Case Study: Rishab’s Journey from Struggles to Success in the UK
- Priyamvada Agarwal
- Sep 6
- 3 min read
Most people think overseas education success is only for top scorers with perfect resumes. However, that is not always true. Many students have uneven journeys. Some individuals face financial stress, academic gaps, or poor grades. Rishab’s story is one of them. He struggled for many years and almost gave up. Later, he came to Education and You and gave a final try. With the right guidance and plans, today, he is pursuing a Master’s in Animation at Coventry University in the United Kingdom.
Early Struggles:
Rishab completed his 12th Grade in 2017 with 52% (a weak point). He had a passion for design and animation, but he had to step down and work, as his financial circumstances were not so strong. Determined, before COVID-19, he used his savings to enroll in a 3-year diploma-equivalent program at a local institution. He thought the program would assist him in polishing his skills and landing a good job. Sadly, the reality was different. In 2023, he did not receive the diploma he was hoping for, but just a certificate. The worst part is he did not get the job he was promised.
By then, his profile looked weak:
Low academic score.
No degree beyond school.
A study gap of several years.
Weak English skills.
No proper portfolio.
To make things worse, several study abroad consultancies misled him between 2021 and 2023. They promised quick entry into foreign universities. None of it worked. By early 2024, Rishab felt hopeless.
The Turning Point:
In January 2024, Rishab reached out to Education and You. He was demotivated, but he still wanted one more chance. Instead of making false promises, the team gave him a plan:
Portfolio building: collecting and polishing his creative work.
IELTS coaching: two months of focused English and presentation training one-on-one.
Confidence training: regular feedback and motivation to rebuild belief.
After two months, he made his first IELTS attempt. His results were as follows:
LISTENING | WRITING | SPEAKING | READING |
6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 5.5 |
This was below university requirements, but it was a good start.
The Application:
Rishab applied to three UK universities: Coventry, Teesside, and Bournemouth. His application included:
An honest Statement of Purpose (SOP).
His portfolio of design projects.
Work experience details.
A request for a video interview.
The SOP was different from most others. It did not hide his failures. Instead, it explained his struggles and how he grew from them. This honesty impressed Coventry University. They invited him for an interview and allowed him to take their internal English test.
The Breakthrough:
Coventry’s condition was clear. Rishab needed at least 6.5 in two IELTS sections and not less than 6.0 in any section. His first attempt had fallen short. He studied harder for another month and reappeared. This time, he cleared the requirement. Soon, Coventry sent him an offer letter.
However, one final challenge remained: THE VISA. With limited funds, this was difficult. Yet with thoughtful planning and the team’s support, Rishab tasted victory.
On 18 September 2024, he flew to the UK with dreams and determination.
Takeaways from Rishab’s Journey:
Rishab’s case is full of lessons for students who feel stuck.
Grades Are Not Everything: He had only 52% in school and no degree. Still, he got into a UK Master’s program. Skills and passion count as much as marks.
Honesty Works: He was transparent about his failures in his SOP. That truthfulness built trust with the admissions committee.
Build Skills First: Improving English, building a portfolio, and learning presentation skills made his profile stronger than rushing into applications.
Right Guidance Is Key: Wrong advice cost him years. Honest mentorship turned his future around.
Persistence Pays: He failed IELTS once. He faced money problems. However, he kept trying until he made it.
Why This Story Matters
Many students think low grades, study gaps, or poor English close the doors to studying abroad. Rishab proves that it is not true. Universities are not only looking for toppers. They want students who can adapt, learn, and show resilience. If you can prove growth and passion, doors open.
Rishab was not the “perfect” student on paper. His honesty and determination are the keys to his success. These are the qualities that top universities look for. Rishab’s journey proves one thing: setbacks do not define you, but persistence does.
At Education and You, every student deserves to dream of studying abroad, and we are here to make it a reality. Are you someone suffering with your profile? Get in touch with us today.
*Please note, the name of the student has been changed for privacy purposes.