u/ThePhenomenal786

I’m 25 and restarting my academic journey after a 7-year gap since high school. My non-negotiable end goal is to get into Cloud Security/Architecture and move overseas (Middle East, EU, or SEA) as fast as possible. I am getting a BCA degree purely to clear automated international visa/immigration filters.

​I’ve built a heavy 8-month skill-grind roadmap that I intend to run in the background, but I’m stuck trying to lock down the right BCA vehicle. I’ve narrowed it down to two(suggest if any better options) completely different routes and need a brutal reality check from seniors on which one fits a global exit strategy best.

My Roadmap (Next 8 Months):

​Done: Google IT Support Cert (for OS/networking fundamentals).

​Current: Google Cybersecurity Cert (Python, SQL, SIEM tools).

​Next: Microsoft/IBM security fundamentals

AWS Solutions Architect Associate

CompTIA Security+

​Online Manipal (MUJ): Costs around ₹1.4L total. The tech platform/LMS seems incredibly smooth, administration is handled like a corporate business (fewer headaches), and they have physical offshore campuses in Dubai and Malaysia, which might help with international brand recognition.

​Jamia Hamdard Online (CDOE): Dirt cheap (under ₹1 Lakh total). Fully UGC-DEB and NAAC A+ approved, so it legally clears WES and visa checks. However, I’ve heard the digital admin can be slow and run with standard government-aided inertia.

Suggest if any better options pls.

(i)

College Vidya counselors are pushing me toward other random online options, but I want to avoid administrative messes. Is Jamia Hamdard's online portal smooth enough to manage while grinding heavy certs, or should I pay extra for Manipal's peace of mind?

(ii)

​Given my 7-year gap, which of these three paths gives me the safest, lowest-friction runway to just clear my exams and focus 100% on my portfolio?.

Thanks!!

Hey guys,

​I’m 25, restarting after a 7-year gap from high school (had 50% in 12th). My absolute end goal is to get a Cloud Security/Architecture job and move overseas (EU, Middle East etc).

​To clear visa/HR filters, I just enrolled in the Online bca from Manipal (MUJ). I'm treating the degree as a background checklist item while I grind skills.

​Rate my 8-month roadmap. Be as brutal as you want:

​Done: Google IT Support Professional Cert (built my networking/OS basics).

​Current: Google Cybersecurity Cert (learning Python, SQL, SIEM).

​Next (Months 3-5): Moving to Microsoft/IBM security fundamentals, then jumping straight into AWS Solutions Architect Associate to learn enterprise cloud infrastructure.

​Final Step (Months 6-8): Clear CompTIA Security+ to actually bypass HR filters.

​Plan is to finish this stack, get a junior/associate role in India for experience, and apply abroad the second my BCA finishes.

​My main questions for veterans here:

​Will Indian companies flat-out reject me in automated background checks due to my 7-year gap and 50% score, or will AWS + Security+ save me at mid-sized firms? how hard would be my 1st year?

​For anyone who moved abroad from India in CyberSec, which countries offers highest pay?