Education Loan
graddie

Students using GradRight App get up to 40% better loan rates

Apple Store
Google Play Store GradRight

TAP HERE!

Masters of The Future – Compete with India’s brightest minds - Request Invite|
Affordable study abroad loan starting at 8.33%* - Apply now|
Shortlist your best-fit university in minutes - Start now

Compare Education Loans From 15+ Banks

Explore and compare education loan options from top banks to fund your international education.

Top Banks and NBFCs Offering Education Loans in India

Explore Bank Loans

Everything You Need to Know About Education Loans for Study Abroad in 2026

A full look at what Avanse offers. Loan limits, rates, collateral conditions, benefits, and timelines explained in a way that helps you compare and choose better.

Contents

  • Why Choose a Bank-Based Education Loan?
  • Who Should Take a Loan for Studying Abroad?
  • What are the Types of Study Abroad Loans in India?
  • What are the Types of Lenders Offering Education Loans in India?
  • Which Bank is Best Based on Your Study Destination?
  • How Should You Compare to Find the Best Banks for Study Abroad Loans?
  • Which Banks Offer the Lowest Interest Rate for Education Loans Abroad?
  • How Do Banks Evaluate Your Education Loan Application?
  • What is the Eligibility Criteria for Study Abroad Loans?
  • What Documents are Required for an Education Loan?
  • What are the Hidden Charges in Education Loans?
  • How Long Do Banks Take to Approve an Education Loan?
  • What Happens After Your Education Loan is Approved?
  • What Services Do Banks Provide After Loan Approval?
  • How GradRight Helps You Compare and Get the Best Loan Offer

Why Choose a Bank-Based Education Loan?

It is crucial to choose the right funding options when studying abroad. Banks offer education loans that are affordable and have flexible terms.

  • Banks like ICICI Bank and Axis Bank offer education loans at highly competitive rates.
  • They provide you with customized repayment plans with long tenures of up to 15 years.
  • Banks offer a moratorium period that delays EMIs, allowing you time to settle down.
  • You can get funding for tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and even study materials.
  • Most banks offer flexible interest rates that are more affordable than other options.

Secure the best education loans for higher education abroad.

Who Should Take a Loan for Studying Abroad?

An education loan is suitable for students who cannot fully fund their study abroad expenses through savings or family income.

 

It applies to students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or professional courses abroad after completing 10+2 or a diploma.


You should consider study abroad student loans if you:

  • Have secured admission to a recognized international university
  • Have chosen a course with strong earning potential after graduation
  • Can manage repayment through expected post-study income

What are the Types of Study Abroad Loans in India?

There are two types of loans for studying abroad:

  • Secured (Collateral) Loans: These require you to pledge an asset such as property, fixed deposits (FDs), or insurance. They typically offer lower interest rates, higher loan amounts, and better approval chances.
  • Unsecured (Non-Collateral) Loans: These do not require any collateral. They are suitable for students without assets but usually come with higher interest rates, lower loan limits, and stricter eligibility criteria.

What are the Types of Lenders Offering Education Loans in India?

Loans for studying abroad are offered by different types of lenders:

  • Public Sector Banks: State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda, Union Bank. Lower interest rates; stricter eligibility and longer processing.
  • Private Sector Banks: ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Yes Bank. Faster processing and more flexible terms; slightly higher interest rates.
  • NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies): Credila, Avanse. Higher approval rates and faster disbursal; higher interest rates.
  • Regional Rural Banks (RRBs): Tripura Gramin Bank, Saptagiri Grameena Bank, Kerala Gramin Bank. Limited study abroad coverage and stricter geographic constraints.

International/Fintech Lenders: Prodigy Finance, M-Power. No collateral or co-applicant in some cases; limited to specific universities and programs.

Which Bank is Best Based on Your Study Destination?

There is no single best bank based only on your study destination.

Loan options depend on:

  • University and course profile
  • Loan amount required
  • Collateral availability
  • Co-applicant income and credit profile

Some lenders may have stronger coverage for specific universities or countries. However, the best bank for an education loan is the one that offers the most suitable terms for your overall profile.

How Should You Compare to Find the Best Banks for Study Abroad Loans?

If you wish to find the best banks for a student loan, evaluate the following factors:

Factor

What to Check

Interest rate

Fixed vs. floating rates and overall cost of borrowing

Processing and other fees

Upfront charges and any hidden costs

Collateral requirements

Whether security is required and acceptable asset types

Loan amount

Maximum funding available based on your total expenses

Moratorium period

Time allowed before repayment begins

Repayment tenure

Flexibility and total duration for repayment

Prepayment terms

Charges for early repayment or foreclosure

Approval time

How quickly the loan is processed and disbursed

Bank reputation and support

Service quality and issue resolution

Which Banks Offer the Lowest Interest Rate for Education Loans Abroad?

Both public and private banks offer competitive interest rates for study abroad loans.

Some of the best banks for an education loan include:

  • Union Bank: Rates usually start from around 8.25%*
  • Axis Bank: Typically starts from around 9.25%*
  • ICICI Bank: Typically starts from around 9.25%*

Interest rates vary based on factors such as your academic profile, co-applicant’s credit score, loan type (secured vs. unsecured), and chosen university.

How Do Banks Evaluate Your Education Loan Application?

Lenders assess your application based on the following factors:

  • Academic profile: Past academic performance and consistency
  • University and course: Reputation of the institution and career prospects of the program
  • Co-applicant profile: Income stability, employment type, and financial strength
  • Credit history: Credit score and repayment track record of the co-applicant
  • Collateral (if applicable): Quality and value of the pledged asset

Loan amount and repayment capacity: Whether the requested amount aligns with expected future income

What is the Eligibility Criteria for Study Abroad Loans?

To qualify for a loan in India for study abroad, you must meet the following criteria:

 

  • Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen
  • Age: Typically between 18 and 35 years
  • Academic background: Completed 10+2 or equivalent with a strong academic record

Admission: Must have a confirmed (or conditional) offer letter from a recognized overseas institution for an undergraduate, postgraduate, or vocational course.

What Documents are Required for an Education Loan?

To apply for an education loan for abroad, you typically need:

 

  • KYC documents: Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, address proof
  • Academic documents: 10th and 12th mark sheets, graduation transcripts (if applicable), entrance test scores
  • Admission documents: Offer letter from the university, course details, fee structure
  • Financial documents: Income proof of co-applicant (salary slips, ITRs, bank statements)
  • Co-applicant documents: KYC and income documents of parent/guardian

Collateral documents (if applicable): Property papers, FD receipts, or insurance policies

What are the Hidden Charges in Education Loans?

Apart from interest rates, education loans may include the following charges:

  • Processing fee: One-time fee charged during application
  • Prepayment/foreclosure charges: Fees for early repayment (mainly in NBFC loans)
  • Late payment penalties: Charges for missed or delayed EMIs
  • Loan conversion charges: Fees for switching from fixed to floating rates
  • Documentation/legal charges: Costs for verification, especially in secured loans

Insurance premium: Optional or bundled insurance for loan protection

How Long Do Banks Take to Approve an Education Loan?

Education loan approval typically takes 2–30 days, depending on the lender and loan type.

  • Public sector banks: 2–4 weeks; longer for secured loans due to collateral checks
  • Private banks/NBFCs: 7–10 days; faster for unsecured loans
  • International lenders: 2–5 days in some cases

Timelines vary based on document completeness, collateral verification, and lender processes

What Happens After Your Education Loan is Approved?

Once your education loan is approved, the next steps are straightforward, but it’s important to understand the process.

  • Review and sign the loan agreement: Go through the sanction letter and confirm the final terms before signing
  • Disbursement to the university: The loan amount is usually released directly to your university in installments, based on the fee schedule
  • Complete any final formalities: This may include submitting pending documents or meeting lender-specific requirements
  • Understand your moratorium period: Repayment typically begins after your course ends, along with a grace period
  • Plan your repayments: Depending on the lender, you may need to pay simple interest during the study period or start EMIs after the moratorium

Being aware of these steps helps you stay prepared, avoid delays in fee payments, and manage your loan smoothly once your course begins.

What Services Do Banks Provide After Loan Approval?

The best banks for a student loan provide the following services:

  • Disbursement support: Coordination of fee payments with the university
  • Repayment support: EMI schedules, auto-debit setup, and account access
  • Statement and documentation access: Loan statements, interest certificates, and repayment records
  • Customer support: Assistance with queries, changes, or issues during the loan tenure
  • Loan management options: Prepayment, part-payment, or loan restructuring (as per lender policy)

Being aware of these services helps you manage your loan more efficiently after disbursement.

How GradRight Helps You Compare and Get the Best Loan Offer

GradRight enables you to compare options across multiple lenders in a single platform and find the best bank for a student loan.

  • Access multiple lenders: Compare offers from banks, NBFCs, and international lenders
  • Profile-based matching: View loan options aligned with your university, course, and financial profile
  • Transparent comparison: Evaluate interest rates, loan amounts, and key terms side by side
  • Simplified decision-making: Identify and apply to the most suitable lenders with clarity

This approach helps you make an informed decision through structured comparisons, helping you find the best loan in India for study abroad without applying to multiple lenders individually.

 

*Interest rates mentioned in this piece may vary from current rates due to frequent changes by banks/lenders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility criteria for an ICICI Bank education loan?

To get an education loan in India, start by confirming your admission to a recognised institution. Then calculate your total funding requirement including tuition, living, and other costs. Visit GradRight to compare offers from 15+ lenders in one place, check your eligibility in 60 seconds, and submit your application. Most lenders process and disburse loans within 7 to 15 working days. GradRight users get approvals in as little as 2 days.

You can take an education loan in India by approaching a bank, NBFC, or using a platform like GradRight that lets multiple lenders compete for your profile. You will need your admission letter, academic records, co-applicant income proof, and identity documents. Once your application is verified and approved, the loan amount is typically disbursed directly to your institution.

The standard documents required for education loan in India are: identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport), address proof, admission letter and fee structure from the institution, academic marksheets, co-applicant income proof (ITR, salary slips, Form 16), bank statements for the last 6 months, and collateral documents if applicable. Exact requirements vary by lender. GradRight shows you a lender-specific checklist upfront.

Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) are financial institutions that offer educational and other loans. But they do not have a banking license. This doesn’t make any difference to the end user and taking an educational loan from an NBFC is the same as one from a bank. These are some of the top NBFCs in India that offer educational loans:
  • Credila Education Loan
  • Avanse Education Loan
  • Prodigy Finance Education Loan
  • M-Power Education Loan
The loans they offer have the same features, such as:
  • Fixed and floating interest rate
  • Both collateral and collateral-free loans
  • Coverage of tuition, accommodation, insurance and other expenses
  • Moratorium period of 6 – 12 months after graduation

A moratorium period is a temporary respite of loan repayments. A postgraduate course abroad typically lasts 1-2 years. The student cannot start repaying the month after the course ends. First, they have to search and find a job, change city, work for a few months, and only then are they in a position to start paying EMIs.

There is no single best bank. Public sector banks generally offer lower interest rates, while private banks and NBFCs provide faster approvals and flexible terms. The best option depends on your profile, loan amount, and repayment capacity.

The best bank depends on factors such as your university, loan requirement, collateral availability, and co-applicant profile. Comparing lenders based on these factors helps identify the most suitable option.

Public sector banks typically offer the lowest interest rates, especially for secured loans. However, the final rate depends on your academic profile, co-applicant’s credit score, and loan type.

Private banks and NBFCs usually offer faster approvals, often within 7–10 days. Public sector banks may take longer due to stricter verification and documentation processes.

You can get up to ₹2 crore or more, depending on the lender, collateral value, and your overall profile.

Some lenders fund up to 100% of expenses, but most require a margin of 10–20%. Full funding is more common for top universities or strong applicant profiles.

Yes, many lenders offer unsecured education loans. However, these usually come with higher interest rates, lower loan limits, and stricter eligibility criteria.

Most lenders require a co-applicant, typically a parent or guardian. Some lenders may waive this requirement for applicants with strong financial profiles, but this is less common.

There is no fixed cutoff, but a co-applicant credit score of 700 or above improves approval chances. Lower scores may still be accepted with strong income or collateral.

Banks usually offer lower interest rates but have stricter eligibility and slower processing. NBFCs offer faster approvals and more flexibility but at higher interest rates.

Applying to multiple lenders helps you compare offers, but doing it individually can be time-consuming. Comparing options across lenders before applying helps you make a more informed choice.

Yes, you can transfer your loan to another lender through a balance transfer to get better interest rates or repayment terms, subject to approval.

Compare lenders based on interest rates, loan amount, collateral requirements, repayment terms, and approval timelines. The best bank for a study abroad loan is the one that fits your overall financial profile and future plans.

Affordable Ed-Loans Up To ₹1.5 Cr. @ Just 8.33% for 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🇮🇪 🇩🇪 🇦🇺 🇦🇪
Check Loan Eligibility

Provider

Title and Desc

HDFC

ICICI

Get Free Guidance