Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students. However, pursuing higher education abroad can be an expensive affair. One of the most common ways of financing international education is through education loans. This blog will discuss the various types of education loans available for Indian students who wish to study abroad.
Government Education Loans
Government education loans are popular for Indian students who wish to study abroad. These loans are provided by banks that the Government of India authorizes to offer education loans to students who wish to pursue higher education overseas. Some of the most prominent banks that offer these loans include the State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Canara Bank.
The Government of India has established various schemes to provide financial assistance to students who wish to pursue higher education abroad. One of the most prominent schemes is the “Vidya Lakshmi” portal, a single-window platform for students applying for education loans from multiple banks. This platform offers complete transparency and simplifies the loan application process for students.
Government education loans usually have lower interest rates than other loans, making them a more affordable option for students. The repayment terms for these loans are also more flexible, allowing students to repay the loan over a more extended period. Additionally, some banks offer a moratorium period, which allows students to start repaying the loan after they complete their studies.
Students must meet certain criteria to be eligible for a government education loan. These include having secured admission to a recognized foreign university or institution, being an Indian citizen, and having a co-borrower who can provide collateral for the loan. The collateral can be property, fixed deposits, or any other asset acceptable to the bank.
Private Education Loans
The Private education loans are an alternative to government education loans for Indian students who wish to study abroad. Private education loans have varying interest rates and repayment terms and may offer more flexibility than government loans. Private education loan providers are non-banking financial institutions (NBFCs) such as Credila, Avanse, and InCred.
One of the advantages of private education loans is that they do not require collateral in most cases. This means that students can finance their international education without having to put up any assets as security. However, the interest rates on private education loans may be higher than those for government loans, and the repayment terms may need to be more flexible.
Private education loans may also have other benefits, such as:
Customized loan amount: Private education loan providers may offer customized loan amounts based on the student’s financial needs and the cost of education in their chosen destination.
Faster processing: Private education loans may have faster processing times than government loans, which can benefit students who need the funds quickly.
Co-borrower options: Private education loan providers may offer co-borrower options, which can increase the chances of loan approval and may result in lower interest rates.
Online application: Many private education loan providers offer online application processes, making it easier and more convenient for students to apply for loans.
However, it is essential to note that private education loans may have stricter eligibility criteria than government loans. Students may need proof of admission to an accredited institution, proof of income, and other documentation to qualify for a private education loan.
Before choosing a private education loan provider, it is essential to research and compares the various options available. Before deciding, students should consider the interest rates, repayment terms, eligibility criteria, and other factors. Consulting with a financial advisor or loan specialist can also help you find the best private education loan.
Scholarships and Grants
The Scholarships and grants are a popular way to finance international education without taking on debt. Scholarships and grants are free money that does not need to be repaid. Many universities and colleges offer scholarships and grants to international students based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both.
In addition to scholarships and grants offered by universities, several Indian organizations offer scholarships and grants for studying abroad. Some of the most popular scholarships for Indian students include the Tata Scholarship, the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship, and the Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship.
The Tata Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship that is awarded to Indian students who have been admitted to the undergraduate program at Cornell University in the United States. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board.
The Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship is another highly competitive scholarship awarded to Indian students admitted to a master’s degree program in the United States, United Kingdom, or France. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel expenses.
The Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship awarded to Indian students who wish to pursue a master’s degree or Ph.D. in the United States. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel expenses.
When applying for scholarships and grants, it is important to read the eligibility criteria and application requirements carefully. Many scholarships and grants have specific requirements, such as a minimum GPA or a specific field of study. Additionally, the application process for scholarships and grants can be time-consuming, so it is important to start the process early.
Employer Education Loans
Employer education loans are a unique type of education loan that an employer provides to employees who want to pursue higher education abroad. The terms and conditions of employer education loans vary, depending on the employer’s policies and the employee’s position and tenure with the company. These loans may come with lower interest rates and flexible repayment terms and may not require collateral or a co-signer.
Employers offer education loans to their employees as a form of employee benefit. By supporting their employees’ education, employers can enhance their employees’ skills and knowledge, which can benefit the company in the long run. It also helps to retain talented employees who may otherwise leave the company to pursue their education.
To be eligible for an employer education loan, an employee typically needs to have a certain amount of tenure with the company and meet other eligibility criteria set by the employer. Sometimes, the employer may require the employee to maintain a certain academic performance or work commitment.
One of the advantages of employer education loans is that they often come with favourable repayment terms. Some employers may allow their employees to defer repayment until they complete their education. While others may offer flexible repayment terms that align with the employee’s income level.
However, it is important to note that employer education loans have limitations. For one, they are only available to employees who work for companies that offer this benefit. Additionally, some employers may cap the loan amount or limit the types of courses or degrees that are eligible for financing. Lastly, if the employee leaves the company before repaying the loan, they may be required to pay back the loan in full immediately.
Employer education loans can be an excellent option for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. If you are employed, it is worth exploring whether your employer offers this benefit. If not, consider other types of education loans, such as government or private education loans. Regardless of the type of loan you choose, it is important to do your research. Compare the terms and conditions of various loans to find the best one for your needs.
Personal Loans
Personal loans can be an option to finance international education, but they are not specifically designed for this purpose. The eligibility criteria for personal loans are generally less strict than those for education loans. A personal loan is unsecured, meaning it does not require any collateral.
However, personal loans have higher interest rates than other types of loans. Making them a more expensive option for financing international education. The interest rates on personal loans can vary depending on the lender, borrower’s credit score, and loan amount. These loans also come with a shorter repayment period, usually 1 to 5 years.
Another downside of personal loans is that they may only cover part of the cost of studying abroad. Most lenders cap the loan amount at a certain limit, which may need to be increased to cover all the expenses related to studying abroad. This means that students may have to look for other sources of funding to cover the remaining costs.
When considering a personal loan for studying abroad, it is essential to research and compares the available loan options. Borrowers should look for lenders that offer lower interest rates and longer repayment periods. It is also important to factor in the loan processing fees, which can add to the overall cost of borrowing.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending
Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending is a type of borrowing and lending that connects individuals who need funds with investors willing to lend money. This type of lending has gained popularity in recent years as a more accessible alternative to traditional banking loans. P2P lending platforms operate online and provide an efficient and streamlined process for borrowers and lenders.
P2P lending platforms connect borrowers directly with investors willing to lend money without the involvement of banks or financial institutions. This results in lower interest rates, as there are fewer middlemen involved in the process. For Indian students who want to study abroad, P2P lending can be a viable option for financing their education.
P2P lending platforms have varying eligibility criteria for borrowers and investors. Generally, borrowers need a good credit score and a stable income source to be eligible for a P2P loan. The loan amount and interest rate depend on the borrower’s creditworthiness and the investors’ willingness to lend.
Borrowers can choose the loan tenure and the repayment frequency that suits their financial situation. P2P lending can also provide more flexible repayment terms than traditional loans. Additionally, P2P lending platforms often offer lower fees than traditional lenders, making them a more cost-effective option for borrowers.
However, P2P lending is not without its risks. Borrowers must ensure they can repay the loan on time, as defaulting on a P2P loan can severely affect their credit score. Investors must also be aware of the risks involved in lending money to individuals. And ensure that they diversify their investments across different borrowers.
Conclusion
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience for Indian students, but it can also be expensive. Education loans are a viable option for financing international education. As we have discussed in this blog, various types of education loans are available for Indian students who wish to study abroad. Researching and comparing the different loan options is essential to find the best one for your needs. If you need assistance finding the right education loan, contact Onderwys Loan today. They offer personalized assistance in selecting and applying for education loans for studying abroad.
