upGrad builds a smart Study Abroad Pathway with SUNY to Accelerate India's Global Student Mobility

Indian Express

24-05-2025

It's a no-brainer that Indian students are embracing global education like never before – Indian students are embracing international education with unprecedented enthusiasm, from the Ivy leagues of the U.S. to the innovation hubs of Germany, the cultural melting pots of Australia to the research-rich campuses of Ireland.
And 2025? It's shaping up to be a breakout year for outbound Indian learners.
But we would also have to acknowledge the external ongoings that we see around – geopolitical instability is redrawing immigration policies overnight, AI is moving faster than most universities (and employers) can adapt, and Gen Z learning preferences are evolving toward modular, skill-first education. Micro-credentials, stackable degrees, and hybrid learning pathways are becoming the new normal.
What's more interesting – the demand isn't just coming from India's top metros anymore. Students from Tier 2 and 3 cities, backed by rising disposable incomes and access to information, are now eyeing global education as a viable and sometimes essential – step to secure their future. Those belonging to this demography are usually 'price-conscious' and 'value-conscious' at the same time and therefore prefer affordable degrees that do not compromise on the quality of education.
And this ambition isn't just anecdotal – it's backed by data.
Beyond Migration: Why Indian Students are Opting to Study Abroad
According to upGrad's Study Abroad Report from last year, which draws insights from over 25,000 respondents across India, the motivation to study overseas is shifting. Today's students aren't chasing passports, they're chasing possibilities. The top driver? Access to better job opportunities and future-forward careers, not just migration.
This flips the traditional narrative. Far from being driven solely by wanderlust or cultural curiosity, Indian aspirants are prioritising global academic exposure, practical learning, and long-term career readiness. It's a pragmatic, ROI-focused mindset; where international education is seen less as a leap of faith, and more as a calculated investment.
Interestingly, the data reveals that students from ISC and CBSE boards form the largest cohort of study abroad hopefuls, indicating strong academic intent and a high degree of readiness to take on global education ecosystems.
A Smarter Way to the U.S. Without the Usual Barriers
While destinations like Germany and France are steadily climbing the preference charts, the United States continues to hold its ground as the gold standard for global education – thanks to its world-class universities, unmatched research infrastructure, and deep integration with global employers across sectors.
Yet, for many Indian families, the U.S. dream often comes with asterisks: soaring tuition fees, opaque admissions processes, and increasing concerns around post-study migration policies. Understandably, the apprehension still lingers.
But here's the shift: The U.S. is evolving too and so are the pathways to get there
From hybrid models that allow students to start their coursework affordably from India to universities offering flexible credit transfer systems and work-integrated programs, the barriers are coming down. The new approach is designed for scale, affordability, and certainty, making the American degree not just aspirational, but accessible. For Indian students looking to future-proof their careers while tapping into the world's most powerful knowledge economy, the U.S. remains not just relevant, but smarter than ever.
Begin Your U.S. Degree in India, Graduate from SUNY in New York
Building on the new-age approach, The State University of New York (SUNY) – America's largest public university system, has partnered with skilling major upGrad to offer a hybrid undergraduate pathway that allows you to begin your U.S. degree from India and transfer on-campus to any of SUNY's 64 campuses.
SUNY's network includes prestigious names like Cornell University, Stony Brook University, University of Buffalo, University of Albany, and others, giving Indian students access to globally respected institutions through an affordable and flexible model. This pathway is delivered under SUNY's Global Academy, which is now accessible to Indian students through upGrad.
This program enables students to start online in India through the SUNY curriculum and transition to the U.S. in the second year – resulting in significant savings on tuition and living expenses, while retaining the academic rigour and global credentials. For aspirational Indian learners, this is the future-forward way to access American education without compromising on quality or breaking the bank.
Designed for Success – Academically and Globally
Whether it's Computer Science, Engineering, Nursing, Business, Architecture, Law, Economics, or the Liberal Arts, upGrad learners can choose from over 4,000 majors spanning 17 disciplines, giving them the breadth and depth of a world-class education.
This pathway stands out not just for its academics, but for its commitment to building future-ready leaders through leaders through experiential learning and global exposure featuring Harvard Business Review case studies, structured leadership modules, research opportunities, and one-on-one academic mentorship with SUNY faculty.
Beyond the books, students gain access to career advisory services and cultural readiness programs, ensuring they're not just prepared to earn U.S. credentials, but to thrive in a global workforce from day one.
Second major takeaway – No SAT. Just a Smarter Entry Point
That's right – no SAT required to apply. Instead, the focus shifts to what truly matters:
This streamlined admissions process eliminates the stress (and cost) of months-long standardized test prep, making the dream of studying in the U.S. more accessible, more achievable, and definitely more student-friendly.
Global Possibilities, Not Just the U.S.
While this program is designed to help you earn a degree from a SUNY campus, it doesn't lock you into a single path. The credits you earn in Year 1 are fully transferable. That means if your goals evolve or you wish to explore new academic environments, you can pivot to other top partner universities in Germany, France, Ireland, or the UK through upGrad's global network – via its multi-geography articulation options. It's flexibility with a safety net—minimising financial risk while maximising global opportunity.
The Value Proposition
Ready for Fall 2025?
Students scoring 70% or above in their Class 12 board exams now have a clear, cost-effective pathway to begin their global education without the academic pressure or financial intensity often associated with traditional U.S. admissions.
With applications now open for Fall 2025, this hybrid model empowers aspirants to begin their academic journey in India before transitioning to world-class learning environments abroad. Whether it's the vibrant urban landscape of New York, the research-intensive campus at Buffalo, or the flexibility to explore other global destinations later, the program offers a credible, adaptable, and future-ready pathway. It's not just about admission -it's about starting strong, staying agile, and scaling globally.
Read on to Learn more about the SUNY–upGrad Undergraduate Transfer Program to begin a global learning journey – that's truly immersive and balanced.
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