For years, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs have been the gold standard for international students seeking education abroad. However, a significant shift is underway, as revealed during Prodigy Finance recent Coffee Chat events held on May 17, 2025, in Kolkata and Mumbai. These sessions, which brought together aspiring students and education experts, revealed a growing enthusiasm among Indian students for non-STEM disciplines.

Prodigy Finance, a global student loan provider supporting international postgraduate education, reports that while STEM remains relevant, interest is also rising in fields such as business, law, hospitality, and public policy. 

Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, says, “Today’s international students are not just looking for degrees—they’re looking for platforms to influence change. While STEM courses still attract high volumes, we’re seeing sharp growth in applications for courses that intersect with leadership, innovation, and public good.”

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This shift is driven by several compelling factors. Non-STEM fields such as business, law, hospitality, and public policy open doors to dynamic industries and leadership roles across the globe. Many students are choosing these disciplines to align their careers with personal values and a desire to make a meaningful difference in society.

• Business: Offers universal applicability and flexibility to work across countries and cultures.
• Law: Prepares students to navigate complex legal and regulatory environments worldwide.
• Hospitality: Equips graduates for leadership in a global industry focused on service and innovation.
• Public Policy: Empowers students to shape societal outcomes and address global challenges.

Employers are increasingly seeking graduates who can thrive in complex social, economic, and cultural environments, making these non-STEM degrees highly attractive.

The coffee chats also confirmed that the US remains the top destination for many Indian students, with the UK following closely. This is consistent with a broader 2024 Open Doors Report, which noted that India sent over 331,000 students to the US in 2023–24, a 23.3% increase from the previous year, making India the largest source of international students in the US.

At the same time, Prodigy Finance-supported universities and schools worldwide are expanding their postgraduate offerings beyond traditional STEM fields. Many of these institutions, such as INSEAD, The Wharton School, London Business School, and the London School of Economics, attract students to programs in business, public policy, law, and health sciences. These disciplines are increasingly popular among students seeking dynamic, globally mobile careers that extend beyond the boundaries of science and technology.

Prodigy Finance offers a variety of loan options, from no co-signer to no collateral, with the flexibility of lower rates for Indian students with a co-signer loan. Their assessment focuses on future earning potential rather than financial history, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to secure the funding they need to achieve their academic goals.

In 2025 alone, Prodigy Finance has pledged at least 30% of its funding to women and 50% to students from low- and lower-middle-income backgrounds. This commitment reflects a larger mission: to democratize international education and empower students, regardless of their field, to thrive on a global stage.

As students redefine what success means, their educational choices are evolving. The focus is no longer solely on mastering STEM courses but also on shaping society and driving change. Prodigy Finance is not just observing this transformation; it is actively enabling it, supporting students in pursuing both STEM and non-STEM dreams on the world stage.

About Prodigy Finance

Founded in 2007, Prodigy Finance is an international student lender that has helped over 45,000+ international master’s students attend the world’s top universities. To date, Prodigy has disbursed over $2.3 billion in funding to students from more than 150 countries.

Prodigy Finance is fueled by impact investors and other privately qualified entities who invest in tomorrow’s leaders while earning a financial and social return. Prodigy’s borderless lending model enables students to apply for a loan based on their future earning potential and not just their current circumstances and credit history.

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