Education Loan Explained: Eligibility and Advantages

Quality higher education can lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career. However, the rising cost of education often becomes a challenge for many students and their families. In such a case, opting for an education loan can be a suitable option. An education loan helps students cover their financial requirements without putting pressure on their families. There are many banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) that provide education loans at competitive rates. This article explains what education loans are, their advantages, eligibility criteria, and more.

What is an Education Loan?

A loan for education is a type of financial aid offered by banks or financial institutions to help students pay for their higher education. This loan generally covers all the expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation, books, travel (if studying abroad), and other related costs. These loans can be used for studying in India or abroad. Some education loans also offer flexible repayment options and allow students to begin repayment after completing their course.

Eligibility Criteria for an Education Loan

The eligibility for an education loan may vary from lender to lender, but the common requirements include:

1. Nationality

To qualify, an applicant must be an Indian citizen. It’s important to note that loan options, interest rates, and repayment terms can vary across banks and financial institutions, so comparing lenders is essential before applying.

2. Academic Qualification

The student must have secured admission to a recognised institution in India or abroad through an entrance test or merit-based selection. This helps lenders ensure that the loan is given to students pursuing serious and credible courses. The institution should be accredited or approved by the relevant education authorities. Proof of admission is usually required during the loan application process.

3. Age Limit

Generally, the applicant’s age should be between 18 to 35 years at the time of applying for the loan. Some lenders may have slight variations in age criteria depending on the course or loan scheme. This age range is considered suitable as it aligns with most students pursuing higher education. In certain cases, older students may be eligible but may need to fulfil additional requirements.

4. Course and Institution

The loan is usually sanctioned for professional or technical courses like engineering, medical, management, and similar fields from recognised universities. One thing to note is that lenders prefer courses that offer strong career prospects. This makes them sure that the student will be able to repay the loan after completing his/her studies. Some lenders may also provide loans for diploma or vocational courses if they meet certain criteria.

5. Co-applicant

A co-applicant (usually a parent or guardian) is mandatory. The co-applicant’s income and credit history are considered to determine loan approval and amount. Having a reliable co-applicant increases the possibility of getting a higher loan amount and better loan terms. The co-applicant is equally responsible for repaying the loan if the student is unable to do so.

Advantages of Education Loans

Education loans offer several benefits that make them a preferred financing option for students:

1. Financial Independence

Thanks to education loans, students can attend the institution and pursue the course they want, without relying only on the family’s savings or selling valuable assets. This means they can concentrate on learning, since their needs are taken care of. With educational loans, students can choose what they want to study, regardless of how much funds they have now.

2. Affordable Repayment Options

Students can be given more time to pay back the loan, often during the duration of the course and for several months after its completion. Therefore, interest and loan payments are not required right from the beginning. You can pay back the loan in smaller instalments over an extended time.

3. Tax Benefits

Under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act, the interest paid on education loans is tax-deductible for up to 8 years. This can reduce your overall tax burden significantly. However, the benefit applies only to the interest, not the principal loan amount.

4. Covers a Wide Range of Expenses

Apart from tuition, loans may cover costs like accommodation, travel (for foreign studies), exam fees, and other educational materials. This helps students manage all education-related expenses in one place. Some loans also include funds for internships or training programs linked to the course.

5. Improves Credit Score

Timely repayment of education loans, along with managing the education loan interest rates responsibly, helps build a strong credit history. This tends to make it easier to secure other loans in the future.

Conclusion 

For students aiming to get a quality higher education, education loans give them the confidence to focus on their studies rather than their budget. If students meet the eligibility criteria and decide on the proper loan, they can easily manage fees for schooling and get improvements in their credit scores, plus enjoy better tax terms and hassle-free repayment. With support from banks and NBFCs, education loans make it easier to focus on learning and building a secure future. If you plan carefully and repay on time, an education loan can support you in building your career.