Budget 2024: Paving the Way for Affordable Global Education

In regard to Budget 2024, students aspiring for international education have their eyes set on potential policies that could shape their academic journeys. The study abroad sector anticipates measures to make overseas education more accessible and affordable, including targeted scholarship schemes, lower interest rates on education loans, and streamlined visa processes.

The budget holds immense significance for Indian students, especially those in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, as they hope for financial support that will enable them to pursue their dreams of studying abroad. As the government charts its fiscal roadmap, the anticipated emphasis on global education is poised to not only fuel individual academic growth but also elevate India's standing on the global academic stage. The upcoming budget is expected to usher in transformative changes, making international education a more attainable and enriching experience for Indian students.

Career Mosaic- (Leading South Asian recruiting firm for study abroad)
Spokesperson: Mr. Manisha Zaveri, Joint Managing Director.

Quote: We are anticipating the upcoming budget's potential to unlock new opportunities for international student mobility, we are optimistic about the potential of initiatives fostering collaboration between Indian and international universities, creating avenues for cross-cultural learning and research opportunities. A budget that prioritizes global education will not only empower the vibrant minds of young Indians but also solidify India's standing in STEM fields.

With the Indian study abroad, sector poised for a post-pandemic resurgence, the upcoming budget holds immense significance. We expect the government to recognize and harness this potential by implementing measures to make international education more accessible and affordable. This could involve targeted scholarship schemes for Tier 2 and Tier 3 city students, tax benefits for families supporting overseas education, and streamlined visa processes. A supportive budget addressing these aspects will not only enable students to pursue their international education dreams but also contribute significantly to India's long-term economic and intellectual growth."

University Living - (University Living is a global student housing managed marketplace that assists students seeking higher education)
Spokesperson : Mr. Saurabh Arora, CEO, University Living.

Quote: In anticipation of the upcoming budget, we at University Living want to draw the government's attention to essential measures that can profoundly impact Indian students pursuing education abroad. We feel an increase in the fund allocation especially to the higher education sector will be welcomed by the expanding student community in India.

Foremost, we believe lower interest rates on education loans will be a crucial step in alleviating financial burdens for students and their families, enhancing access to education in a destination of one's choice. Further, there is a critical need for an increase in grants and scholarships for Indian students, providing essential financial support to deserving students. Scholarships play a transformative role, offering support and opportunities for talented students facing financial constraints, to successfully pursue their academic journey.

Additionally, a reduction or waiver in Tax Collected at Source (TCS) while remitting money for overseas education and ancillary activities will be a welcome sign. Lowering or waiving off TCS while remitting funds overseas for education will ease the burden on families and encourage more students to explore educational opportunities at a destination of their choice.

Lastly, exploring student concessions on air travel is imperative to make global education economically viable for a broader demographic of students, fostering cultural exchange and elevating India's representation on the global academic stage.
In summary, we hope these comprehensive budgetary considerations aim to create a more supportive environment for Indian students undertaking international education, fostering academic growth, and contributing to India's global educational standing.

Roperro- (Nurtured in the heart of India through the visionary 'Make in India' initiative, Roperro embodies the essence of style and sophistication)
Spokesperson: Ms. Arpita Katyal, CEO, Roperro

Quote: As a woman entrepreneur deeply embedded in the essence of 'Make in India' dealing in retail and e-commerce, our pre-budget expectations for 2024 echo the heartbeat of empowerment, emphasizing employability, affordability, and strategic tax rebates. The upcoming budget holds the key to unlocking transformative opportunities for budding businesses and e-commerce, propelling us to be catalysts for change.
In the spirit of 'Make in India,' I anticipate policies that not only foster business growth but also prioritize employability. A budget that champions skill development initiatives and incentivizes job creation will not only fortify upcoming businesses but also contribute significantly to national progress.

Affordability is the linchpin of any entrepreneurial journey. We look forward to measures that not only ease the cost of doing business but also make sourcing quality raw material, products and services accessible to a broader audience within the country. This, coupled with strategic tax rebates, will not only bolster financial viability but also inspire confidence in women entrepreneurs like me to scale greater heights.
The forthcoming budget is an opportunity for the government to reaffirm its commitment to women entrepreneurs and supporting our role in shaping the 'Make in India' narrative. I am optimistic that the fiscal roadmap for 2024-25 will be a testament to the government's dedication to fostering an environment where women-led businesses thrive, creating a legacy of empowerment, affordability, and economic vibrancy