A ray of hope is seen with the availability of educational loans from various banks, which can fund an individual’s higher education. As these loans are not one of the ‘mainstream’ loans such as home loans or personal loans, people are hesitant or mostly unaware of such options. Here are answers to some generic queries that rise in regards to educational loans.
The cost of education, especially for graduate and post graduate courses, has been increasing steadily in the last couple of years. With the rising inflation, parents, students and professionals alike, are finding that funding higher education in India or overseas is not as easy as it used to be.
However, a ray of hope is seen with the availability of educational loans from various banks, which can fund an individual’s higher education. As these loans are not one of the ‘mainstream’ loans such as home loans or personal loans, people are hesitant or mostly unaware of such options. Here are answers to some generic queries that rise in regards to educational loans.
| Query | Response |
| What can an educational loan be used for? In other words, for what courses can an educational loan be obtained? | Educational loans are available for higher education (full-time graduate or post-graduate course) in technology, engineering, architecture, medicine, management and applied or pure sciences, including mathematics and statistics. It is best to check with the bank you are interested in getting the loan from, if the course you are going in for is covered under their educational loans. |
| Who gives out such loans? | Most of the financial institutions and banks give out educational loans. However, it is the public sector banks that are at the forefront of such loans. |
| Who is eligible for the loan? | Only the individual opting for higher studies can go in for the loan. |
| What is covered under the loan? |
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| What is the maximum amount lent by the bank? | The amounts given by different banks vary. Typically, for studies within India, the maximum amount is between Rs. 7.5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh. For education abroad, the maximum loan amount is Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh. However, many banks cap the maximum amount at Rs. 20 lakh. |
| What is the interest applicable on Educational loans? | Again, the interest rates vary from bank to bank and depend on the amount of the loan taken. Typically, interest rates on educational loans range between 11.25% and 13.5%. |
| Are there any other fees applicable while taking this loan? | Banks charge you processing fees for approving the loan and basically doing all the paperwork. These fees range between 2.25% and 2.50%. Another charge or more appropriately expense that you would most probably need to bear is the margin amount. Normally, banks do not approve the loan that would cover the entire cost of your education. For example, for a loan of Rs. 10 lakh, the bank would approve only 80% or Rs. 8 lakh. The additional Rs. 2 lakh that you would have to raise from your own sources is called the margin amount. |
| What are the documents required while applying for the loan? | The required list of documents may vary from bank to bank. The most common documents would be:
If the applicant is earning then:
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| Do I need to provide a guarantor or any other kind of security? | For smaller amounts of loans (amounts upto Rs. 4 lakh) banks do not ask for any guarantor or security. However, most banks ask for either a guarantor or for some kind of security such government securities,gold, shares, other investments etc. |
| When does an individual start repaying the loan, and how much time does he have to do it? | Most banks ask you to start paying off the loan either six months or one year (varies from bank to bank) after you complete the course or six months after you have secured a job, whichever happens first. Again, depending on the bank, you get around 10 to 15 years to pay off the loan. It is important to remember that the higher the amount, the longer you get to repay. Ofcourse it also depends on your income and how much you are willing to shell out towards this debt on a monthly basis. |
| Are there any tax benefits for educational loans? | Under Section 80 E of the Income Tax Act, you are eligible for rebate on the interest (not on the principal) you have paid on the loan. Moreover, the best part is that there is no limit to this amount. This deduction once applied only for self-education, but now this facility is extended for the education of relatives; relatives include only one’s spouse and children. This deduction is allowed for 7 years and the loan must be taken for higher education purposes only. Moreover, the loan has to be from a financial institution or a government approved charitable institution. |
Armed with this information and your ambition, no degree or course is out of your grasp. However, as with all financial transactions, the more you know, the better it is for you. So do your research thoroughly depending on your requirements before you take the plunge.
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All the facts are really true. Though RBI declared clear rules and regulations about loan almost all banks are ot following it. Rule are on the papers only. it is just like as individual bank manager is owner of bank. Whether to take application from student for loan or not is decided by him. If they have work to do then they will directly tell
1. You are not from our work area
2. we have odit so come after so n so monts
3. Why are u going abroad? dont go study in india.
4. if you want loan of 15 lacks then you must give a guarenter with 15 lacks deposits.
if i able to manage that much money then why i came to you thats big question.
This situation is worst in rural area. This is my personal experience.
I missed 5 research opprtunities as well as my job due to loan.
clearly all i can say
Banks are not for needy people. Banks are to those who have lot of money and wants some more.
If I am presently having a home loan of say about 20lakhs and I get admission to foreign university.Can i apply for the loan again.
Will the loan be approved in this case ny keeping my home as mortagage.
I agree with avinash as i also ave a bitter experience while taking educational loan. They r with those who already have money and not for needy people, they r not serving country , they r there to make profits from those who already have money and applied for vehicle loans, personal loans and home loans.
i need a student loan i have nothiong ass granter
is ther any provision for extending the starting time of repay of education loan in UBI as i am going for further higher study in reputed technology college?