Top 7 Myths Indian Students Believe About Studying Abroad

The Hidden Fear Most Students Carry

Every year, thousands of brilliant Indian students dream of studying in the U.S., U.K., or Europe. But then comes that one thought:

“It’s too expensive. I can’t afford it.”

That single sentence silently kills countless dreams — not because it’s true, but because it feels true.

In psychology, this is called a self-limiting belief — a belief so strong it stops action before the real opportunity is even explored.

At EduSail Abroad, we see this every day — talented students who can study abroad for free, but never apply because of myths.

So, let’s uncover the 7 biggest myths holding students back — and the truth that sets them free.

Myth: “Studying abroad is only for rich students.”

Truth:

Thousands of Indian students study abroad every year without paying a single rupee in tuition. They do it through fully funded scholarships and research assistantships, where universities pay your tuition + monthly stipend (₹2–4 lakh/month).

The money myth exists because most consultancies promote paid admissions (they earn commissions). EduSail Abroad, however, focuses only on funded programs, where the university pays you.

Psychology Angle:

This myth plays on loss aversion — the fear of losing money. Once you realize you can earn instead of spend, motivation skyrockets.

Myth: “You need to be a topper to get a scholarship.”

Truth:

You don’t need to be the topper — you need to be a a strategic. Most scholarships abroad evaluate your overall profile — not just grades. That includes: Purpose (SOP), Research interest, Recommendation letters, and Extracurricular or project experience.

Even students with average marks have secured full funding through the right presentation and guidance.

Psychology Angle:

This myth is rooted in imposter syndrome — the feeling of “I’m not good enough.” EduSail’s process helps students transform doubt into confidence through profile building and application strategy.

Myth: “You must score very high in IELTS or TOEFL.”

Truth:

You just need a minimum qualifying score, not a perfect one. Many universities even waive IELTS/TOEFL if your education was in English.

EduSail provides free IELTS/TOEFL preparation, ensuring you meet the requirement comfortably — no need for perfection, just preparation.

Psychology Angle:

Students overestimate test pressure due to performance anxiety. The antidote? Guided practice and real mentorship — not fear.

Myth: “I’ll apply after I get more experience or money.”

Truth:

Waiting costs you more than applying early. Funded programs have deadlines 6–9 months before the session starts. If you wait, you miss both the chance and the scholarship.

EduSail Abroad helps you prepare step-by-step — even if you’re still studying or unsure about funds.

Psychology Angle:

This is called “decision deferral bias” — our brain avoids big decisions by delaying them. But when guided properly, taking small steps (like a free eligibility check) removes the fear of “too big to start.”

Myth: “Fully funded programs are extremely rare.”

Truth:

They’re not rare — they’re just poorly known. Top universities in the USA, Germany, and Europe actively seek international students and allocate millions in funding every year. Programs like DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright, Commonwealth, and university-funded RAships are all open to Indian students.

EduSail Abroad constantly updates its database of active funded opportunities — so you don’t have to search blindly.

Psychology Angle:

This myth comes from availability bias — we assume what we don’t often hear must be rare. But rarity is often just lack of visibility.

Myth: “Visa will be difficult if I go on scholarship.”

Truth:

A funded admission actually makes your visa easier, not harder. Why? Because the embassy knows: You have financial stability (university pays you), You are academically credible, and You are less likely to misuse the visa.

EduSail helps students prepare for their visa interview and documentation, ensuring full confidence.

Psychology Angle:

This fear is based on catastrophic thinking — imagining worst-case scenarios. Replacing it with facts restores rational confidence.

Myth: “I can’t get funding because I’m from a small college or town.”

Truth:

Universities abroad care about your potential, not your postcode. We’ve seen students from small-town colleges in India land full scholarships in the U.S. and Europe.

When your application tells a clear story of curiosity, effort, and direction, geography becomes irrelevant.

Psychology Angle:

This myth arises from social comparison bias — believing opportunities belong to “others.” The truth: universities love diverse voices and backgrounds. Your uniqueness is your strength.

The Only Thing Standing Between You and a Funded Admission Is Belief + Guidance

Every student who got a fully funded offer once believed these same myths. The difference is — someone showed them the truth early enough. At EduSail Abroad, our mission is simple: To turn your “I wish” into “I got it — fully funded.” We help you find scholarships, prepare applications, and get the funding you deserve — step by step.