The idea of studying abroad is the dream of a lot of students, but to a parent, this can be accompanied by a lot of lost nights, calculator apps and one question:ย How do we afford this, responsibly?ย Whether it is knowing of eligibility or comparing interest rates, parents desire transparency before they commit to an education loan for study abroad.
This guide answers the most searched, real questions parents and students Google before choosing aย student loan for overseas education, without jargon, confusion, or sales talk.
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Parents often start by checking whether their child even qualifies. Theย criteria for education loan for abroad studiesย usually depends on four major factors:
Public banks may focus more on collateral and margins, while private lenders and NBFCs emphasize future employability and university reputation.
This is one of the biggest financial doubts families have. The loan amount depends on the lender type and risk profile.
| Lender Type | Typical Loan Amount Range |
| Public Banks | Up to INR 40-50 lakhs |
| Private Banks | Up to INR 75 lakhs |
| NBFCs & International Lenders | INR 1 crore or more |
The approved amount usually covers tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, travel, and other study-related costs.
Interest rates directly affect long-term repayment, which is why parents compare them closely.
Rates vary based on collateral, co-applicant strength, and the country of study. Some lenders also offerย simple interest during the study period, easing short-term burden.
| Lender Category | Interest Rate Range (Approx.) |
| Public Banks | 9% – 11.5% |
| Private Banks | 10.5% – 13.5% |
| NBFCs | 11% – 15% |
Not always, and this surprises many parents.
The choice will be based on the academic profile and the risk evaluation of the lender.
Time is of the essence since no visa slots or university deadlines favor the slow. Processing delays are a cause of concern among parents. A smoother process usually includes:
Digital platforms have significantly reduced approval timelines, from months to just weeks.
Yes, and this is a major reason parents prefer loans over personal savings. Anย education loan for study abroadย is widely accepted as proof of funds by embassies in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
Sanction letters from recognized lenders help strengthen the student visa application and financial credibility.
The co-applicant is usually a parent or legal guardian, and their financial strength significantly influences the loan decision. Lenders assess the co-applicantโs income consistency, credit history, and overall liabilities to judge repayment capacity.
A financially strong co-applicant can improve approval chances and may even help secure a betterย student loan interest rate for study abroad. Key factors lenders look for in a co-applicant include:
With a good co-applicant profile, students tend to get larger loan amount, fast approval and less restrictive repayments terms, which lowers the financial burden to the family in the long run.
Compare Education Loan Options
Choosing the right education loan is about more than just comparing interest rates, itโs about understanding long-term repayment, lender reliability, and how well the loan aligns with the studentโs career plans.
By spending time to consider the eligibility requirements, repayment options, and other hidden charges, parents can eliminate needless stress and make a confident decision that is future-oriented when they need to send their children to study abroad.
A goodย study abroad consultantย such as Nomad credit will streamline this by screening trusted lenders, getting good deals on loans and taking families through the entire process of planning and financing education in a smart and hassle free way.
Yes, education loan interest qualifies for tax benefits under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act, allowing parents to claim deductions only on the interest paid and not on the principal amount for up to eight consecutive years.
Many lenders allow students to make voluntary payments during the study period, which helps reduce the total interest burden and makes post-study EMIs significantly more manageable.
Yes, lenders usually take into account the university ranking when evaluating the risk as a higher ranked institution has better employment prospects, which can enhance the chance of approval and loan conditions.
Yes, visa approval is not mandatory at the loan sanction stage, and a confirmed admission offer letter is usually sufficient, with the loan sanction letter often supporting the visa application.
In certain cases, lenders allow tenure extensions based on repayment history and financial stability, which helps reduce monthly EMI pressure subject to lender policies.
Yes, education loans can be refinanced with another lender to secure a lower interest rate, and a strong repayment track record improves refinancing eligibility.
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