Higher education is one of the most powerful investments a student can make. However, the rising cost of education in India and abroad can put immense financial pressure on families. Instead of exhausting savings or selling assets, a student loan provides a smart and structured way to finance education.
In this Ultimate Guide to Student Loans in India, we break down everything you need to know—from loan types, eligibility, interest rates, repayment options, and how Kuhoo, India’s leading AI-driven student loan NBFC, is making education financing seamless.
A student loan allows you to focus on your education without financial stress while keeping your parents’ savings intact. Here’s it makes sense:
✅ Affordable Financing – Loans come with lower interest rates than personal loans.
✅ No Collateral for Many Loans – Many loans (especially for high-demand courses) don’t require property security.
✅ Flexible Repayment Options – Repay after graduation, once you start earning.
✅ Tax Benefits – Under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act, the interest paid is tax-deductible.
Loan Type | Features | Best For |
---|---|---|
Domestic Education Loan | Covers tuition fees, hostel, books, exam fees for Indian institutes. | MBA, Engineering, Medical, Law, Arts, and other professional courses in India. |
Overseas Education Loan | Covers travel, living, tuition, insurance, and other expenses abroad. | Students applying to foreign universities. |
Skill-Based Education Loan | Covers short-term & online courses, certifications. | Students upskilling in tech, finance, marketing, AI, etc. |
Government-Backed Loans (Like CSIS & Dr. Ambedkar Scheme) | Subsidized loans for economically weaker sections (EWS). | Families with annual income below ₹4.5 lakh. |
Private NBFC Student Loans (Like Kuhoo) | AI-based, fast processing, 100% digital, flexible repayment. | Students seeking instant loan approvals without collateral. |
While eligibility varies by lender, here are some common factors:
✅ You must be an Indian citizen.
✅ Confirmed admission to a recognized Indian or foreign university.
✅ Academic record should meet the lender’s minimum score criteria.
✅ Age: 18 to 35 years (varies by lender).
✅ Co-applicant (parent/guardian) may be required for financial backing.
At Kuhoo, we offer 100% digital loan approvals based on student merit, institute ranking, and AI-powered credit assessment—without collateral in many cases! 🚀
Loan amounts depend on the institute, course, and country of study.
Institute Type | Loan Amount |
---|---|
Top-tier Indian institutes (IIMs, IITs, AIIMS, etc.) | Up to ₹50 lakh |
Other Indian universities | ₹5 – ₹25 lakh |
Foreign universities | ₹20 lakh – ₹1.5 crore |
Pro tip: If you choose an in-demand course (MBA, Engineering, Medical), lenders offer higher loan amounts with lower interest rates.
How Are Student Loan Interest Rates Calculated?
Interest rates vary based on lender type, collateral, credit score, and co-applicant’s income.
Lender Type | Interest Rate Range |
---|---|
Public Sector Banks (SBI, PNB, etc.) | 7% – 10% |
Private Banks (ICICI, HDFC, Axis, etc.) | 9% – 13% |
NBFCs (Like Kuhoo) | 8% – 15% (Custom AI-driven pricing) |
Most student loans have a moratorium period - this means you don’t need to repay until 6-12 months after graduation.
Kuhoo offers flexible repayment options with EMI starting after you secure a job.
📌 Here’s a checklist of documents you need:
✅Student Documents: Admission letter, academic marksheets, ID proof.
✅ Co-Applicant Documents: Parent/guardian’s income proof, bank statements.
✅ Expense Proof: Tuition fees structure from the institute.
✅ Collateral (if applicable): Property/FD papers for secured loans.
Kuhoo simplifies this process—upload documents online & get approved instantly!
Traditional Process (Banks)
❌Visit the branch, fill forms, provide documents.
❌ Wait for weeks for approval.
❌ Submit collateral (for high-value loans).
❌ Limited flexibility in repayment.
✨100% Online Application– No branch visits.
✨ Instant Eligibility Check – AI-driven approvals.
✨ No Collateral for Many Loans – Based on merit& institute.
✨ Flexible EMIs – Tailored for students’ future earnings.
Apply for your Kuhoo student loan in minutes
✔Compare lenders – Check interest rates, processing fees, and repayment flexibility.
✔ Choose the right loan amount – Avoid over-borrowing, plan for future EMI affordability.
✔ Start repaying early if possible – Saves interest cost in the long run.
✔ Use tax benefits – Claim deductions under Section 80E for interest paid.
✔ Track your loan online –With Kuhoo, you get a real-time loan tracking dashboard!
✅100% Online& Instant– No branch visits, fast approvals.
✅ AI-Powered Loan Eligibility – We assess your profile & offer the best deal.
✅ No Collateral Needed – Based on your course &institute.
✅ Flexible Repayment Plans – Tailored EMI options to match your income.
✅ Exclusive Loan Offers –Special benefits for top MBA, Engineering, and Medical institutes.
Start your student loan journey with Kuhoo today!
A student loan is not a burden—it’s an investment in your career and financial independence. The right loan can empower you to achieve your dreams without straining your family’s finances.
Kuhoo is here to make student financing easy, transparent, and stress-free. 🚀
About Kuhoo
Kuhoo is India’s leading AI-driven student loan NBFC, making education financing seamless and stress-free. We empower students with fast, flexible, and collateral-free loans for top courses in India and abroad.
Plot C-20, ‘G’ Block, Near MCA, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai – 400051.