'Rs 70 lakh to study Master's in Australia!': 2 years later, after loan pressure, recession, two promotions, her life looks completely different

For middle-class families, spending lakhs on an overseas degree feels less like an education decision and more like a high-stakes gamble. Between education loans, currency conversion, and uncertain job markets, the pressure can become overwhelming long before getting a job and paying off the debts. A recent story shared on X captured exactly that emotional rollercoaster through the journey of a student who moved to Australia for a master’s degree in Data Science. What initially looked like a risky and expensive decision slowly transformed into something her family no longer questioned.

According to the viral post shared by a tech professional on X, the student had decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Data Science in Australia despite the enormous financial burden involved. The total cost of her education reportedly came close to Rs 70 lakh. To support her dream, her parents used nearly Rs 30 lakh from their savings, while the remaining Rs 40 lakh came through an education loan. The decision, however, did not receive universal support from people around them.

The post mentioned that many questioned why the family would spend so much money on an overseas degree when similar management or higher education options were available in India at significantly lower cost. But the real challenge, according to the post, began after graduation. The student reportedly completed her degree during a recession year.

First job

Her first job offered a package equivalent to around Rs 14 lakh annually, which suddenly made the scale of the loan and financial pressure feel very real. The post described how multiple pressures hit simultaneously during that phase: loan repayments, currency-related financial stress, and the expectations attached to such a large investment.

Despite the difficult beginning, she chose to stay and continue building her career instead of returning immediately. Two years later, the situation reportedly looks entirely different. According to the post, she has now received two promotions and currently earns nearly Rs 48 lakh annually in equivalent salary terms. The post also highlighted how the family’s perspective evolved over time.

Younger brother is inspired

Far from regretting the decision, her parents reportedly feel proud because the overseas move gave their daughter financial independence, international career exposure, and long-term opportunities that may not have been available otherwise. The post further mentioned that her permanent residency process has also begun, adding another layer of stability to her future abroad.

Interestingly, the experience also had an impact within the family itself. Techi added that her younger brother is now inspired by her journey after witnessing how things gradually changed over the years.

The broader message of the post focused on patience and long-term thinking. According to the techie, some decisions appear “foolish in year one” but eventually look “visionary in year five” once the struggle phase passes and the results begin showing.