Education Loan

Education and academic excellence are considered to be very important in India. An education loan is a loan that helps facilitate young minds to pursue their academics further, either in India or aboard by providing them with a loan amount to fund their higher education. This is very advantageous when the child does not have adequate funds to pursue his/her higher education. An education loan can be availed for an undergraduate degree, a postgraduate degree or a PhD.

The loan repayment is done only when the student completes his/her course and finishes a grace period of 6 months or one year wherein he/she can join a job and start making money.

Leading Indian banks offer education loans to help students achieve their academic objectives. A school loan with a payback duration of up to 15 years starts at 6.60 percent per year in interest. Both in-country and out-of-country higher education can benefit from education loans.

The lender will determine which courses are qualified for an education loan. An education loan may be obtained for courses beginning in Nursery. You can acquire a loan for full-time or part-time courses, as well as loans for working professionals, for higher education.

Features and benefits of an Education Loan

Good loan amount
Flexible tenures
Good education
Tax benefits
Government subsidy
Moratorium period
Collateral free loans for premier institutions

Interest rates

The interest rates for an education loan generally begin at just 9% and can go upwards. Most interest rates are fixed at the sole discretion of the lender and can vary based on certain factors.

Factors that affect interest rates for an Education Loan

Type of educational institutionsIf you are joining a reputed institution like IIT, IIM or similar universities abroad, then the interest rate that is charged for an educational loan is much lower. Also, collateral is not required for such universities. This is very beneficial for academically excellent students.
Gender:Girl students get a lower interest rate than boy students in most banks. This is to promote the girl child to study and help her achieve academic excellence with the same opportunities provided to the male students in the society.
Parents with a good credit score:Educational loans are provided to the student along with their parents who are considered as joint applicants. If the parents have a good credit score, then the interest rate that is offered is generally lower as they are considered as creditworthy customers and thus reduces the risk factor to the bank.
Tenure:A shorter tenure than a longer tenure can make sure that the outflow of money towards the repayment of the interest is lower. The longer the tenure, the more the money spent on interest.
Credit score:If the student himself/herself has a good credit score, it can be very useful to lower the interest rate on an educational loan. The better the credit score, the lower the interest rate charged. A credit score above 750 is always best to be considered a creditworthy customer.
Relationship with lender:If you have a good and healthy relationship with the lender you are borrowing from and are an existing customer with them, then the interest rates can be negotiated for and one can get a lower interest rate. This can help you lower the interest rates on your education loan. Most lenders aim to please their customers and so they can lower the interest rates if you have a positive and long relationship with them.

Eligibility criteria for an Education Loan

Should be an Indian citizen
Should be a minimum of 16 years old and a maximum of 35 years old
Should have finished 10th std and 12th std
Should have received an admission letter or invite for the course needed from the University or Institution
Parents are required as joint borrowers for the loan
If the loan amount if high (generally above 7lakhs or 10lakhs) collateral might be required.

These eligibility criteria can vary from lender to lender and so it is best to check with the lender you are borrowing from as to what their eligibility criteria are.

Compare Top Education Loan Offers 2022

Name of Bank	Interest Rate (p.a.)	Processing Fees
PNB	5% to 15%	1% of loan amount
SBI	6.70% to 8.65%	Up to Rs.10,000
Axis	13.70% to 15.20%	Nil to Rs.15,000 + GST
Bank of Baroda	8.85% to 10.85%	1% of loan amount up to Rs.10,000
HDFC	9.55% to 13.25%	Up to 1% of loan amount + tax
Kotak Mahindra Bank	Up to 16%	Nil
Federal Bank	16.05% onwards	Contact the bank

Note: These interest rates are effective as of November 2021 and are subject to change as per the bank’s rules and regulations.

Depending on the bank or financial institution, you can have a fixed interest rate package or a fluctuating interest rate package. Most floating rates are based on the Repo Rate, with a spread applied before the final effective interest rate is presented to you (EIR).

Punjab National Bank Education Loan
- Maximum Loan Amount: Need Based
- Maximum Loan Tenure: 15 Years
- Collateral: Nill Up to Rs.7.5 lakh
- Margin: Nill Up to Rs.4 lakh
- Offers loans to Indian residents and OCIs/PIOs/students born abroad to Indian parents and want to pursue studies in India.
- No security is required up to Rs.7.50 lakh
- Moratorium period is course period and 1 year
SBI Education Loan
- No collateral or third-party guarantee required upto Rs. 7.5 lakh
- Repayment to be done one year after course completion
- Repayment up to 15 years post the course completion + 12 months
- Zero processing fees for loans up to Rs.20 lakh
- Second loan can be availed for completing higher studies
Axis Bank Education Loan
- Minimum loan amount is Rs.50,000
- Maximum Loan Tenure: 15 years
- Margin: Nill Up to Rs.4 lakh
- Can secure loan before admission based on profile.
- Loan disbursal within 15 business days from the date the bank receives your complete application.
- Unsecured loans up to Rs.20 lakh for working professionals.
Bank of Baroda Education Loan
- Maximum Loan Amount: Rs.125 lakh
- No security up to Rs.7.5 lakh
- No margin on loans up to Rs.4 lakh
- No processing fees
- No documentation charges
HDFC Bank Education Loan
- Maximum loan amount is Rs.30 lakh
- Loan repayment tenure is up to 15 years
- Easy documentation process
- No collateral required up to Rs.7.5 lakh
- Tax benefit can be availed on education loan
- Loan amount will be directly disbursed to the institution based on its fee structure
Tata Capital Education Loan
- Maximum loan amount of Rs.25 lakh
- Minimum loan amount is Rs.75,000
- Collateral: Nill Up to Rs.4 lakh
- Choose from 3 EMI plans as per your convenience.
- Minimal documentation and quick approval of loans.

Education Loan Eligibility

Nationality:

Indian citizens
Non-Indian Residents (NRIs)
Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)
Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)
Students born to Indian parents abroad and wish to study in India

Courses:

Undergraduate programs
Postgraduate programs
Doctoral courses and PhDs
Certificate courses with 6 months or longer duration
Job-oriented courses
Technical/diploma/professional courses

Institutes:

Recognized institutions and government colleges
Private institutes aided by government
Professional institutions
International colleges and universities

Collateral:

Collateral-free loans up to Rs.7.5 lakh from leading lenders
Collateral-free loans up to Rs.40 lakh for select courses/institutions from select lenders

Acceptable collateral: Residential or commercial property or plot, fixed deposits, insurance

Loan amount: Up to Rs.1 crore

Education Loan EMI Calculator

You can use the Education Loan EMI Calculator to find out how much your monthly payments will be if you apply for an education loan and how much the overall cost of the loan will be. You can get an estimate of your equivalent monthly instalment by entering a few loan-related parameters such as the loan amount, tenure, interest rate, and processing fees (EMI). ‘Other important information is the total interest payable and a detailed amortisation table that breaks down your EMIs into principal and interest amounts on a monthly and annual basis.

Most lenders allow you to make partial prepayments on your loan once a year. If you want to make such payments, plug the numbers into the calculator, and the result will show you how much money you’ll save on interest and how long it will take to pay off your debt.

List of Courses that are Covered under an Education loan

Nursery to class 12.
Graduation and Post-Graduation courses (technical/professional/diploma) conducted by approved universities or colleges under UGC/IMC/AICTE/government.
Regular degree/diploma courses administered by autonomous institutions such as IIM/IIT, etc.
Regular degree or diploma courses such as pilot training, aeronautical, shipping, and more approved by the Director General of Civil Aviation/Shipping/other regulatory authority.
Job oriented courses (professional/technical) for Graduation/Post Graduation/Diploma such as MBA/MCA/MS offered by reputed educational institutions, courses conducted by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) – London or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – USA.
Loans for skill development.

Abroad

Job oriented courses (professional/technical) for Graduation/Post Graduation/Diploma such as MBA/MCA/MS, etc. offered by reputable institutions.
Courses conducted by CIMA and CPA.

List of Expenses Covered in Education Loan

Here’s what the loan amount will cover:

Tuition fees
Hostel fees
Travel expenses passage money for students studying abroad
Insurance premium
Cost of books/equipment/instruments/uniform
Examination/laboratory/library fees
Cost of a computer/laptop required for course completion
Caution deposit, building fund/refundable deposit supported by institution bills/receipts
Any other expense required to complete the course such as study tours/thesis/project work

Features & Benefits of Study Loan

Loan financing up to Rs.1 crore available.
Loan repayment tenure up to 15 years.
Get Education loans for studies in India and abroad.
Some lenders offer loan disbursal before applying for a Visa.
Door-step service to collect required documents.
Children of the bank’s employees enjoy preferential rates at several banks.
Certain banks offer concessional interest rates to female students.
Enjoy a moratorium period of up to 1 year after course completion. During this period, you do not have to make payments on the loan.
Enjoy tax benefits up to 8 years on the interest paid.

Tax Benefits on Education Loan

Section 80E of the Income Tax Act of 1961 allows you to deduct the interest you pay on your student loan. Individual borrowers are eligible for this benefit, which is solely available for the purpose of higher education. The deduction is applicable to all fields of study, both in India and abroad. It covers both vocational and conventional courses.

Please keep in mind that the tax deduction applies only to the interest portion of the EMI, not the principle. However, there is no upper limit on the number of times you can claim this benefit. To claim this benefit, you’ll need a certificate from your bank or financial institution that separates the principle and interest sections of your EMIs.

This benefit is available for 8 years from the date you began repayment or until the interest component of your loan is paid off, whichever comes first.

List of Documents Required for Education Loan

Here is an indicative list of documents that most lenders ask:

Admission letter from the educational institution
Marksheets (previous education – school/college)
Age proof
ID proof
Address proof
Signature proof
Salary slips
Recent bank account statements
ITR with income computation
Audited balance sheet
Recent bank statements
Proof of turnover (service tax return/sales receipt)
Completed application form with signature
Latest passport size photographs
Appropriate Visa for studies abroad

Documents needed for an Education Loan

For the student

The Institution’s admission letter along with the fee break-up
10th and 12th graduation mark sheets
Identity proof
Age proof
Address proof
Signature proof
Application form that is completely filled out
Latest passport size photograph

Identity proof, age proof can be submitted with Aadhar card, passport, driver’s licence or voter’s ID. Address proof can be submitted with Aadhar card, ration card, passport, telephone bill, electricity bill or voter’s ID card.

For the parent

Income proof
For salaried individuals – Salary slips and bank statements for 6 months
For self-employed individuals – Income Tax Returns, bank statements and proof of turnover

Documents needed can vary from lender to lender and so it is best to check with the lender you are borrowing from as to what are the documents needed.

Apart from this there are some procedures like signing of the loan agreement by the applicant and the parents, repayment instructions to be followed and the copy of the payment receipt of given by the institute to be submitted.

How to Apply Education Loan

There are several ways of applying for a student loan:Apply Online:

Step 1: This is the easiest and the most convenient way of applying. There are two ways of applying online. The first is a straightforward application form that you will fill online, attach the necessary documents, and submit the form.

Step 2: The second is where you apply through providing all the requested details and the lender will then get in touch with you to discuss the terms of the loan before proceeding with the application.Offline

Step 1:Visit a Branch: You can apply for a loan by visiting your nearest branch with the necessary documents, discuss the terms of the loan with a representative, fill the form, and apply in person.

Step 2:Call the Lender: You can either call the lender or request a call back by expressing your interest. You can then discuss the loan terms and proceed to apply.Virtual Assistant

To better serve their consumers, banks and other financial organisations are turning to digital ways. Using a Virtual Assistant to clear your doubts and request assistance with the application process is one such way.

Education Loan Repayment Process

The loan repayment period normally begins 6-12 months after you complete your study or, whichever comes first, when you obtain a job. Applicants are given varied moratorium periods by different lenders when it comes to repaying their loans. You will be required to repay your loan in EMIs.

Here are the different modes of repayments usually available:

Internet Banking – Pay online through the lender’s website or mobile app.
Cheque – Drop a cheque at any of the branches.
Direct debit – Set up recurring payments for your EMI to be directly debited from your bank account on the payment due date.
Demand Draft – Pay through a DD.

The preferred method of repayment varies between lenders. Therefore, it is advisable to check with your lender when taking the loan.

Discussed below are a few important details in regard to education loan repayment process:

Moratorium period: In the case of education loans, the beneficiaries will be able to start paying off the loan after the completion of the educational course or after successful employment.

Part-payment of education loans: The beneficiaries of education loans will be allowed to make part payments towards their loans. As an applicant, you can pay back a lump sum amount to make part repayment of the loan.

Pre-payment of education loan: If an applicant is able to manage the funds for the pre-payment of the loan amount, he or she will be able to do the same. However, it should be kept in mind that this might invite a processing fee.

If money is the only thing standing between you and your professional goals, consider taking out an education or student loan to help you achieve them. You can receive collateral-free goals, which means you won’t have to provide the lender any security and your payments won’t start right after graduation.

FAQ’s

Is the RBI moratorium on loans due to the Covid-19 pandemic applicable for education loans too?

Yes, the Reserve Bank of India’s moratorium on retail loans, due to people undergoing financial challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is applicable to education loans as well. The moratorium on Equated Monthly Instalments (EMIs) could be availed from March 2020 to August 2020.

Will I get the same amount of money on my education loan for the same level course in India and abroad?

No, usually education loans for courses in India do not offer the same amount as for comparable level courses abroad. Education loans offer higher amounts for courses abroad as fees and other expenses may be higher there than for courses in India (which also depends on the educational institution).

Is it possible to get an education loan without offering a collateral?

Almost all education loans from banks and other lenders require a collateral which can be fixed deposits, property, shares, bonds, etc. However, you can still avail an education loan without having to give any collateral. This can be achieved through the Credit Guarantee Fund for Education Loan (CGFEL) Schemes which covers a collateral-free loan of up to Rs.7.5 lakh. This is only for education loans dispersed under the Model Education Loan Scheme of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA). To avail this, you have to apply for an education loan under this scheme through a scheduled commercial bank. You don’t need to provide security or collateral for amounts of up to Rs.7.5 lakh but anything above that will require a collateral.

For courses abroad, is the loan offered in the currency of that particular country?

For courses abroad, education loans are typically paid directly to the educational institution in the local currency of that country.

Will the moratorium on education loan get extended if I choose to take a sabbatical from my course?

The moratorium period on education loans differ from lender to lender. However, it is usually until the borrower gets employed or for up to 1 year of the course being completed, whichever is earlier. If you choose to take a sabbatical and want an extension of your moratorium, it would depend on the bank whether to grant it or not, so it is best to have a discussion about this with the lender.

Are NRIs eligible for education loans from banks in India?

One of the eligibility criteria for education loans that are offered by banks and other financial institutions in India is that the individual should be an Indian national. This means that any student who is a citizen of India can apply for and avail an education loan from a lender in the country. Collateral or documents which can be taken as security should be those that are enforceable in India.

What do the lenders consider to approve the loan?

Lenders consider the following factors when approving a loan:

The course and institute you choose
The amount you need
Your academic performance
Repayment capacity of your family
Family assets
Annual income

What happens if I discontinue the course and get an employment within the grace period?

In case you choose to discontinue the course mid-way, you must start repaying the loan immediately after getting a job.

Can I port my education loan to another bank with lower interest rates?

Yes, you can move your education loan from one bank to another. However, your current bank might charge a refinance fees. Therefore, it is important to consider all factors of the existing bank and the new bank before moving the loan.

Do all education loans cover 100% of the education expenses?

Yes, education loans cover 100% of the education expenses. However, full coverage may only be provided for expenses under a certain limit. Lenders have a margin if the expenses go above the limit.

What are the other expenses covered by education loans?

Some of the additional expenses covered by education loans are:

Hostel fees
Exam fees, laboratory and library fees
Cost of books, uniforms, projects, etc.
Travel expenses for overseas education
Deposits required by the educational institute

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