We see pent-up demand from students for overseas edu

The present scenario might demand study from home for many across the country and the globe. However, students are eager to get back to physical classroom environment and avail of quality higher education.

Bizz Buzz spoke with Karunn Kandoi, General Manager and Head (India operations), ApplyBoard India, on the future of in-person classroom experience versus the emerging virtual schoolroom trend during the pandemic period. ApplyBoard, which caters to services on study abroad search, application, and acceptance process, has earlier in June announced it has raised $300 million in series D funding at a post-money valuation of $3.2 billion

When was the first round of funding launched and when did the Series D funding conclude?

ApplyBoard had a C$17 million Series A round in 2018, and our Series D was announced June 2021.

What are the plans of ApplyBoard India in terms of business expansion for the Indian market?

ApplyBoard will continue to expand our already growing presence in India through the addition of new team members around support, marketing, and development over the next 12-18 months at least.

Are there any plans to collaborate with any existing edtech companies in India?

ApplyBoard remains open to working with edtech companies and organizations around the world to better serve students and help them along their journey. At this time we are unable to provide any specifics around particular companies.

What are the investment targets set aside for the Indian market?

India remains a priority for ApplyBoard and serving its many students and recruitment partners in the region. Our targets are on working with schools and institutions in our core destination countries of Canada, the US, UK, and Australia to be able to offer the best possible options to our students and partners.

How many new applicants have joined ApplyBoard from India between 2019 to 2021(pre-pandemic and post-pandemic)?

We unfortunately can't share specifics in this particular area, but ApplyBoard itself has been ongoing growth in student applications throughout 2019 and throughout the pandemic. We are also seeing a tremendous pent-up demand from students ready and excited to continue their education abroad after a year where the pandemic created hurdles around international travel.

Any acquisitions targets thought of by ApplyBoard India?

Unfortunately, we can't comment on acquisition targets at this time.

How many schools, institutions and programs were added to the ApplyBoard's list for overseas programs?'

There are more than 1,500 schools and institutions on ApplyBoard with 100,000+ programs for students to explore.

What were the general trends observed by ApplyBoard India from its customers in the past 12 months?

There have been a number of exciting trends within India over the past year. The biggest one is the continued increase in the students and recruitment partners who are utilizing the platform and their strong acceptance rates. Education is something that continues to be a desirable need for so many across the country. We are also seeing subtle shifts in program preferences around IT, business, and engineering programs. Further due to increased awareness about the fact that studying overseas is not necessarily always expensive, we are observing the increase in the number of applications from LIG and MIG segments as well.

What is the revenue model of ApplyBoard India which sets it apart from its other competitors in edtech sector?

Our immediate goal is to make all services required to succeed in securing an admission overseas affordable.

What kind of future does ApplyBoard India anticipate for its business operations in India, especially with the surge in online classroom experience?

There is no doubt that Edtech has allowed more students than ever to learn anywhere in the world, but surveys routinely show that students want to learn in-person, particularly those who wish to study abroad. You can't replace the excitement and experience of living and learning in another country and build a tremendous global network that an international student experience offers. What we have seen over the past year and already see now is that the demand for study abroad experience is not slowing down. In a nutshell Education overseas is an experience and exposure that cannot be replaced by pure online classroom experience.

What is the business strategy of ApplyBoard India to cater to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in the country?

First and foremost priority is to increase awareness amongst the learners that they are entitled to get the best possible education and it's not necessarily always expensive. Second, providing tools and services to the learners to help them prepare, compete and succeed amongst the global applicants.