ShiftED 2024: GradRight’s Flagship Event Brings Together Over 4000 Students and Industry Leaders

GradRight Expands to UK, Partners with Leading British Universities at ShiftED 2024

GradRight is an organisation dedicated to making higher education accessible and affordable, it bridges the gap between students, universities, and financial institutions through collaboration and transparency in the higher education system. The company has assisted over 200,000 Indian students with AI-driven matches to suitable universities and lenders, processing over $3 billion in loan requests in just four years. GradRight's flagship event, ShiftED 2024, recently convened over 4,000 students, 8 financial partners, 24 prestigious foreign universities, and industry leaders to address transparency, trust, and accountability in the higher education ecosystem. Its mission is to provide access to world-class education for Indian students, particularly those facing financial constraints.

The event facilitated numerous interactions between universities, students, and lenders. Universities offered master classes and breakout sessions on challenges like visa restrictions, adapting to foreign environments, and exploring work-study and research opportunities. Additionally, students and parents received valuable advice on loan structures, interest rates, repayment options, and financial planning tools, helping them manage education funding more effectively and sustainably. The dignitaries attending the event included Deans and Directors of Admissions from institutions like Washington University in St. Louis, Lehigh University, Rutgers University, Brandeis University, City University of New York (CUNY), and the University of San Diego, as well as financial partners like HDFC Credila, ICICI Bank, Prodigy Finance, and IDFC First Bank.

Professor Chell Roberts, Dean of the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering at the University of San Diego, highlighted the importance of India's role in the future due to its growing population and focus on education. He expressed optimism about the political changes occurring in the country and praised GradRight for understanding how USD wants to be represented and for its effective communication approach. Professor Roberts was excited to participate in ShiftED 2024, where he engaged with academics, students, and parents while presenting USD’s approach.

Sasidhar Sista, Co-Founder of GradRight, noted that after focusing on access in its debut, ShiftED expanded this year to address trust gaps through mission-driven discussions with key stakeholders, including students. Prominent attendees included Professor Kathryn Graddy (Dean, International Business School at Brandeis University), Professor Michael Mazzeo (Dean, Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis), Professor Cecilia Orphan (higher education expert, University of Denver), and Professor Emeritus Philip Altbach (Boston College, Founding Director, Center for International Higher Education).

Sonal Kapoor, the Chief Commercial Officer of Prodigy Finance, emphasized the company's dedication to addressing gaps in trust and transparency within global higher education financing. Events like ShiftED 2024 promote collaboration between students, universities, and financial institutions, helping students gain the tools and clarity required to make well-informed decisions. Kapoor highlighted Prodigy Finance's mission-driven initiatives and expertise in offering education loans tailored to students’ potential, aiming to make quality education more accessible, sustainable, and accountable for everyone. The event highlighted critical issues of transparency, trust, and accountability in higher education. By fostering collaboration among students, universities, and financial partners, the event is poised to make quality education more accessible and sustainable.

Editor's Note

Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad often face dilemmas and issues related to transparency, trust, and accountability, as studying in a foreign country is a significant life decision. To address these concerns, ShitED 2024 took important steps by collaborating with key stakeholders and engaging directly with universities and financial partners, it provided valuable insights to students to make well-informed decisions about studying abroad. The students gained clarity on crucial topics such as visa restrictions, financial planning, and adapting to foreign environments. This empowering experience is set to enhance their academic journeys, ensuring they can access and succeed in quality education more effectively and sustainably. 

Skoobuzz believes that ShiftED 2024 has contributed to easing the challenges Indian students face in pursuing higher education abroad.