Visa crackdowns are blocking students’ study-abroad dreams, so India’s Leverage Edu is rerouting them

As traditional pathways for studying abroad face obstacles due to visa restrictions and geopolitical tensions, Leverage Edu, an Indian startup, is stepping in to help students find viable alternatives. The company is facilitating transitions from destinations like Canada to Germany and even expanding options to Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, effectively keeping students' aspirations alive. In light of recent challenges, including the diplomatic strain between India and Canada, many students have encountered significant setbacks in their international college applications. Stricter visa regulations from countries like Canada and Australia have disrupted plans for countless families, with many local consultants struggling to adapt to these rapid changes. Leverage Edu has been quick to respond, assisting students in rerouting to different countries and ensuring their study-abroad goals remain intact. The startup, which has been operational for eight years, quickly pivoted when tensions between India and Canada escalated. By redirecting students to Germany and supporting Canadian universities in recruiting from Nigeria, Leverage Edu has successfully preserved student recruitment channels in both regions. This adaptability is now a cornerstone of the company's growth strategy, particularly as it navigates ongoing tensions between the U.S. and India. Leverage Edu is not just focusing on the U.S. market; there is a noticeable increase in demand from countries like Brazil and Vietnam, where interest in U.S. universities continues to flourish. The company has recently broadened its reach into emerging markets, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vietnam, and Malaysia, where there is a rising number of students eager to study abroad but lacking access to structured support. With operations in 16 countries, Leverage Edu now helps students apply to universities across 11 nations. Based in Noida, the tech hub near New Delhi, the startup aims to be a comprehensive service provider for international education. Their offerings include a mobile application, an AI-driven course search engine, and a university matchmaking tool known as UniConnect. They have also introduced a SaaS suite for global universities branded as Univalley.ai. In addition to application support, Leverage Edu has diversified its services, launching products like Leverage MBBS for medical students, Fly Finance for education loans, and Fly Homes for student housing. The startup is now facilitating placements for over 10,000 students annually, a significant increase from just 1,500 a few years ago. Notably, 60% of their student acquisitions are achieved without incurring customer acquisition costs. On the financial front, Leverage Edu has experienced impressive growth, becoming profitable for the first time this year—an achievement rare in India’s edtech sector. The company reported revenues of over ₹1.8 billion (around $20 million) for the fiscal year 2025, doubling its earnings from the previous year. For the first half of fiscal year 2026, it generated over ₹2 billion (approximately $23 million) and is on track to reach ₹3.7–₹3.8 billion ($45 million) by year-end. Furthermore, Leverage Edu anticipates profits of ₹250 million ($2.8 million) by the end of fiscal year 2026, marking a significant recovery from an ₹800 million loss in the previous fiscal year. The company's revenue model is primarily driven by its core educational services, with about 75% coming from student placement and counseling. Leverage Edu is particularly strong in regions like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Punjab, which consistently contribute large numbers of students to international universities. While the U.K. remains the top destination, accounting for 52% of placements, Germany is also emerging as a popular choice, with Italy gaining momentum as the fastest-growing market. As Leverage Edu continues to expand its global presence and revenue streams, the company is contemplating a possible IPO in India as early as next year. Early discussions with investment bankers have already taken place. Founder Akshay Chaturvedi indicated that a decision on pursuing an IPO or seeking additional capital will depend on reaching the $100 million revenue milestone, which is expected in 2026. Having raised less than $50 million in equity to date, Leverage Edu currently operates in 27 countries with over 50 offices and employs around 800 staff members.