The UK’s prestigious universities and array of opportunities make it a highly sought-after study destination for students from around the world. But it can be expensive to study in the UK. The UK is very popular; in the 2021–2022 academic year, over 120,000 Indian students decided to pursue higher education there. The shorter length of most master’s courses—one year on average—is one appealing feature. The cost of tuition varies, but for international students, it typically costs about EUR 35,000. One excellent way to pay for living expenses and tuition is to apply for an education loan in the UK. The application process for UK student visas is made simpler by the fact that these loans can also be used as evidence of funds Uk-Education Loan.
Cost of education in the UK
There are two main costs associated with studying in the UK: living expenses and tuition fees. Depending on the particular course and university of enrollment, tuition costs may change. Tuition for undergraduate programmes normally costs between EUR 20,500 and EUR 45,000. The cost of tuition for foreign students pursuing an MS in the UK ranges from EUR 19,000 to EUR 58,000. When making your budget for studying in the UK, keep these things in mind.
Cost of living in the UK
Expense | Cost |
Accommodation | EUR 660 |
Utilities | EUR 80 |
Groceries | EUR 110 |
Transport | EUR 100 |
Mobile phones | EUR 18 |
Others | EUR 80 |
Different types of education loans for UK
There are essentially two categories of UK education loans available. They’re –
- Education loan with collateral – An education loan with collateral, or a secured education loan for the UK, requires the applicant to submit security or collateral with their loan application. One or more residential properties may be used as collateral. Compared to unsecured loans, secured loans usually require collateral, which might help you obtain a larger loan amount. Additionally, choosing a secured loan could mean that a co-applicant is not required. The State Bank of India (SBI) and the Union Bank of India (UBI) are two public sector banks that you should take into consideration if you’re looking for education loan options for studying in the UK. We have compared these two banks in terms of education loans for studying in the UK in the section that follows.
- Education loan without collateral – A loan type known as an unsecured education loan for UK does not call for collateral from the borrower. Since there is a lot of risk involved, these loans typically have high interest rates. Furthermore, co-applicants or co-signers are usually required for these loans, and the co-applicant’s income and CIBIL are used to calculate the loan amount.
You don’t have to worry if you don’t have any collateral to offer because you can apply for an education loan from a number of private banks, NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies), and foreign lenders to study in the UK. International lenders provide loans without requiring a co-applicant or co-signer, but private banks and NBFCs might require one with no debts and a minimum financial income.
As a result, it can be said that every lender providing student loans for UK study has a unique set of benefits and drawbacks. We have created a comparison chart that includes all possible lenders offering unsecured education loans to help you choose the best one. There are unsecured loans available for Master’s, MBA, and Bachelor’s degrees.
Expenses covered in an unsecured education loan for UK
Following approval of your loan, you can choose to get the money through a disbursement. Depending on your needs, you have the option to withdraw the entire authorised amount at once or in installments. Because the interest charged will only apply to the disbursed amount and not the entire approved amount, it is generally advised to choose partial disbursement. If you opt for partial disbursement instead of taking out the entire amount at once, you can save money on interest.
The expenses which may be covered under unsecured education loan for UK as per the lender will include –
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation cost
- Food and groceries
- Living bills
- Health insurance
- Visa fees
- Expenses related to studies (lab fees, instruments, and more)
Eligibility criteria for education loan from UK
There are requirements that must be fulfilled in order to qualify for an education loan for studies in the UK. These are the following:
- A strong academic background
- An 18-year-old minimum age requirement
- Secured loans require collateral.
- Selecting a program of study that offers good chances for employment
- Verification of full-time programme acceptance from an accredited American university
Repayment terms of unsecured education loan for UK
The terms of repayment must be taken into account when obtaining an education loan for the United Kingdom. When choosing a lender, the length of the repayment period and the availability of options for repayment with a moratorium are two crucial considerations. There are several repayment terms available, such as equal monthly installments (EMI), simple interest (SI), and partial simple interest (PSI). Repayment is a crucial consideration when taking out a loan for studying in the UK, and a thorough comparison guide has been created to help you select the best lender for your needs.
Key factors to consider while choosing the best lender for unsecured education loan for UK
- High interest rates: unsecured education loan for UK generally come with higher interest rates compared to secured loans. The absence of collateral makes these loans riskier for lenders, leading to higher interest charges.
- Co-applicant: unsecured education loan for UK may require a co-applicant or co-signer. This individual, often a parent or guardian, acts as a guarantor for the loan and shares the responsibility for repayment. The co-applicant’s credit history and financial stability can influence the loan approval and terms.
- Loan amount and eligibility: The loan amount for unsecured education loan for UK is typically determined based on the borrower’s income, credit score, and the co-applicant’s financial standing. Lenders may set a maximum limit on the loan amount.
- Repayment terms: Unsecured loans come with fixed repayment terms, usually in the form of Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs). Understanding the repayment structure and tenure is crucial before committing to the loan.
- Processing time: Unsecured education loans may have a quicker processing time compared to secured loans since they do not involve the assessment of collateral. However, the application process still requires thorough documentation and verification.
Before opting for an unsecured education loan, thorough research and careful consideration of the terms and conditions are essential to ensure that the chosen loan meets the financial needs of the student and their co-applicant, if applicable.