The ₹2 Crore Scholarship by Acumen and University Living Launch for Indian Students

Finding a safe, comfortable place to live in a foreign country is stressful. The prices are shocking, especially during that crucial first month when you're still figuring out where the nearest grocery store is, let alone how to budget effectively. For many Indian students, housing costs become the silent barrier that makes studying abroad feel out of reach.

That's why this new initiative is such a big deal. Acumen, the international education arm of the Sannam S4 Group, a global leader in helping universities navigate international markets and support student success, has partnered with University Living to create the 'Living Scholarships'. This is a dedicated fund worth up to ₹2 crore, specifically designed to ease the student accommodation burden for Indian students.

This isn't about academic merit or essay competitions. It's practical, immediate financial relief aimed at the second biggest expense you'll face as an international student in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or Ireland: the cost of actually having a safe and secure place to live.

Why Student Accommodation Costs Matter Right Now

The numbers tell a sobering story. The financial landscape for international students has shifted significantly. According to the latest data, including trends from the 2025 Indian Student Mobility Report, student accommodation spending has skyrocketed across all major study destinations.

The pressure on Indian students is real, and the numbers reflect a sharp increase in the cost of living abroad. Here is a breakdown of how much Indian students are spending on student accommodation in key regions:

• The United Kingdom: Indian students spent approximately $1.4 billion (~₹11,900 crore) on student accommodation recently, representing a staggering 250% increase over the last few years.
• The United States: Spending rose from $1.9 billion to $2.4 billion (~₹20,400 crore), a 26% jump as demand for housing near major campuses remains high.
• Australia: Costs went from $0.8 billion to $1.2 billion (~₹10,200 crore), a 50% increase driven by the post-pandemic return of international students.
• Canada: Even with stricter housing regulations, spending climbed from $1.7 billion to $1.8 billion (~₹15,300 crore).

These aren't just statistics; they represent real financial pressure on families. Every percentage point increase means thousands of rupees more that parents must arrange, loans that students must take, or dreams that get deferred.

The ₹2 crore fund is a timely intervention against this rising tide of costs. It's designed to give you breathing room exactly when you need it most.

How the Living Scholarship Benefit Works

The scholarship provides up to one month of free accommodation. Now, one month might not sound like much, but think about what that actually means when you're landing in a new country.

The first month abroad is genuinely overwhelming. You're dealing with jet lag, attending orientation sessions, registering for classes, opening a bank account, getting a local phone number, and trying to navigate an unfamiliar city. Having your accommodation secured and paid for during this period means you can focus entirely on settling in rather than worrying about rent.

Financially, this creates a significant cushion. That month of saved rent, which could easily be £800 (~₹86,000) in the UK or $1,500 (~₹1,27,500) in the US can be redirected toward urgent expenses like buying kitchen supplies, textbooks, winter clothing, or simply having an emergency fund for unexpected costs.

But beyond the money, there's something more valuable: peace of mind. As Sagar Bahadur from Acumen put it, this initiative offers students "the confidence they need to thrive academically and socially from day one." When you're not stressed about making rent, you can actually focus on why you're there to study, learn, and build your future.

Who Can Get This Scholarship

The eligibility is refreshingly straightforward compared to most scholarship programs. This isn't about writing compelling essays or having a perfect GPA, though those things matter for university admission.

The scholarship is aimed at Indian students enrolling at partner universities of Acumen and University Living across five key destinations: the UK, Ireland, Australia, the US, and Canada. There are over 50 partner universities in this network.

The core requirements are simple. 

• You need to be an Indian citizen.
• You must have received an offer letter from one of the partner universities
• Must book your accommodation through the University Living platform. 

That's it.

Step-by-Step: The Application Process

Unlike complex scholarship applications that require months of preparation, the Living Scholarships are integrated into your standard enrollment and housing process. This makes it refreshingly simple.

• Step 1: Consultation & Application – Work with your education counselor to apply to a university that is part of the Acumen and University Living network.
• Step 2: Secure Admission – Once you receive your official offer letter, confirm your seat at the university.
• Step 3: Housing Search – Visit the University Living platform to browse verified student accommodation options near your campus.
• Step 4: Book Your Stay – Complete your housing booking through the platform for the March 2025 intake.
• Step 5: Scholarship Application – The scholarship credit is applied based on your confirmed admission and housing booking details.

This streamlined approach ensures you aren't jumping through extra hoops while you're already busy with visa applications and flight bookings.

Next Steps: How to Prepare for Your Move

Securing a scholarship is a huge win, but your preparation shouldn't stop there. As you gear up for your journey in 2026, here is what you should expect and how to stay ahead:

• Finalize Your Visa Early: Once your accommodation is sorted, ensure your visa paperwork is flawless. Housing proof is often a requirement for visa interviews.
• Budget for Utilities: Even if your first month's rent is covered, check if your student accommodation is "bills inclusive" (electricity, water, Wi-Fi). If not, set aside a small monthly budget for these.
• Join Student Groups: Reach out to seniors at your chosen university to ask about the best neighborhoods and local transport links near your housing.
• Check for Additional Bursaries: Many universities offer "early bird" discounts or travel grants that can be combined with housing scholarships.

The Bigger Picture

Studying abroad is an investment in your future, but it shouldn't come at the cost of your financial mental health. Initiatives like the ₹2 crore Living Scholarship prove that the global education community is listening to the challenges Indian students face. While rent prices may be rising, the support systems available to you are also becoming more robust and practical.

At Leap Scholar, we understand that the road to a global degree is paved with a thousand small details, from IELTS scores to finding the right room. You don't have to navigate this alone. Whether you need help identifying which partner universities qualify for this housing relief or you need a hand with your visa application, we are here to act as your one-stop study abroad mentor.

The dream is achievable. With the right planning and strategic selection of scholarships, you can focus less on the stress of "where to stay" and more on the excitement of "where you're going. 

Talk to a Leap Counselor today and find your perfect university + housing match!