Indian student Sudeep Narsipur credits international student loan provider Prodigy Finance for enabling him to pursue his masters at Duke University.
Over a decade ago, three MBA graduates from INSEAD began an initiative to make funding more accessible for international postgraduate students attending the world's top universities.Their platform, , has leveraged a community of alumni and other impact investors to provide more than $505 million in loans to over 10,300 students globally.
On its tenth anniversary, Prodigy Finance set up a scholarship program, awarding a total of $100,000 in scholarships to ten MBA and masters students, according to merit, need, and skills-based criteria. Previous recipients have graduated with MBAs from Wharton and Chicago Booth.
Sudeep Narsipur, who recently completed his Master's in Engineering Management at Duke University, secured his funding and a $10,000 scholarship last year. BusinessBecause caught up with Sudeep to find out how Prodigy Finance helped him fulfill his dream to pursue post-graduate management education abroad.
How have you benefited from Prodigy Finance?
Had it not been for , I would have struggled to secure a loan for my education.
Education loans available from most banks only cover the complete cost against collateral valued in excess to that of the loan amount, plus interest.
Additionally, the uncertainty in today's job market would have put further stress on me and my family.
Prodigy Finance’s mission of providing funding purely based on merit without collateral reduces stress, as well as my long-term loan costs through reasonable interest rates. The $10,000 scholarship helped to make the whole experience a breeze!
Why do you think it's important that platforms such as Prodigy Finance exist?
It's no secret that millions of highly talented students around the world are unable to pursue their higher education dreams due to unbearably high costs. Global management programs from well-reputed schools are particularly expensive.
A lack of access to timely funding not only crushes their dreams, but also deprives the world of ideas and solutions to complex problems, like climate change.
Platforms like help to make funding more accessible, ensuring that those with the will to succeed aren't limited by financial resources. That's a powerful thing, and needs to be made available.
Why did you decide to pursue a Master's in Engineering Management?
I always wanted to pursue a career in sales and business development in the technology-change management space.
Gaining structured, strategic thinking required to succeed in such roles in intricate business environments is virtually impossible without sound, formal training in core areas like finance, marketing, and strategy.
I wanted to build this foundation in the technology sector, which is even more complex. Completing my Master's in Engineering Management from Duke University has led me in the right direction.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to specialize in consultative sales within the change management space. Once I gain enough experience, I want to use it to drive large scale sustainability projects, actively working to combat the climate change issues we face today.
Student Reviews
Duke University Fuqua School of Business
Supportive atmosphere
The professors at Duke university exhibit exceptional commitment to the success and well-being of their students by ensuring their academic growth and fostering a supportive social atmosphere. Moreover, the entire community is recognized for its amicability and inclusiveness.
Diversity
The people or the students are without a doubt Duke's greatest asset. While all students are driven to succeed, they are also enthusiastic about a variety of hobbies. You run across a huge lot of diversity. It is the ideal example of a school with well-rounded students and the ideal balance of campus life in a metropolis.
Happy to school
All I could ever hope for is Duke University. That really epitomizes the "work hard, play hard" philosophy that elite colleges frequently pursue. Even though you'll have a lot of schooling to complete over the week, it's simple to keep focused because all of your friends are putting in similar amounts of effort. Many events taking place on and around campus on the weekends provide a great way to unwind. The combination of demanding academics and traditional college fun strikes the perfect balance.
Good schooling
Living, eating, learning, and developing who you want to be as an adult are all fantastic at Duke. I participated in student athletics, and I couldn't have asked for a better interaction with the faculty and other students. I appreciate all of the help I get from the Duke community more than anything. Furthermore, the teachers take the time to get to know you, and the lectures are diverse and demanding (if you do the same). I'd give it a 10 out of 10.
Beautiful School, Nice Classes
DU remains one the greatest and best universities that I have ever stepped in. The school is beautiful and neat. The classes are spacious and also very nice. I enjoyed attending my Lectures in those lecture halls. I also loved the Lecturers because of the good work they did. The university also has very good dorms that are given to students on first come first serve basis and they are affordable
Amazing experience
I received my B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Global Health with a minor in Chemistry from Duke University. I was able to grow as a student, scientist, and global health advocate with the help of my friends, professors, and other mentors I met along the way. A lot to learn if you look and ask, a great place to learn for those who want to learn.
whirlwind of growth and change
An amazing 2 years, with covid and everything else happening Duke has been a place of growth for me. The courses , classes were one of a kind, online and on campus. But the valuable lessons learned in the classes are irreplicable. The students are amazing here, so much diversity , I had no problem fitting in. The teachers are down right brilliant and so helpful. Don't be afraid to ask them anything. Graduated with my MBA with Duke and now my future awaits.
One of the best for Business students
Graduated with an MBA. The classes were very insightful and engaging. The staff are very easy to deal with. The teachers and students, are truly amazing people. Grateful to all the people I've met along the way at Duke. I've learnt a great deal that will help me in my future endeavors. The campus itself is a marvel, it is beautiful.
The university campus is awesome
I graduated with a masters degree in Religious Studies from Duke University. One thing I really liked about the university is its huge campus. It is spread in a large area with a lot of greenery and also have the facilities of reading rooms for single person also. My department building was very well taken care of. The library is immensely populated with books for all your needs. The faculty is very nice to students. The classes are equipped with latest technology to cater the needs of students. The University also provides room rentals for international students. They are very well maintained and priority is given to the International students for a comfortable stay there. There are weekly events conducted by the University as well as Student clubs for the entertainment of students. Anybody can take part in them and show their talents. I enjoyed my degree and I graduated in 2021 and was very happy that I had graduated from a reputed University.
Program Flexibility and Vibrant Campus Life
Duke University is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life. The university offers a diverse range of majors and research opportunities, supported by world-class faculty.
What I particularly liked about Duke was its strong sense of community and the wealth of extracurricular activities available to students. The campus is beautiful, with top-notch facilities and a supportive atmosphere that fosters both personal and academic growth.
Overall, I would highly recommend Duke University for its excellent educational offerings and strong alumni network. If you're looking for a place that challenges you academically while offering numerous opportunities for personal development, Duke is an excellent choice.
