Many Indian students aspire to study abroad but may not possess the means to offer collateral for an education loan. Nonetheless, you should remain committed to your dreams and turn to lenders who provide education loans without requiring collateral. Various financial institutions, including private banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), extend education loan without collateral. In this article, we will present a comprehensive overview of this option.
Eligibility for an abroad education loan without collateral
Eligibility for education loan without collateral may vary among different lenders, but there are common factors to consider –
- Co-Applicant Requirements: Your co-applicant should have a healthy credit score (typically referred to as CIBIL), meet specific income criteria (usually ranging from 30,000 INR to 40,000 INR without financial commitments), and fulfill the lender’s specified criteria.
- Test Results: Your performance in English proficiency and standardized exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, SAT, and others should meet or exceed the benchmarks set by your lender, as this plays a crucial role in loan approval.
- Academic Performance: Education loans without collateral place significant emphasis on your academic track record, using your past achievements to predict your potential future earnings. This is a critical factor since collateral is not required.
- Country, University, and Course Selection: It’s essential to ensure that the country, university, or college, and the course you’ve chosen align with the lender’s approved list for non-collateral education loans for studying abroad.
Lenders that provide education loans without collateral
Education loans without collateral are available not only from banks but also from NBFCs and international lenders. Here is a table of some such lenders, along with their maximum loan amounts and interest rates:
Lender Name |
Loan Amount Interest Rate |
SBI |
Up to 7.5 Lakhs INR 10.65% – 11.50% |
UBI |
Up to 40 Lakhs INR 9.80% – 11.30% |
Axis Bank |
Up to 50 Lakhs INR 11.00% – 11.50% |
ICICI Bank |
Up to 50 Lakhs INR 10.85% – 12.50% |
IDFC FIRST Bank |
Up to 50 Lakhs INR 11.50% – 13.25% |
HDFC Credila |
Up to 65 Lakhs INR 11.25% – 13.00% |
Avanse |
Up to 75 Lakhs INR 12.50% – 13.50% |
Auxilo |
Up to 65 Lakhs INR 11.25% – 14.00% |
Incred |
Up to 60 Lakhs INR 12.00% – 14.00% |
MPOWER Financing |
Up to 100,000 USD 12.99% – Graduate Programs 13.99 – Undergraduate Programs |
Prodigy Finance |
Up to 100% of cost 12.00% – 14.00% |
Required documents for education loans without collateral
When applying for a non-collateral education loan, you will need to provide a set of documents. Here’s a comprehensive list of the typical documents required for both the applicant and co-applicant:
Documents required from the applicant for abroad education loan without collateral ● Loan application form
- Identity proof – PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID card.
- Address proof – a recent copy of the telephone bill, electricity bill, or water bill. ● Passport
- Past academic record – 10th, 12th, undergraduate mark sheet, test scores of entrance tests like GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.
- Proof of admission – you can submit a conditional offer of admission as well. ● Statement of expenses – the entire cost of education.
- Passport-size photographs
- Loan account statement of one year, if there are any previous loans taken from any lender.
Documents required from the co-applicant for abroad education loan without collateral ● Identity proof
- Address proof
- Income proof – the documents for the same will differ depending on the type of employment, such as self-employed or salaried.
Self-employed co-applicants –
- Business address proof
- Last 2 years IT returns
- TDS Certificate
- Certificate of Qualification
- Bank account statement for the last 6 months
Salaried co-applicants –
- Salary slips of last 3 months
- Copy of Form 16 for the last 2 years or copy of IT Returns for the last 2 years. ● Bank account statement for the last 6 months.
Application process for education loan without collateral
Initiating an education loan without collateral is a straightforward process. Simply follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Begin by evaluating your eligibility for a study abroad loan without collateral, taking into account factors such as your academic background, admission to a recognized foreign institution, and financial circumstances.
- Apply and Seek Assistance: Reach out to a GyanDhan Education Loan Counselor (ELC) who will guide you through the application process and provide you with a personalized checklist. After submitting your application, the system will connect you with two lenders tailored to your situation.
- Document Submission and Verification: Collect and submit the required documents, including your academic and financial records. Lenders will evaluate your application by reviewing your admission details, financial information, and more.
- Loan Approval: Once the lender approves your application, you will receive notice of the approved loan amount. If the terms are satisfactory, you can proceed by signing the agreement, and the funds you require will be disbursed.
Benefits of education loans without collateral for studying abroad
Opting for an education loan without collateral for studying abroad offers several advantages, including simplified paperwork, the freedom to choose your institution, the option of a co-applicant in lieu of collateral, and extensive coverage of study expenses.
- Simplified Documentation: Non-collateral loans involve simpler paperwork compared to secured alternatives. You’ll need to provide manageable documents.
- Institution Flexibility: While many lenders have specific lists of universities, colleges, or courses they support, several now offer non-collateral education loans with a wider range of options, allowing you to study where you prefer.
- Co-Applicant Option: If you have a suitable co-applicant willing to assist, you can avoid the need for collateral. Your co-applicant should have a strong credit history matching the lender’s requirements, serving as an alternative to collateral.
- Comprehensive Expense Coverage: These loans often provide substantial amounts to cover a significant portion of your study expenses abroad. If your application profile is strong and your loan falls within the lender’s maximum limit, most of your costs are accounted for.
Choosing an education loan without collateral for studying abroad offers numerous advantages, including simplified paperwork, flexibility in institution choice, the possibility of a co-applicant, and comprehensive coverage of study expenses. If you have any questions or uncertainties,
feel free to contact GyanDhan, as they are available to support you throughout the loan process and assist you in finding the ideal lender for your unique circumstances. Simply check your loan eligibility with them, and they will guide you through each step of the process.