Learner Aid, a premium consultancy focused on studying abroad, is marking its fourth year of coming into existence in 2025. From the start, the company has been dedicated to providing excellent end-to-end consultancy services relating to global education. The services empower students to make their dreams of studying abroad possible while the people at Learner Aid walk with them hand-in-hand.
Today, we are thrilled to share that Learner Aid has been featured in Forbes India. The coverage highlights our founder, Palak Neema, visionary insights and take on studying abroad in 2025. The blog also recognizes how the changes in rules in countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, and the US are going to affect this landscape of study abroad in 2025 and the coming years.
The article, titled ‘Studying Abroad in 2025: How to Navigate the New Rules Issued by Canada, Australia, and Other Countries’, revolves around the notable changes that are sure to impact global education. Simultaneously, Palak’s perspective based on years of experience in guiding students toward global success has been featured. This also cements Learner Aid’s reputation and positions the firm as one of the leaders in the international education space.
A quick recap of new rules, as introduced by countries
Canada
There are new regulatory changes to control the flow of international students. In 2024, the government implemented a two-year cap on study permits, cutting approvals by 35% in 2024, with an additional 10% reduction expected in 2025. Financial requirements have increased, with students needing to show CAD $20,635 for living expenses. Additionally, students from private institutions will no longer qualify for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) from 2024 onwards, and Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) must verify acceptance letters to prevent fraud.
Australia
Many of the students we’ve worked with are now facing steeper financial requirements. The student visa application fee has been raised from AUD 710 to AUD 1600 and now requires proof of at least AUD 29,710 in funds to cover living expenses. English language proficiency requirements have become stricter, and the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion now demands stronger proof of financial stability and intent to return home after studies. These changes increase the scrutiny of financial documentation and overall eligibility.
The USA
The F1 visa process has become more stringent. Visa interviews are also more focused on genuine answers about the student’s intent to study a specific course at a particular university, with an emphasis on how the program aligns with their academic and career goals. Additionally, Once an appointment is scheduled, if the DS-160 form is not submitted on time, the form number cannot be changed resulting in appointment cancellation. The timely release of visa slots is another challenge for students, complicating the process of securing appointments for interviews.
United Kingdom
The visa fee has surged to £490 with an increase of 35%. Although the fee rise alone isn’t a deal-breaker for most, many students are now considering more affordable options where quality education can still be attained without breaking the bank.
Palak Neema’s perspective, as featured in Forbes
The article is covered by one of the Forbes India Staff, Anubhuti Matta, spotlighting Palak’s thought leadership and deep understanding of the challenges. Here are the key strategies that Palak discusses, to deal with the new rules.
Emerging alternatives
With a 90% visa success rate, Ireland has started to become a top choice in student preferences for study abroad destinations. This highlights access to world-class education in Europe for aspiring students, especially for non-native speakers like Indian students.
Academic and language preparation
Students can start early on test preparation to secure strong scores. This will also allow time for retakes if there is a need as well as increase the chances of scholarships or any other financial aid. Brownie points? Students will no longer be feeling any last-minute stress.
As Australia is now demanding students to prove a genuine intent to study and mention their academic goals in their statements & interviews, students may require proper counseling to ensure that they communicate effectively.
Enhance Your Profile
Students who don’t have a strong academic background can consider pursuing different certifications to add to their profile. This might increase their chances of selection.
Financial Preparedness
Like in Australia, where visa processes demand rigorous scrutiny of financial documents, families should plan strategically. Parents can budget early for tuition, living expenses, visa fees, insurance, and other unexpected costs.
Certain education loans that offer interest-only or deferred repayment options further ease financial burdens. Moreover, securing scholarships and financial grants can also cut down costs.
Ways Learner Aid can help students succeed in their study abroad goals
End-to-end Counseling
People at Learner Aid believe in offering services that make a difference. So for them, it is not just about providing options to their students, but rather understanding their academic goals, aligning options with them, and walking hand-in-hand in each step right from shortlisting universities till the students are settled abroad.
University Shortlisting and Selection
Learner Aid helps in personalized guidance. From providing options a student can pursue depending on his/her previous academic background to the final selection of the country, city, course, and university after a thorough analysis of student choices and possibilities.
Complete Profile Building
The company strives for the students to identify their strengths and make impactful applications for world-renowned universities. Counselors at Learner Aid also help them curate compelling essays and genuinely represent their voices with a personal touch.
Visa and Interview Preparedness
Get ready to crack an interview with Learner Aid. When it comes to preparations, the company doesn’t lag behind. There are multiple mock interviews conducted to ensure that students present themselves effectively.
Strategic Financial Planning
Forget the mess of managing your finances for studies abroad. The experts here take care of the financial burden of studying abroad by helping students secure scholarships, loans, assistantships, and bursaries.
Pre-departure and Post-arrival Support
Everything students need to know before they take the flight till the moment they set up a new home in their host country, Learner Aid ensures to accompany them with career opportunities there, visa status changes, work-study programs, etc.
Conclusion
Being featured in Forbes is nothing less than a blissful vision. It is a result of the team’s dedication to putting all the right efforts into supporting students in their dreams of studying abroad. The team abides by the rules and regulations and promises to evolve their strategies as the policies evolve.
We would like you to read the full Forbes Article and gain deeper insights into Palak’s vision, perspective, and the upcoming of the industry.
