendra interned with multiple organisations, including fintech firms and ITC Limited, gaining hands-on experience alongside strong academic results.
Before graduating, he secured a role with the Tata Group. His confidence, strong performance in finance and quantitative subjects, involvement in extracurricular activities, and commitment to community service helped him stand out early in his career.
The decision to study abroad
Despite having a stable job in India, Pramendra felt ready for a new challenge. He wanted deeper exposure to international business practices and the opportunity to grow beyond a predefined role.
Germany stood out as a study destination for several reasons:
Cultural exposure: Access to Europe’s diverse markets and cultures
Quality of life: Strong social systems, healthcare, and overall stability
Affordability: Competitive tuition fees compared to similar programmes elsewhere
Career security: Employment frameworks that support long-term professional growth
For Pramendra, Germany offered the right balance of academic rigour, lifestyle, and future opportunity.
Why did he choose ESMT Berlin
Pramendra selected ESMT Berlin for its globally recognised curriculum, strong industry connections, and leadership-focused approach. The programme blends theory with practical learning, including internships and social impact projects.
Scholarship opportunities and flexible payment structures also played an important role, helping him align his financial planning with his long-term goals.
Securing admission and the German student visa
Pramendra applied to ESMT Berlin in November and received his offer, along with a scholarship, by early January. To confirm his place, he paid a refundable deposit, which reduced risk while waiting for visa approval.
With funding support in place, he was able to prepare his visa application confidently. His documentation included:
admission confirmation,
academic transcripts,
passport, and
proof of funding, including his Prodigy Finance approval.
The visa process was completed efficiently, allowing him to focus on preparing for life in Germany.
Adapting to life in Germany
Arriving in Berlin brought new experiences and challenges. While ESMT Berlin teaches in English, the university also offers free German language classes, helping international students integrate more smoothly.
Germany’s culture places strong emphasis on punctuality and professionalism. Attendance is taken seriously, and preparation is expected. Pramendra also learned to navigate practical requirements such as city registration and residence permits, which are essential for a smooth study experience.
Financial planning and support from Prodigy Finance
Financing international education is often one of the biggest hurdles for students. Pramendra found that traditional lenders required extensive documentation and collateral, which made the process more complicated.
Prodigy Finance offered a more streamlined, student-focused approach. Funding was structured around his programme and future career prospects, with disbursement handled when we send the funds to your school. For Germany-bound students, funding can also support required living-cost arrangements, in line with visa requirements.
Repayments begin after your grace period, allowing graduates time to transition into their careers.
Academic and professional growth
During his master’s programme, Pramendra gained valuable experience through internships, including with Bosch. By graduation, he had accumulated significant relevant work exposure alongside his academic training.
Today, he works as a Financial Controller at Arcade Engineering, managing international projects across sectors such as semiconductors and industrial construction. His role involves collaboration with teams in Germany, Switzerland, Singapore, and Japan.
German workplace culture encourages ownership, accountability, and open discussion, allowing Pramendra to contribute ideas and grow professionally.
Lessons and advice for future students
Pramendra’s guiding principle is simple: never settle for less. He believes growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.
His advice for students considering Germany includes:
Learn the language: Even basic German opens more doors
Build technical skills: Tools like Excel, Power BI, Python, and SAP add real value
Embrace cultural differences: Adaptability is a strength
Seek challenges: Choose roles that push you to learn
Use internships and networking: Practical experience matters
Why Germany stands out for international students
Germany combines academic excellence with affordability and strong social support systems. International students benefit from:
recognised degrees,
access to healthcare and social security, and
opportunities across Europe’s interconnected job markets.
This balance allows students to focus on learning, growth, and career development.
How Prodigy Finance supports global education
Prodigy Finance supports international students studying at leading universities worldwide. The approach is designed to remove financial barriers, so students can focus on their education and future.
Funding is structured around academic programmes and career outcomes, with a process built for international study journeys.
Final thoughts
Pramendra Kushwaha’s story shows that with determination, careful planning, and the right support, studying abroad can become a reality.
From Nepal to Germany, his journey reflects how education, resilience, and global exposure can shape a fulfilling career. For students considering Europe as a study destination, his experience offers reassurance that ambitious goals are achievable.
Ready to explore your study abroad plans?
If you’re considering Germany or another European destination, you can explore whether Prodigy Finance may support your plans.
Prodigy Finance is an international lender, and applicants from 120+ countries are eligible to apply for funding at supported universities worldwide. This means students from a wide range of nationalities can access financing for study destinations across Europe and beyond, subject to eligibility and programme support.
