Choosing the right education loan partner is often the first financial step toward realizing your dream of studying abroad. Between government-backed public banks and agile NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies), students today have more financing options than ever before.
However, not every lender suits every student’s needs, and that’s where Nomad Credit, your trusted study abroad consultant, makes all the difference.
Nomad Credit specializes in helping students evaluate loan options tailored to their country, course, university, and financial background, comparing interest rates, collateral requirements, and repayment terms from top institutions like SBI, Union Bank, Avanse, and Credila.
It is essential to know the difference between the approach of public sector banks and NBFCs to abroad education loans before getting into the specifics of lenders.
Public banks like the State Bank of India (SBI) and Union Bank of India offer secure, low-interest loan options, especially suitable for families that can offer collateral. However, these loans often involve lengthier processing times and more stringent eligibility conditions.
NBFCs such as Avanse and Credila have disrupted the traditional loan space with faster processing, lenient collateral norms, and fully customizable loan packages. They are ideal for students who need flexible funding but may come with slightly higher interest rates.
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Public Banks | NBFCs (e.g., Avanse, Credila) |
| Interest Rates | 8.5% – 10% | 10% – 13% |
| Collateral Requirement | Yes (for loans > ₹7.5 lakh) | Often not required (up to ₹40 lakh) |
| Loan Approval Time | 15 – 30 days | 5 – 10 days |
| Loan Coverage | Tuition + partial living expenses | 100% cost (tuition, living, travel) |
| Repayment Flexibility | Standard EMIs after moratorium | Custom plans, step-up EMIs available |
Finding the right lender isn’t just about education loan interest rates, it’s about choosing the loan that aligns with your academic goals, repayment comfort, and visa timelines. Below are some of the most trusted public banks and NBFCs offering competitive abroad education loans for international students.
The SBI Global Ed-Vantage Scheme is tailored for overseas education, offering loan amounts up to INR 3 crore. Interest rates typically start at 9.15%, and loans require collateral for amounts over INR 7.5 lakh. A grace period includes the course duration plus six months, which gives students time to settle before starting repayment.
Union Bank provides loans up to INR 40 lakh, collateral-free, for students attending top institutions in countries like Canada. The interest rates range from 8.25% to 11%, depending on your academic profile and the university’s ranking. It’s a competitive public option for those targeting North America.
Avanse stands out with its high loan limit (up to INR 1.25 crore) and comprehensive cost coverage. Students can finance tuition, travel, accommodation, and even laptop and exam fees. Loan approvals are typically completed within 5 – 7 days, and interest rates begin at 14.55%. Many students appreciate the no-collateral flexibility.
Credila, part of HDFC Ltd., focuses solely on educational loans. Their interest rates start at around 9.95%, and they offer repayment plans based on your course, country, and earning potential. Credila also offers special benefits to students attending high-ranking global universities.
The comparison below shows the differences between banks offering educational loans to study abroad and NBFCs in relation to their eligibility, coverage, and flexibility to Indian students wanting to study abroad.
| Lender | Interest Rate & Collateral | Loan Coverage & Processing Time |
| SBI | 9.15% (floating), collateral required above INR 7.5L | Tuition + partial living; disburses in 2 – 4 weeks |
| Union Bank | 8.25% – 11%, collateral may be waived | Tuition + some living; disburses in 2–3 weeks |
| Avanse | Starts at 14.55%, often no collateral needed | 100% cost including extras; disburses in 5 – 7 days |
| Credila | Starts at 10.25%, flexible collateral terms | Full coverage; disburses in 7 – 10 days |
Navigating these choices can be overwhelming. Nomad Credit simplifies the process through:
With one application on Nomad Credit, students gain access to multiple lenders, banks providing educational loans for abroad as well as NBFCs, to find the most student-friendly and cost-effective deal.
Compare Top Lenders With Nomad Credit
Nomad Credit is more than just a study abroad consultant, it’s a complete education partner. From the first query to arrival abroad, students receive end-to-end support that’s personalized, efficient, and reliable. Here’s what makes us stand out:
Yes, some NBFCs and select banks consider the student’s academic profile and future earning potential, especially for top-ranked universities.
Common documents include admission letter, KYC, academic records, co-applicant financials, and collateral papers (if applicable).
We compare loan offers from multiple public banks and NBFCs, guide you through documentation, and ensure the best fit for your financial needs.
Yes, interest paid on education loans from NBFCs approved by RBI is eligible for 80E tax deductions in India.
Many NBFCs and some banks don’t charge prepayment penalties, but it varies by lender and loan agreement.
Most lenders only fund full-time, on-campus degree programs from recognized institutions abroad.
We provide keep one to one counselling to
Study Abroad Aspirants