NovaGrad, an artificial intelligence-powered platform created by UK-based Prodigy Finance, helps African and Latin American students navigate the complex process of studying abroad by identifying common planning mistakes that can hinder applications.
The platform said many applicants are missing out on the opportunity to attend universities abroad, not because of their academic ability, but because early decisions create later complications such as visa applications, financial planning, and documentation.
“Studying abroad can change a student’s life, and for students from poor families, it can change the future of their entire family,” said Mariana Alcocer, vice president of acquisitions at Prodigy Finance and spokesperson for Novagrad.
“For many families in Africa and Latin America, it’s more than just a degree; it’s years of savings, real sacrifices and the hope for a better life for the next generation. That’s why proper planning is not 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 routes and career opportunities associated with their degree.
Many applicants start the process by choosing popular destinations such as the UK, Canada and Australia, influenced by friends and social media success stories. But the platform said students often struggle later to explain what kind of jobs their chosen programs will lead to, or how they plan to stay in the country after graduation.
NovaGrad advises students to start with their intended career outcomes before choosing a program, country or university. By first identifying the skills needed for the job in question, students can choose the academic and academic destinations where graduates have the best chance of securing employment.
Another big challenge identified by AI platforms is related to financial planning.
Novagrad said that while much of the discussion about studying abroad often revolves around tuition fees, many families underestimate the additional costs involved. These include accommodation deposits, visa fees, airline tickets, health insurance, transportation costs, and daily living expenses.
Currency fluctuations can disrupt financial planning, especially for households where the local currency depreciates between the application stage and the payment deadline.
The platform noted that if students don’t prepare early, these overlooked costs can quickly strain budgets and delay plans.
A third common issue concerns how students manage their application schedules.
Novagrad says that while many applicants treat the process as a single deadline, it actually involves multiple stages that move at different speeds. Standardized test appointments, transcript requests, letters of recommendation, document translations, and visa appointments all need to be arranged well in advance.
In some African and Latin American countries, administrative delays in obtaining official documents can confuse the entire process and force students to rush submissions or miss out on scholarship opportunities.
Alcocer said students who successfully navigate this process are often those who start preparing early and maintain a clear focus on their post-graduation plans.
“Students who start early, plan realistically for their finances, and stay focused on their desired career outcomes can keep their options open when the process becomes stressful,” she said.
NovaGrad advised students planning to apply for the upcoming international admissions cycle to prioritize time-consuming documents, prepare a year-round financial plan other than tuition fees, and be flexible in their application schedule.
The company says its platform combines artificial intelligence and data insights from Prodigy Finance’s international student support experience to help applicants explore universities, check eligibility for programs and scholarships, and more effectively plan their studies abroad.
