Navigating New Horizons: How Leverage Edu is Transforming Study Abroad Opportunities Amid Global Challenges
As international education landscapes shift dramatically due to visa restrictions and geopolitical tensions, Indian startup Leverage Edu is emerging as a beacon of hope for students seeking to study abroad. With a strategic pivot from traditional destinations like Canada to emerging markets such as Germany, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia, Leverage Edu is not just surviving but thriving, doubling its revenue and achieving profitability in a challenging environment.
The Changing Landscape of International Education
In recent months, students from emerging markets have faced unprecedented challenges in their pursuit of higher education abroad. Diplomatic strains, particularly the ongoing tensions between India and Canada, have led to stricter visa regulations, leaving many students in limbo. According to reports, the 2023-2024 academic year has seen a significant disruption in application timelines and eligibility criteria, affecting thousands of aspiring students. Countries like Canada and Australia have tightened their student visa policies, catching families off guard and complicating the already intricate process of studying abroad.
Leverage Edu, founded eight years ago, has adeptly navigated these turbulent waters. When relations between India and Canada soured, the startup quickly redirected students to alternative destinations, notably Germany, while also assisting Canadian universities in recruiting students from Nigeria. This agile response has not only salvaged student pipelines but has also positioned Leverage Edu as a leader in the evolving landscape of international education.
Expanding Global Footprint
The startup’s ability to pivot quickly is central to its growth strategy. In the past two months alone, Leverage Edu has expanded its operations into Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vietnam, and Malaysia-regions with burgeoning student populations eager to study abroad but lacking structured admissions support. Currently, Leverage Edu operates in 16 countries, facilitating student applications to universities across 11 different destinations.
Founder and CEO Akshay Chaturvedi emphasized the importance of this adaptability in an interview, noting that while the U.S. remains a key destination, there is a growing interest from countries like Brazil and Vietnam. This shift reflects a broader trend where students are increasingly looking beyond traditional Western education hubs.
Comprehensive Support for Students
Headquartered in Noida, a burgeoning tech hub near New Delhi, Leverage Edu is positioning itself as a full-service platform for international education. The startup offers a suite of tools designed to assist students throughout their educational journey. These include a mobile app, an AI-powered course search engine, and a university matchmaking tool called UniConnect. Additionally, the company has launched a SaaS suite for global universities under the brand Univalley.ai.
Beyond admissions, Leverage Edu has diversified its offerings to include services like Leverage MBBS for medical aspirants, Fly Finance for education loans, and Fly Homes for student housing. This comprehensive approach not only enhances the student experience but also contributes significantly to the startup’s revenue streams.
Impressive Growth Metrics
Leverage Edu’s growth trajectory is nothing short of remarkable. The startup now places over 10,000 students annually, a significant increase from approximately 1,500 just a few years ago. Much of this growth has been organic, with 60% of student acquisitions requiring no customer acquisition costs, according to Chaturvedi. This efficiency has allowed Leverage Edu to narrow the gap with larger global competitors, many of which are publicly listed or have raised substantial funding rounds.
Financially, the startup has turned profitable for the first time this year, a notable achievement in India’s competitive edtech sector. In fiscal year 2025, Leverage Edu reported revenues exceeding ₹1.8 billion (around $20 million), doubling from the previous year’s ₹900 million (approximately $10 million). The first half of fiscal year 2026 has already seen revenues surpassing ₹2 billion (roughly $23 million), with projections indicating a potential end-of-year total of ₹3.7-₹3.8 billion (about $45 million).
Revenue Breakdown and Market Focus
Leverage Edu’s revenue model is diverse, with approximately 25% generated from platform businesses that extend beyond admissions. These value-added services include loans, money remittance, housing, and assistance with securing internships or first jobs. The remaining 75% of revenue stems from its core education business, primarily student placement and counseling services. Notably, about 20% of this revenue comes directly from students, while 55% is derived from commissions paid by universities.
India remains the largest source market for Leverage Edu, accounting for 58% of its total student base. The startup focuses on states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Punjab, which consistently produce high numbers of students seeking international education. In terms of destination markets, the U.K. leads with 52% of student placements, followed by Germany at 22%. Italy has emerged as the fastest-growing market, reflecting changing student preferences.
Future Prospects and IPO Plans
With its impressive growth and expanding global footprint, Leverage Edu is now contemplating a potential initial public offering (IPO) in India as early as next year. Investment bankers have already begun making early pitches, indicating strong interest in the startup’s future. Chaturvedi has not ruled out the possibility of a public listing but emphasized that the decision will hinge on reaching the $100 million revenue milestone, which the company anticipates achieving in 2026.
To date, Leverage Edu has raised less than $50 million in equity and operates across 27 countries with over 50 offices and a workforce of approximately 800 employees. This ambitious expansion reflects the startup’s commitment to reshaping the landscape of international education.
Conclusion
As geopolitical tensions and visa restrictions continue to reshape the study abroad landscape, Leverage Edu stands out as a transformative force in the industry. By swiftly adapting to changing circumstances and expanding its offerings, the startup is not only helping students navigate their educational journeys but also setting a precedent for innovation in the edtech sector. With plans for future growth and a potential IPO on the horizon, Leverage Edu is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of international education.
