How Indian Students Abroad are Exploited! *Exposed*

Summary

This video uncovers the hidden realities of the study abroad consultancy market, where agents often manipulate students for financial gain by pushing universities that offer high commissions. UPI Study, a platform founded by Manit, is disrupting this system by providing transparency and offering students the opportunity to reclaim commissions, saving them millions. With offices in the US and Canada, UPI Study empowers students to make informed decisions, graduate faster, and avoid unnecessary fees. The video exposes the flaws in the system and promotes a more ethical, student-focused approach to studying abroad.

Takeaways

• 😀 Agents in the study-abroad industry often hide their commission structures, which can reach up to 30%, resulting in students paying higher fees than necessary.
• 😀 Many Indian students are manipulated into choosing programs that offer agents higher commissions, rather than what might be the best educational fit for them.
• 😀 UPI Study exposes the hidden commission structure in the study-abroad industry, helping students bypass agents and save significant amounts of money.
• 😀 Through UPI Study, students can receive the commission typically given to agents directly, allowing them to reduce costs and make more informed choices.
• 😀 UPI Study is a government-funded platform that is accredited and aims to make international education more accessible and transparent for students.
• 😀 The platform's transparency allows students to view a list of universities with their commission structures, ensuring they are aware of potential savings.
• 😀 In countries like Canada, up to 90% of students use agents to apply for universities, with agents earning significant commissions from these referrals.
• 😀 Agents often promote diplomas over degree programs in Canada because of the higher commissions they receive, even though diploma holders may face challenges with career prospects.
• 😀 Many universities, including renowned institutions like the University of California, Irvine, provide commissions to agents, resulting in students paying higher fees.
• 😀 The UPI Study platform has already saved over $3.6 million for students in 2023 and aims to help 10,000 students in the coming year.
• 😀 UPI Study also offers a faster pathway for students to graduate by allowing them to take college-level courses while in high school, saving them time and money on their degree programs.

Q & A

What is the main issue with the study abroad agent system described in the transcript?

The main issue is that study abroad agents often manipulate students by directing them to universities that offer the highest commission, rather than the best educational options. These agents typically pocket 20-30% of the students' fees, leading to inflated costs and misinformed decisions.

How do study abroad agents earn commissions from universities?

Study abroad agents earn commissions from universities by recruiting students. Many universities, particularly those outside the top 50, offer substantial commissions to agents for bringing in students, which incentivizes agents to push students toward those programs.

What is the UPI Study platform, and how does it benefit students?

UPI Study is a government-accredited platform that helps students apply directly to universities without using agents. By doing so, students can save money on agent commissions, with the platform returning the commission to the students instead of the agents.

How much money has UPI Study saved for students, and what is its goal for the future?

UPI Study has saved $3.6 million for students in just one year, and its goal for the future is to help 10,000 students this year, compared to 5,000 students last year.

What role do universities play in the agent-driven commission system?

Many universities, especially outside the top 50, offer commissions to agents to recruit students. This incentivizes agents to guide students toward programs with higher commissions, rather than the best academic fit, creating a system where universities prioritize revenue over student outcomes.

How does UPI Study provide transparency about agent commissions?

UPI Study provides a list of universities and the maximum commission agents would earn for recruiting students to those universities. Students applying through UPI Study get the commission refund, effectively saving money on their tuition.

What are some common scams or misinformation agents spread to students?

Agents often mislead students by promoting diploma programs (which offer higher commissions) even though these may not lead to good career outcomes. They may also exaggerate job prospects and PR benefits in countries like Canada and the UK, pushing students into suboptimal choices.

What is the difference between colleges and universities in Canada, according to the transcript?

In Canada, colleges offer diploma programs, which are shorter but less valued in the job market, while universities offer degree programs that provide better career opportunities. Agents often promote college diploma programs due to higher commissions, even though these programs may not lead to good job prospects.

How does UPI Study help students graduate faster and save money?

UPI Study offers a faster route to degree completion by allowing students to take advanced diploma courses in India, reducing the time to graduate. This pathway saves students money on tuition and living costs abroad.

Why is there a need for platforms like UPI Study in the current study abroad market?

There is a lack of regulation in the study abroad agent industry, leading to widespread misinformation and scams. Platforms like UPI Study offer a transparent, reliable alternative by cutting out agents and helping students make informed decisions while saving money.