Can you advise on the budget and funding options for my study abroad, including whether taking an educational loan is better for visa approval in Canada/USA for a Master's?

Yes, taking an education loan can strengthen your visa application by showing financial preparedness, but loan approval alone does not guarantee a visa. You must also show you can repay the loan and have genuine study intentions.

For a Master's in the USA or Canada, typical annual costs are:

- USA: Tuition $25,000 - $85,000/year, living $12,000 - $20,000/year (total $37,000 - $105,000/year)
- Canada: Tuition CAD 18,000 - 35,000/year, living CAD 12,000 - 18,000/year (total CAD 30,000 - 53,000/year)

Funding options include:

- Scholarships: Merit-based, need-based, and government-funded (like Fulbright-Nehru)
- Education loans: Offered by Indian and international banks, often covering most expenses
- Assistantships: Teaching or research roles with stipends and possible tuition waivers
- Part-time work: Up to 20 hours/week during studies, with post-study work options like OPT (Optional Practical Training) in the USA

For personalized funding strategies and next steps, connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.