Introduction
Studying abroad offers invaluable experiences, but managing accommodation expenses can be challenging for many Indian students. Recognizing this, Acumen, part of the Sannam S4 Group, has partnered with University Living to introduce the ‘Living Scholarships’, a fund worth INR 2 crore aimed at easing housing costs for Indian students enrolling in universities across the UK, Ireland, Australia, the US, and Canada.
Scholarship Overview
Purpose
The primary goal of the ‘Living Scholarships’ is to alleviate the financial burden associated with accommodation expenses, allowing students to focus on their academic pursuits and personal development without the added stress of securing housing abroad.
Scope
- Total Fund: INR 2 crore
- Participating Countries: UK, Ireland, Australia, US, Canada
- University Partners: Over 50 institutions collaborating with Acumen and University Living
Benefits for Students
Starting March 2025, eligible students accepted into Acumen’s partner universities can receive up to one month of free accommodation. This initiative facilitates a smoother transition into a new country, enabling students to settle in, build connections, and commence their studies in a secure and comfortable environment.
Rising Accommodation Costs: A Concern for Indian Students
According to University Living’s Indian Student Mobility Report 2024, Indian students’ expenditure on housing has seen a significant uptick between 2019 and 2022:
- United States: Increased from $1.9 billion to $2.4 billion
- Canada: Rose from $1.7 billion to $1.8 billion
- Australia: Jumped from $0.8 billion to $1.2 billion
- United Kingdom: Notable surge from $0.4 billion to $1.4 billion
These figures underscore the growing financial challenges students face in securing suitable accommodation abroad.
Statements from Key Leaders
Sagar Bahadur, Executive Director – South and Southeast Asia at Acumen, emphasized:
“Studying abroad can be overwhelming, especially during the initial months. With this groundbreaking partnership, we’re not just helping students find a place to stay; we’re offering them peace of mind and the confidence they need to thrive academically and socially from day one.”
Saurabh Arora, CEO of University Living, added:
“We believe that financial challenges should not be a barrier to achieving your dreams. Through this scholarship with Acumen, we are committed to providing support to the student, for their second biggest expense when they plan to study abroad.”
How Kandor Can Assist
Navigating international scholarships and accommodation options can be complex. Kandor simplifies this process by offering:
- Personalized Guidance: Tailored advice on selecting suitable universities and understanding scholarship opportunities.
- Application Support: Assistance in preparing and submitting scholarship applications to enhance success rates.
- Accommodation Solutions: Helping students find affordable and comfortable housing options in their chosen study destinations.
- Ongoing Assistance: Continuous support throughout the study abroad journey, ensuring students have a seamless experience.
With Kandor’s expertise, students can confidently pursue their international education goals, knowing they have a dedicated team to support them every step of the way.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Acumen and University Living marks a significant step in supporting Indian students aspiring to study abroad. By addressing accommodation challenges through the ‘Living Scholarships,’ this initiative ensures that financial constraints do not hinder academic ambitions. Students interested in benefiting from this scholarship should explore the eligibility criteria and application process promptly.
