Germany is fast becoming a top destination for international students, offering world-class universities, affordable education, and strong career opportunities in Europe’s largest economy. But while the country opens its doors academically, financial access remains a challenge for many students from emerging markets.
Pramendra Kushwaha, a young professional from Bangalore, knows this well. After earning a BBA and working at Tata Consultancy Services, he managed high-net-worth European clients, many of whom had global degrees. One conversation, in particular, with a German client left a lasting impact. “I gained insight about how a global degree has shaped their career, lifestyle, and confidence,” Pramendra recalls. “That moment made me realise what I was missing.”
Driven by his ambition to up-skill and expand his career prospects, Pramendra pursued a master’s program abroad. Despite holding a well-paying position at TCS, he faced skepticism about leaving a stable job during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Determined to advance his expertise, he took full initiative to make his goal a reality, navigating financial constraints and securing his path forward through perseverance and strategic planning.
He secured admission to Imperial College London and ESMT Berlin and chose Germany for its industry-integrated curriculum and growing relevance in global business. A €10,000 scholarship helped, but he still needed €30,000 to cover tuition and living costs.
That’s when he discovered Prodigy Finance through ESMT’s website and joined a webinar in Bangalore. What stood out was their student-first approach, with no collateral, no co-signer, and full clarity on interest rates and foreign exchange costs. Unlike traditional lenders, Prodigy Finance focuses on a student’s future earning potential. “The process was fast, transparent, and truly designed for international students,” Pramendra says.
“We created Prodigy Finance to support students like Pramendra, talented, ambitious, and ready to lead, but held back by traditional lending models,” said Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance. “Germany is one of the most promising study destinations, and we’re proud to help students make that leap.”
Prodigy’s loan covered both tuition and living expenses, which international students must prove to obtain a visa. Pramendra arrived in Berlin in August 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. With no family support, no backup, and the world in lockdown, the odds were stacked against him.
But kindness found him early. His landlord in Germany personally picked him up from the airport and had already arranged everything he would need to settle in. “In a time when everything felt uncertain, that gesture meant the world,” Pramendra recalls.
During his Master’s studies at ESMT Berlin, Pramendra Kushwaha completed a six-month Finance and Controlling internship at Bosch, where he was responsible for budget planning, financial forecasting, and cost optimisation. He contributed to global headcount planning, sales performance analysis, and engineering cost assessments, helping streamline financial operations and reduce rental costs by 35%.
Following this, he joined Vanilla Steel, a digital steel trading platform in Berlin, where he focused on financial reporting, business operations, and fundraising, playing a key role in securing $2M in funding. By graduation, he had accumulated two years of local work experience, strengthening his expertise in controlling, supplier negotiations, and strategic financial management.
Today, Pramendra serves as a Global Financial Controller at Audibene, a leading digital health company specializing in hearing care solutions. In this role, he oversees strategic budgeting, cross-functional financial planning, and performance optimisation across international markets, advancing his career at the intersection of health tech and finance within Germany’s dynamic business landscape.
Driven by his motto, “Never settle for less,” Pramendra is also learning German to expand his opportunities and holds a Germany-issued Blue Card, which grants him the right to live and work across the EU.
“To anyone dreaming of studying abroad, don’t just chase a passport or salary,” he says. “Finish your bachelor’s, get 1-2 years of experience, and choose a great university. Focus on skills and real learning. Everything else will follow.”
He also encourages students to research their lenders. “Traditional banks have hidden charges and rigid terms. With Prodigy Finance, I have always had the freedom to repay on my terms, no early repayment fees, no surprise costs.”
From walking away from a stable job without family support to building a career in Germany, Pramendra’s journey reflects resilience and the power of the right support at the right time.
And for every student like him who’s ready to aim higher, Prodigy Finance remains that bridge, believing in potential and backing those who dare to move beyond borders.