Khushboo Jagtap grew up in Vidarbha in a family where education mattered deeply, but financial constraints were always present. Today, she is pursuing her Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (with Aerospace) at the University of Melbourne — ranked among the top universities in the world.

Her journey, from a Marathi-medium background to a global academic space, is not just inspiring — it is also a practical roadmap for many students like her.

As shared in Digital Nalanda’s Bluebird Foreign Education Series | September 30, 2022

A Turning Point

After completing her Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Wardha in 2018, Khushboo found herself at a familiar crossroads.

Like many students from the region, she began preparing for government competitive exams — a stable and expected path.

During this time, she attended a career counselling workshop where a different possibility emerged.

It was here that she met Anoop Kumar of Nalanda Academy, who introduced her to the idea of studying abroad — not as a distant dream, but as something achievable with the right preparation and guidance.

She joined Nalanda soon after.

What followed was a shift in direction. She initially started preparing for the GRE, but soon realised that many of the universities she was targeting did not require it. She recalibrated and focused entirely on IELTS.

Throughout this phase, one reality stayed with her — the financial pressure on her family. While her father reassured her, she remained conscious of the responsibility. Instead of discouraging her, it made her more deliberate in every decision.

From Marathi Medium to IELTS

Khushboo speaks honestly about her starting point — her English was not strong.

Having studied in a Marathi-medium school, she had limited exposure to spoken and academic English. Preparing for IELTS meant beginning from the very basics — grammar, vocabulary, listening, and speaking.

What made the difference was collective preparation.

A group of seven to eight students came together, each at a different stage, supporting one another through the process. They practised speaking in pairs, took turns as interviewer and candidate, and used resources like IELTS Liz, Cambridge materials, YouTube, and even films and songs to improve listening.

They wrote essays and received feedback from mentors, refining their skills step by step.

In January 2020, Khushboo appeared for IELTS — and cleared it in her first attempt.

For someone who had once doubted whether she could pass at all, this was a deeply meaningful milestone.

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Applying Smartly

Khushboo applied to over 30 universities across Canada and Australia. Germany was also an option initially, but since GRE was required, she chose to focus elsewhere.

Her approach was clear and strategic: prioritise universities ranked within the global top 100.

This was not just about prestige — for scholarships like the Maharashtra Government Scholarship and the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS), rankings directly influence eligibility and competitiveness.

Every Australian university she applied to offered her admission.

She also shares a simple but powerful insight: Always ask for an application fee waiver.

She requested one from every university she applied to in Australia — and received it from all. This saved her a significant amount of money, something many students overlook simply because they hesitate to ask.

Choosing the Right Course

At the University of Melbourne, Khushboo had multiple course options — Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical with Business, and Mechanical with Aerospace.

She chose Mechanical Engineering  with Aerospace.

It allowed her to build on her core discipline while gaining exposure to a specialised and evolving field.

Her advice to students is straightforward:

“Explore all available specialisations, understand what genuinely excites you, and make a choice based on long-term interest — not just perceived safety.”

Life in Australia

Moving to a new country brought its own set of challenges.

Managing daily life — cooking, cleaning, coursework, and deadlines — required adjustment. Like any student living away from home for the first time, there were both high points and difficult days.

At the same time, she found unexpected warmth in everyday interactions. Small acts of kindness from strangers made her feel supported in a new environment.

On part-time work, she notes that opportunities are accessible and well-paying. While her current schedule does not allow her to take up a job, many students balance work alongside their studies.

What Her Journey Teaches Us

Khushboo’s journey offers several practical lessons for students aspiring to study abroad.

Preparing in a group—especially for exams like IELTS—can make a significant difference by building confidence and consistency.

It is also important to proactively ask for application fee waivers, as many universities are willing to provide them.

Students should aim for globally ranked universities, particularly because rankings often influence scholarship opportunities.

Exploring interdisciplinary courses can open up new and meaningful academic pathways.

At the same time, strengthening one’s academic foundation before arriving is crucial, as education abroad is often more application-oriented.

For those considering a PhD, reaching out to professors early and building relationships can greatly strengthen the application process.

A Larger Meaning

“I don’t know how successful I will be,” Khushboo says, “but I know I gave myself a real chance.”

That is what her journey represents. Not certainty — but courage. Not privilege — but preparation. Not luck — but deliberate effort.

Her story reflects what becomes possible when students from modest backgrounds are given the right environment, guidance, and belief.

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