You don’t need crores to study abroad: Study advisor’s ‘Millionaire Myth’ TED Talk goes viral

A TEDx talk challenging the belief that studying abroad is only for the wealthy has gone viral. In the video presentation, “You Don’t Need to Be Rich to Study Abroad,” study advisor Asslam Shaikh argues that the biggest hurdle for middle-class students is not money, but lack of awareness, planning and the right strategy.

‘Millionaire Myth’ under the spotlight
Shaikh said that there is a “Millionaire Myth”, the assumption that overseas education is reserved for those with deep pockets. According to him, the global education landscape has changed significantly, opening up new pathways that make studying abroad achievable even on modest budgets.


He builds his case using real student journeys, data-backed insights and practical options that many families often overlook.

From Mumbai to Ireland
One of the key examples in the talk is Akshay, a Mumbai student with average academic scores and a fixed budget of ₹10 lakh for his MBA. Despite being told that studying abroad was unrealistic, he explored options, applied for scholarships and secured admission in Ireland.

A year later, he completed his MBA and now works as a senior system analyst, supporting his family back home.

The overlooked playbook for affordable education
Shaikh outlines several practical routes that can significantly reduce the cost of studying abroad:

Scholarships are not just for toppers
He points out that many universities offer financial aid even to students with 70–80% scores, sometimes reducing tuition fees drastically or even fully.

Low-cost global destinations
He said countries like Germany offer public university programmes with minimal fees, while destinations such as Hungary and Malaysia provide globally ranked degrees at costs comparable to, or lower than, private institutions in India.

Work-study balance
In countries like Ireland, the UK and Switzerland, he said students can work part-time or take part in paid internships, helping offset living expenses and tuition costs.

Added financial support
Some governments provide additional benefits. France, for example, he said offers rental reimbursements to international students after graduation.

More than money, it’s a mindset shift
Beyond finances, Shaikh highlights mindset as the real barrier. He argues that many students and parents rule out global education too early due to lack of information.

“Opportunity is abundant, but awareness is not.”

He shares another case of a student pursuing undergraduate studies in Hungary within a budget of under ₹6 lakh, showing how planning and guidance can make a significant difference.

Shaikh also reflects on his own journey. He once had to delay his MBA due to financial constraints at home, an experience that later shaped his mission to make global education more accessible. Over time, he said he worked across multiple countries, studied university systems and built platforms to help students identify affordable international options.

He said students are increasingly exploring alternatives beyond traditional, high-cost countries. Commenting on this shift, Shaikh said: “We are moving into an era where your potential is not defined by your financial background, but by your ability to access the right information and take bold action. Studying abroad is no longer a luxury, it’s a calculated, achievable investment for anyone ready to challenge the status quo.”

For many students watching it online, the takeaway is simple, the dream may still be big, but the path to it is no longer out of reach.