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It’s that time of year again — inboxes are buzzing, admission portals are live, and if you’re a student in Kerala planning your study abroad journey, you’ve probably heard the words “February intake” more times than you’ve heard “Onam holidays.”
Yes, Australia’s Semester 1 (February 2026) intake is now open, and universities have begun accepting applications for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. So, if you’ve been eyeing that dream degree in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth, it’s time to get serious — and to start early.

If you’re planning to study abroad, you’ll hear the letters S-O-P more than your own name for a little while. Short for Statement of Purpose, this is the single document that tells a university who you are, why you want to study a particular course, and what you plan to do with your degree. Simple in idea, deceptively important in practice.

Think of the SOP as a friendly conversation on paper — not a CV, not a legal brief, and definitely not a copy-paste template.

If you’ve ever wandered around Mahe and stood at Tagore Park watching the sunset, you’ve probably seen her — Marianne, the French emblem of liberty, standing quietly by the river. That tiny patch of France inside Kerala is a cheeky reminder: France and Malayalees have history. So why not study there?
France is no longer just croissants and couture. It’s quietly becoming one of the smartest, most practical choices for Kerala students who want a world-class education —free education, without the sky-high price tag. And the cherry on the cake is the recently signed India-France agreement, which gives Indians preferential treatment to study in France! That means ‘Study in France’ is no longer a dream!

Supriya is one of our students who just got placed for an MSc in Data Science at a prestigious university in Madrid — and it made me ask: everyone talks about Germany and France, but why not Spain? Short answer: you get strong academics, global campuses, and a surprisingly friendly cost of living — plus a lifestyle that actually makes studying enjoyable.

If you’ve been wondering, “Can a master’s abroad really cost next to nothing?”, the answer is: yes—especially in Germany. And we at IRS Study Abroad have already helped many Kerala students turn this into reality.

When a Malayali student says “Australia,” many imagine Sydney or Melbourne. But here’s a fresh twist: from January 2026, two major South Australian institutions will merge to form a new powerhouse named Adelaide University — and that’s good news for you (yes, you browsing from Kottayam).

For years, the United Kingdom has been the dream destination for Indian students — and for good reason. From world-class education and globally recognised degrees to unmatched career exposure, the UK continues to attract thousands of students each year. In fact, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, nearly 98,890 Indian students were studying in the UK in 2024 — and that number is still climbing.
But what’s changing is where they’re choosing to study.

I am not just playing brand bingo, but you should know where these brands come from: IKEA, H&M, Volvo, Spotify, Electrolux and Ericsson. They are all Swedish brands. Sweden is where ideas turn into real businesses, and that’s exactly the kind of place a Kerala student should be thinking about.
Sweden packs a unique mix: world-class universities, thousands of English-taught programmes, strong links with global companies, and family-friendly immigration routes that make it possible for spouses and children to join you. If you want an education that opens doors across Europe (hello, Schengen!), and gives you practical pathways into industry — Sweden deserves a spot on your shortlist.

From popular Malayalam movies in the eighties or nineties to the aspirations of most youngsters in Kerala, Dubai has a unique place. It is more of an achievable goal, much easier than most Western destinations. And the fabric of the city of Dubai is closely linked to the ethos of Malayalis, from the labourers who toiled to build it to the boardroom members who shape the destiny of Dubai. 
And now, IRS Study Abroad is sharing yet another Dubai dream: to work while studying. That too, even full-time work while pursuing an MBA. Unbelievable? Yes — it’s possible.

Imagine earning an international MBA from a UK/Australian/European partner university — but studying in Dubai, paying far less than you might in the UK or Australia, and continuing to work (or even keep a full-time job) while you study. For many students from Kerala, this is not a pipe dream — it’s a smart, practical route to a global career.