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    Education Loan

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    Pursue your education without financial worries. Our education loan services provide the best options for funding your studies. Apply now to learn more.

    Leading Indian banks significantly support students’ academic dreams by providing comprehensive education loans. These loans, designed for both domestic and international studies, come with a generous repayment period of up to 20 years and start at a competitive interest rate of 8.10% per annum. What makes these loans truly inclusive is their wide coverage, which spans from Nursery to full-time, part-time, and higher education courses, thus catering to the diverse requirements of working professionals.

    What is an Education Loan?

    An education loan is financial assistance provided by banks or other lenders to candidates aiming to pursue technical, educational, or other courses abroad. Lenders offer students the option to repay the loan after completing their course, with an additional six-month grace period granted to secure employment.

    Types of Education Loan

    • Undergraduate education loans are available for students pursuing higher education after completing secondary education.
    • Postgraduate education loans are designed for those aiming to pursue courses after their undergraduate studies.
    • Career growth education loans cover courses, training, or certifications aimed at professional advancement.
    • Parents can avail education loans to support their children’s educational endeavors.

     

    Education loans serve as a financial lifeline, covering a broad range of expenses including tuition fees, hostel charges, travel costs, insurance premiums, and more. With loan amounts reaching up to Rs. 1 crore and a flexible repayment tenure of up to 15 years, students receive substantial support throughout their academic journeys.

    Additionally, tax benefits under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act provide relief through deductions on the interest paid.

    These loans cater to a variety of educational paths, including undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational training, and skill development courses. Eligibility criteria include enrollment in recognized institutions and completion of 10+2 or a degree, among other factors.

    The application process, accessible online and offline, requires essential documentation such as admission letters and academic records.

    An Education Loan EMI Calculator helps borrowers estimate monthly repayments, offering insights into the overall loan cost. The repayment journey, typically starting 12 months after course completion, offers flexibility through various modes such as internet banking, cheques, direct debit, and demand drafts.

    Lenders, recognizing the importance of education, adopt a comprehensive approach in approving loans. They consider factors such as the chosen course, institute, loan amount, academic performance, family’s repayment capacity, assets, and annual income.

    In essence, education loans create a supportive framework, alleviating financial constraints on students’ educational pursuits.

    Compare Top Education Loan Offers 2024

    Name of BankInterest Rate (p.a.)Processing Fees
    SBI8.15% p.a. to 11.75% p.a.
    • Up to Rs.10,000
    • No charged required for loan amount below Rs.20 lakh
    • Loan amount above Rs.20 lakh: Rs.10,000 (plus taxes)
      Central Bank of India8.10% p.a. to 10.60% p.a.
      • Nil for studies in India
      • 1% of loan amount for studies abroad (Max: Rs. 10,000) 
        PNB9.20% p.a. onwards
        • Nil for studies in India
        • 1% of loan amount for studies abroad (Max: Rs. 10,000)
          Canara Bank9.25% p.a. onwards
          • 0.50% of the loan amount up to Rs.10,000 (for collateral security coverage of 100% and above)
          • 0.50% of the loan amount up to Rs. 20,000 (for collateral security coverage of less than 100%)
            IDFC FIRST Bank10% p.a. to 15% p.a.Up to 1.5% of the loan amount
            IDBI Bank8.50% p.a. onwards
            • Nil for studies in India
            • 1% of the loan amount (Maximum: Rs.5,000) for studies abroad
              Bank of Baroda8.15% p.a. onwards
              • No processing for charges up to Rs.7.50 lakh
              • 1% of loan amount up to Rs.10,000 for charges above Rs. 7.50 lakh
                Bank of India11.05% p.a. to 11.85% p.a.No processing fee for studies in India
                ICICI Bank9.85% p.a. onwardsUp to 2% + GST
                Bank of Maharashtra8.10% p.a. onwardsContact the bank
                HDFC Bank9.50% p.a.Maximum up to 1% of the loan amount
                Axis Bank13.70% p.a. to 15.20% p.a.2.00% of the loan plus GST
                Kotak Mahindra BankUp to 16% p.a.Nil
                Federal Bank12.55% onwardsContact the bank
                Tamilnad Mercantile bank11.75% p.a. to 13.00% p.a.1% of the sanctioned loan amount above Rs. 7.50 lakh for studies abroad

                Note: These interest rates are effective as of June 2024 and are subject to change according to the bank’s rules and regulations.

                Depending on the bank or financial institution, you can opt for either 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 (EIR) is presented to you.

                List of Expenses Covered in Education Loan

                Here’s what the loan amount will cover:

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

                Features & Benefits of Study Loan

                • Loan financing up to Rs. 1 crore is available.
                • Loan repayment tenure extends up to 15 years.
                • Obtain education loans for studies in India and abroad.
                • Some lenders offer loan disbursals before applying for a visa.
                • Door-step service is available for collecting required documents.
                • Children of the bank’s employees enjoy preferential rates at several banks.
                • Certain banks offer concessional interest rates to female students.
                • Benefit from a moratorium period of up to 1 year after course completion, during which no loan payments are required.
                • Enjoy tax benefits on the interest paid for up to eight years.

                Tax Benefits on Education Loan

                The interest you pay on your student loan can be deducted under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act of 1961. This benefit is available only to individual borrowers and exclusively for higher education purposes. The deduction applies to all fields of study, both domestically and internationally, covering both vocational and academic courses.

                It’s important to note that the tax deduction only applies to the interest portion of the EMI, not the principal. There is no limit to the number of times you can claim this benefit. To qualify, you’ll need a certificate from your bank or financial institution that separates the principal and interest components of your EMIs.

                This benefit is available for eight years from the start of your loan repayment or until the interest component is fully paid off, whichever comes first.

                Courses Covered Under an Educational Loan

                • Undergraduate degrees
                • Postgraduate degrees
                • Undergraduate diplomas
                • Postgraduate diplomas
                • Vocational training courses
                • Skill development courses
                • Doctoral programmes
                •  

                Eligibility Criteria for Education Loans

                Loans are provided for sanctioned undergraduate programs, postgraduate programs, PhDs, diploma courses with a duration of six months or more, job-oriented courses, and technical/professional courses.

                Applicants must be enrolled in or have secured admission to recognized institutions, government institutions, professional institutions, or international colleges and universities.

                For undergraduate courses, applicants should have completed 10+2 (12th standard), and for postgraduate courses, a degree is required.

                List of Documents Required for Education Loan

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

                • 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 the 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

                How to Apply for an Education Loan

                Online
                1. Access the Bank’s Official Website: Navigate to the official website of the bank.
                2. Locate the Education Loan Product Page: Find the section dedicated to education loans.
                3. Complete the Application-cum-Consent Form: Enter your personal and contact information.
                4. Provide Academic and Financial Details: Submit these details when contacted by the bank.
                5. Finalize the Loan Approval Process: Choose between doorstep service for a study loan or visit the bank in person to complete the process.
                Offline
                1. Visit Your Chosen Bank Branch: Go to the nearest branch of your selected bank.
                2. Request a Student Loan Application Form: Ask for the form at the bank.
                3. Fill Out the Form: Complete the form with your personal, academic, and financial details.
                4. Confirm Loan Terms: Discuss and confirm the loan terms with a bank official.
                5. Submit the Application Form and Documents: Provide the completed form and required documents.
                6. Receive Formal Agreement: Once approved, you will receive a formal student loan agreement.

                Education Loan Repayment Process

                The repayment period for education loans typically begins 12 months after completing the course or 6 months after gaining employment, whichever comes first. Different lenders offer varied moratorium periods for loan repayment. Payments are made in Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs).

                Modes of Repayment Available:
                • Internet Banking: Pay online through the lender’s website or mobile app.
                • Cheque: Drop a cheque at any branch of the lender.
                • Direct Debit: Set up recurring payments for EMIs to be debited directly from your bank account on the due date.
                • Demand Draft: Make payments through a Demand Draft.

                The preferred repayment method can differ among lenders, so it’s advisable to confirm with your lender when taking the loan.

                Important Details Regarding Education Loan Repayment:
                • Moratorium Period: Beneficiaries can start repaying the loan after completing their educational course or upon securing employment.
                • Part-payment of Loans: Borrowers can make part payments towards their loans by paying a lump sum amount.
                • Pre-payment of Loans: Applicants who can arrange funds may opt for pre-paying their loan amount, though this may involve a processing fee.

                If financial constraints are the only hurdle between you and your career ambitions, consider an education loan. These loans often come without collateral requirements, meaning you won’t need to provide security, and your repayment schedule won’t commence immediately after graduation.

                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

                Education Loan EMI Calculator

                The Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs) that you will pay will depend on a few key factors.

                • The loan amount.
                • The interest rate that is applicable to the loan.
                • The tenure of the loan.
                • The processing fees.

                The higher the loan amount, the higher your EMI will be. Similarly, the shorter the loan tenure the higher the EMI.

                EMI:

                0 INR

                Total Interest Payable:

                0 INR

                Total of Payments (Principal + Interest):

                0 INR

                To calculate the EMI on your car loan, you can use the formula:

                EMI=P×R×(1+R)N(1+R)N−1\text{EMI} = \frac{P \times R \times (1+R)^N}{(1+R)^N – 1}

                where:

                • ‘R’ is the rate of interest
                • ‘P’ is the principal amount
                • ‘N’ is the loan tenure

                Manual calculations can be error-prone, complex, and time-consuming, so using an online personal loan EMI calculator is preferable. This calculator requires only a few basic details such as the interest rate, loan amount, and loan tenure.

                Once these details are entered, the EMI amount is calculated instantly. Additionally, the calculator provides the total interest amount and an amortization schedule for easy reference.

                Frequently Asked Questions About Education Loans

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

                Yes, the RBI’s moratorium on retail loans, including education loans, was applicable from March 2020 to August 2020 due to financial challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

                Do banks offer education loans without interest?

                No, banks levy interest on education loans. There are no interest-free education loans offered by banks.

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

                No, generally education loans for courses abroad offer higher amounts than for comparable courses in India, considering higher fees and expenses abroad.

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

                Yes, under the Credit Guarantee Fund for Education Loan (CGFEL) Scheme, you can avail a collateral-free loan of up to Rs. 7.5 lakh. Amounts above this typically require collateral.

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

                Education loans for courses abroad are typically disbursed in the local currency of the country where the institution is located.

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

                The moratorium period for education loans varies by lender. If you take a sabbatical, discuss the extension of the moratorium with your lender.

                Are NRIs eligible for education loans from banks in India?

                Education loans in India generally require the applicant to be an Indian national. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) may face eligibility restrictions depending on the lender’s policies.

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

                If you discontinue the course and gain employment during the grace period, you must start repaying the loan immediately.

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

                Yes, you can transfer your education loan to another bank with lower interest rates. However, there may be a refinancing fee charged by your current bank.

                How can I get my student loan waived in India?

                Student loans in India can be waived under certain government schemes, employment in specific sectors, financial hardship, disability, and institutional policies. Eligibility and terms vary; consult your lender for details.

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

                Yes, education loans can cover up to 100% of the education expenses, although some lenders may have a margin requirement for expenses exceeding a certain limit.