Navigating the Complex World of International College Admissions
For international students, applying to universities abroad is far from straightforward. Unlike U.S. students who benefit from centralized platforms like the Common App, global applicants face a fragmented system with varying requirements across thousands of institutions. This cumbersome process inspired the creation of Nestlings, a Cupertino-based startup dedicated to streamlining higher education access for international students.
The Birth of Nestlings: A Solution Born from Experience
Founded by former Apple product manager Sowmya Satish and her husband Raj Basavaraju, Nestlings addresses the challenges Basavaraju faced when pursuing his master’s degree at Glasgow Caledonian University.
“When I was applying, I struggled to find comprehensive information about programs, safety, and lifestyle,” Basavaraju recalls. “We created Nestlings to give students the support I wish I had.”
How Nestlings Works: Beyond Admissions
Nestlings offers three core services:
- Unified Application Platform: Apply to multiple universities in the U.S., U.K., and Canada with a single application
- Mentorship Network: Connect with industry professionals and current students for guidance
- Career Pipeline: Access post-graduate employment opportunities
“We’re building career pathways, not just an admissions portal,” explains Satish.
The Business Model: Free for Students, Partner-Driven Revenue
Nestlings operates as a two-sided marketplace:
- Students: Free access to all platform services
- Institutions & Employers: Pay fees when successfully placing students
The startup has already onboarded:
- 30,000+ student users
- 180+ university partners
- A major Southeast Asian testing center (non-exclusive partnership)
Standing Out in a Competitive EdTech Landscape
While facing competition from giants like ApplyBoard (valued at $1.4 billion), Nestlings differentiates itself through:
- Holistic student support beyond admissions
- Strategic acquisitions like AdmitAlly (a mentor matching platform)
- Pandemic-responsive features for remote recruitment
The Road Ahead
As higher education evolves with remote learning and shifting enrollment trends, Nestlings remains committed to its vision: making international education more accessible and impactful for students worldwide.
“Our goal is to support students throughout their entire professional journey,” says Satish. “From choosing the right program to launching their careers.”
