Best Education Loan in India to Study Abroad

Best Education Loan in India to Study Abroad

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Raj
Raj Vimal
Assistant Manager Editorial
Updated on May 6, 2026 08:46 IST
This guide blog is helpful in finding the best education loan in India to finance your dream of studying abroad at world-class universities. It covers the types of student loans in India, features to consider, eligibility criteria, and required documents to get a study loan.

Which are the best education loan in India for studying abroad? We have explained loan types. It includes features of the loan, eligibility, and documents. This makes it easier for you to compare different options. So, you can choose the correct loan for their studies.

Best education in India

Choosing the best education loan in India for studying abroad can be confusing. Many students do not know which bank or NBFC is right for them. An education loan helps you pay for tuition fees, living costs, travel, and other study expenses.

Studying abroad is a big step. You get better exposure, quality education, and global job options. But it also costs a lot. This is why finding the best education loan in India is important.

Before you choose a loan, check these points:

  • Interest rate (fixed or floating)
  • Loan amount and coverage
  • Repayment time and EMI options
  • Moratorium period (payment after the course)
  • Collateral or no collateral

Compare different lenders before applying. Choose a loan that fits your budget and plans. A good loan can make your study abroad journey easier and stress-free. It is tough to determine which bank offers the most suitable student loan for studying abroad. Check out this article so you can know which education loan is for you.

Table of contents
  • Best Education Loan in India 2026
  • Types of Student Loans for Studying Abroad
  • Benefits of Education Loans for Study Abroad (2026)
  • Eligibility Criteria for Best Education Loan
  • List of Documents Required for Student Loan in India
  • How to Apply for the Best Education Loan in India?
  • Best Education Loan in India FAQs
View More

Best Education Loan in India 2026

Low-interest rates, student-friendly rules, more moratorium periods for student loans, and easy repayment options are the key points to finding the best education loan in India. At the time of a study loan application, most students in India prefer government student loans over those offered by private institutions due to lower interest rates and better repayment terms. It is always advisable to start planning your education loan early. For that, you should know when to start thinking about finances to study abroad.

Here we have mentioned a table to help you understand the current rate of interest of Indian Banks.

Bank Rate of Interest (approx.) Maximum Loan Amount (approx.)
State Bank of India (SBI) 8.65% - 11.15% Up to 1.5 Crore
Bank of Baroda (BoB) 8.70% - 10.75% Up to 1.5 Crore
Punjab National Bank (PNB) 9.25% - 11.25% Up to 1.5 Crore
Union Bank of India 9.30% - 11.75% Up to 1.5 Crore
Indian Overseas Bank 9.75% - 12.75% Up to 40 Lakhs (Higher with collateral)
Canara Bank 9.50% - 10.35% Up to 1 Crore

Types of Student Loans for Studying Abroad

When searching for the best education loans in India to study abroad, students can choose between secured and unsecured options depending on their financial background. These can be taken from banks, financial institutions, and other lending agencies to support your dream. Before you proceed to apply for student loans in India, here are certain things to know before applying for an education loan to study abroad.

Education Loan Types

There are two main types of education loans in India. Here are the basic differences

Feature Secured Study Loan Unsecured Student Loan
Collateral Requirement Yes, collateral like property or FDs is needed No collateral required
Interest Rates Lower interest rates Higher interest rates
Loan Amount Generally, higher loan amounts are allowed Usually, smaller loan amounts are compared to secured loans
Risk to Bank Lower risk due to collateral Higher risk due to no collateral
Loan Approval Speed May take a longer verification process Usually faster







Benefits of Education Loans for Study Abroad (2026)

Choosing the best study loan in India to study abroad involves more than just interest rates. Modern loans offer financial protections and "perks" that make global education much more affordable. Check out the top advantages:

  • 100% Financing (Covers Everything): Fees increase every year due to inflation. Leading lenders now cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, rent, flights, books, and even a new laptop. You won’t need to dip into your family savings.

  • Significant Tax Savings: Under Section 80E, you or your parents can deduct the entire interest paid on your loan from your taxable income for up to 8 years. This significantly reduces the overall cost of your degree.

  • Lower TCS (Tax Collected at Source): In 2026, foreign remittances for education are charged a flat 2% TCS (reduced from 5%). However, if you fund your studies through a loan, this tax drops to 0% or a nominal 0.5%, depending on the amount, keeping more cash in your pocket.

  • Pre-Visa Disbursement: Countries like Germany (Blocked Accounts) and Canada (GIC) require money upfront. Top Indian banks can disburse your loan before your visa is stamped, giving you the "Proof of Funds" needed for a high visa success rate.

  • Grace Period (Moratorium): You don't have to start full repayments immediately. Most loans offer a "repayment holiday" that lasts for your entire course duration plus 6 to 12 months after graduation, giving you time to find a job.

Quick Comparison: Self-Funded vs. Education Loan

Feature Self-Funded (Savings) With Education Loan
Tax Benefit None High (Section 80E)
TCS Rate 2% (on amounts >10L) 0.5% or 0%
Upfront Cash Full amount required Low/Nil
Visa Ease High documentation Simplified Proof of Funds

Eligibility Criteria for Best Education Loan

The eligibility criteria for student loans vary from bank to bank. However, we have mentioned some eligibility criteria for student loans in India.

  • Age of Students: 18 to 35 Years
  • Marks: 60% in 10th and 12th.
  • Co-Applicant CIBIL Score: 720 or above
  • Collateral Value: Should cover 100% of the loan amount (for secured loans)
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List of Documents Required for Student Loan in India

Here is the list of required documents for student loans that students need to keep handy at the time of application.

  • Valid ID card approved by the government, such as PAN/ Passport/ Driver’s License/ Voter ID card
  • Proof of Residence/ Address (either): Recent copy of utility bill
  • Income Proof of applicant or co-applicant
  • Valid Indian Passport
  • Academic Records
  • Entrance Exam Results such as GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS
  • Proof of admission, including the offer letter or admission letter from the university
  • Statement of cost of study/ Schedule of expenses
  • 2 passport-size photographs

How to Apply for the Best Education Loan in India?

Applying for an education loan is simple. Just follow the right steps. First, choose the best education loan in India based on your needs. Then start your application process.

Follow the steps below:

  • Visit the bank's website
  • Fill in your basic details
  • Submit required documents (ID, admission letter, marksheets)
  • Wait for document verification
  • Get loan approval from the lender

After approval, the loan amount is usually sent to your college or your account. Always check the terms before signing.

This concludes our guide on finding the best education loans in India to study abroad. We have covered all the required information about the topic related to the query of a student who is going to study abroad. The details about the study loan offered by the loan providers can be updated on time. It is advisable to select the study loan according to your needs.

Best Education Loan in India FAQs

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Who is eligible for government education loan scheme?
A: 

Applicants with good academic scores and a family income of less than INR 8 Lacs per year are eligible to apply for government education loan schemes. Additionally, admission to a recognised institution, age limit, and Indian citizenship are crucial eligibility factors.

Q:   which bank is best for education loan to study abroad?
A: 

The best bank for education loans in India for studying abroad is often the State Bank of India (SBI). It's a public sector bank which offers student loans with attractive ROI. Other than this, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank are some reputed banks which offer education loans.

Under its Global Ed Vantage scheme, you can avail up to INR 1.5 crore. Also, with flexible repayment up to 15 years. Comparing terms and rates based on your specific needs is advised.

Q:   Can I get an education loan for MBBS without collateral?
A: 

Yes, you can get it easily. Many Indian banks and NBFCs offer education loan without collateral for MBBS studies, especially for reputed universities.

The maximum collateral-free limit is not same for every lender. It generally falls between INR 7.5 Lacs to INR 75 lakh, depending on the lender and your eligibility.

Q:   When does the repayment for an education loan begin?
A: 

Repayment does not start immediately. It typically begins after a "moratorium period," which covers your course duration plus one year (or sometimes 6 months after securing a job). This flexible repayment term allows you to find employment before you start paying back the monthly EMIs.







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About the Author
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Written by
Raj Vimal
Assistant Manager Editorial

Raj Vimal is an education writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. He helps Indian students find the right universities, visas, and courses abroad. Currently, he leads content strategies at InfoEdge India

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