Canada Education Loan

Canada is a popular destination for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad, offering a range of subjects across various colleges. To help cover the costs of studying in Canada, numerous banks and NBFCs in India provide education loans at competitive interest rates.

Updated On - 14 Sep 2025
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Students generally have three main options to fund their studies in Canada: obtaining a scholarship, taking out an education loan, or relying on personal savings. Since scholarships and personal savings aren’t feasible for everyone, many students opt for education loans. Factors like the type of university, course, program duration, and living expenses play a major role in determining the total cost of studying in Canada. 

This guide will walk you through the steps to secure an education loan for studying in Canada, covering eligibility, required documents, the application process, and other essential details. 

Banks Offering Education Loans in Canada

Bank

Rate of interest offered

Tenure

HDFC Bank

9.55% p.a. onwards

Up to 15 years

State Bank of India

11.15% p.a. onwards

Up to 15 years

Union Bank of India

9.25% p.a. onwards

Up to 15 years

Axis Bank

13.70% p.a. to 15.20% p.a.

Up to 20 years

Application Process for an Education Loan to Study in Canada

Applying for an education loan can be a detailed process, so it’s best to start early to avoid last-minute issues. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through:

  1. Obtain an Admission Letter: After receiving your admission letter from the Canadian university, assess your total expenses, including tuition and living costs. 
  1. Calculate Your Funding Needs: Determine how much of the total cost you’ll finance through a loan and how much you’ll cover yourself. 
  1. Research Loan Options: Compare different banks’ loan options based on, 
  • interest rate
  • Processing fees
  • Expenses covered
  • Loan processing time
  • Prepayment terms and tenure
  1. Choose Your Bank and Apply: Once you’ve identified the best bank, fill out the application form and review their specific requirements. 
  1. Consider Multiple Banks: To maximise approval chances, consider approaching at least two or three banks, as loan rejections can occur if you need more funds. 

By planning ahead and comparing offers, you can secure a suitable loan and focus on your study journey in Canada. 

Higher Education in Canada

There are various universities in Canada from where you can pursue a course of your choice. Some of the top Canadian universities are:

  1. The University of British Colombia
  2. University of Toronto
  3. University of Waterloo
  4. McGill University
  5. University of Calgary
  6. University of Montreal

Expenses Covered by an Educational Loan

When applying for an education loan, it's essential to understand the range of expenses it can cover, as student loan schemes vary across banks. To ensure the loan aligns with your needs, check with the bank about additional expenses covered beyond tuition fees. Typical expenses included are: 

  1. Tuition fees 
  1. Travel expenses 
  1. Cost of books and study materials 
  1. Laboratory fees 
  1. Hostel accommodation 
  1. Laptop purchase (if required for the course) 
  1. Project work or study tour expenses 

Collateral Requirements

For loan amounts over Rs. 7.5 lakh, tangible assets are generally required as collateral security. Additionally, parents are typically co-borrowers on education loans. 

Tax Benefits

Under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act, you can claim tax benefits on the interest paid for the loan, valid for up to seven consecutive years once repayment begins. 

Education loans can be a valuable support for talented students facing high education costs, but it's advisable to review the loan terms carefully. 

Study Loan for Pursuing Education in Canada

Courses Covered Under an Educational Loan

  1. Undergraduate degrees
  2. Postgraduate degrees
  3. Doctorate programs
  4. Diploma courses
  5. Vocational courses
  6. Skill development courses

Eligibility Criteria

  1. The applicant should be aged 18 years and above
  2. The applicant should be a citizen of India
  3. The candidate should have secured admission in a recognised Canadian university
  4. The course should be valid

Documents Required to Apply for an Education Loan in Canada

Given below is the list of documents you will have to submit while applying for an education loan to study in Canada:

  1. A duly filled loan application form
  2. Entrance exams results if applicable
  3. Qualifying exams marksheets
  4. Entrance test results
  5. Letter of Admission
  6. Statement of cost of education
  7. Passport size photographs of the applicant
  8. PAN Card of both the candidate and the parent/guardian
  9. Aadhaar Card of both the candidate and the parent/guardian
  10. Proof of identity such as PAN, Passport, etc
  11. Proof of address such as Adhaar, utility bill, etc
  12. Statement of your bank account for the past six months
  13. IT returns of the parents/guardians for the past two years
  14. Any other documents required by the lender

How to apply

There are two ways to apply for an education loan for Canada, online and offline, mentioned below is how you can apply for the education loan in both ways: 

Visit the Bank’s Official Website 

  1. Step 1: Go to the bank’s website and fill out the education loan application form.  
  1. Step 2: Make sure all required documents are ready to be uploaded along with the signed application form. 
  1. Step 3: A bank representative will guide you through the application process. 

Apply at the Nearest Branch 

  1. Alternatively, visit the closest bank branch to apply in person. Submit the completed application form and required documents at the branch for processing. 

These options ensure you have flexible ways to apply for your education loan based on your preference. 

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FAQs on Canada Education Loan

  • How much time will it take for my Canada Education Loan application to be processed?

    It will take around 15 days for your application to be processed.

  • I am a girl. Will I get a concession in interest rates charged on a Canada Education Loan?

    There are certain banks in India who offer concession on the interest rates if you are a girl.

  • Will I have to show security if I wish to apply for a Canada Education Loan?

    The bank may not ask for security. However, if your loan amount is high, then the bank may ask for collateral.

  • I wish to pursue PhD from a Canadian University. Can I avail a loan for that?

    Yes, banks in India will offer you an education loan if you wish to pursue PhD from a university in Canada.

  • Can I acquire a student loan to study in Canada?

    Absolutely, students who wish to continue their study in Canada can apply for education loans from a number of banks and other financial institutions.

  • How much money is needed for an education loan in Canada?

    Lenders offer unsecured student loans up to Rs. 75 lakhs for study abroad in Canada. You must select a STEM programme at a reputable university or have a strong co-applicant in order to qualify for the maximum loan amount. The wage range for the co-applicant should be Rs. 4.5 to Rs. 6 LPA.

  • How long does it take to process a study loan for Canada?

    The average processing time is around 15 days. However, it is recommended to apply at least 1.5 months in advance to accommodate any delays. 

  • How much of a loan is required to study in Canada for undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. programs?

    The required loan amount varies by program level. Undergraduate programs typically cost CAD 20,000 to CAD 35,000 annually, graduate programs range from CAD 20,000 to CAD 40,000 annually, and Ph.D. programs cost between CAD 10,000 and CAD 25,000 annually. 

  • Are there any student loan limits in India for studying in Canada?

    Yes, banks in India typically offer education loans ranging from Rs. 20 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh for studying abroad. Higher loan amounts may be approved depending on the applicant's financial profile and the collateral provided. 

  • What is the education loan tax exemption limit for students studying in Canada?

    Under Section 80E of the Indian Income Tax Act, there is no limit on the deduction for interest paid on education loans for a maximum of 8 years. This applies to loans for higher studies, including those pursued in Canada. 

  • What are the tax benefits of an education loan?

    Under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act, the interest paid on an education loan is tax-deductible for up to 8 years. The benefit applies only to the interest component of the loan. 

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