Documents Required for Education Loan in India and Abroad

Having your documents ready in advance for an education loan can make the application process faster, smoother, and less stressful. Whether you are applying for a student loan in India for courses such as BTech, MBA, BSc Nursing, BPT, M.Tech, or planning to pursue higher studies abroad, lenders follow a clear list of education loan documents.

Banks, NBFCs, and digital lenders typically ask for a standard set of documents needed for an education loan to assess eligibility, repayment capacity, and course approval.

In this guide, we explain what documents are required for an education loan, why each document is important, and how to organise your student loan documents for faster approval.‍‍

Key Takeaways

Education loan documents fall into five main categories: application, KYC, admission proof, income proof, and asset documents (if applicable).
Most lenders follow a standard education loan documents checklist. However, the exact documents may vary depending on the course (UG, PG, professional, abroad), loan type (secured vs unsecured), lender (bank vs NBFC), and student and co-applicant profile.
Co-applicant documents are mandatory for most unsecured education loans, while collateral documents are required only for high-value or secured loans.
Digital lenders and NBFCs usually require fewer documents and process applications faster.
Submitting complete documents upfront helps speed up loan approvals.

Key Documents Required for Education Loan 2025

Let's understand the documents required for education loans in India and abroad for various educational courses. Ensure that you organise and submit the necessary student loan documents required by category.

1. Education Loan Application Documents

These documents initiate your loan request and help lenders create your loan file.

Filled out education loan application form
Recent passport-size photographs
Signed loan declaration and consent forms (if applicable)

2. Identity and Address Proof

You’ll need valid identity and address documents:

Aadhaar Card
PAN Card
Passport / Driving Licence / Voter ID
Additional address proof (utility bill, rental agreement, or bank statement) if the current address is different

3. Academic Documents

Required to verify course eligibility and institute recognition:

10th and 12th mark sheets
Graduation certificates (if applicable)
College admission/offer letter
Fee structure or prospectus
Academic transcripts

4. Co-Applicant’s Income Proof

Mandatory for especially unsecured education loans:

If Salaried:
Last 3 months’ salary slips
Bank statements (last 6 months)
Form 16 or ITRs (last 2–3 years)

If Self-Employed:
Business registration/proof
ITRs (last 2–3 years)
Profit and Loss statement and Balance Sheet (if asked)
Bank statements (last 6 months)

5. Asset Documents (For Secured Education Loans)

These documents are required only if you opt for an education loan with collateral:

Commonly accepted collateral:
Residential or commercial property
Fixed deposits
LIC policies

Required documents include:
Title deed
Latest property tax receipts
Encumbrance Certificate (EC)
Valuation report

6. Special Case Documents (If Applicable)

For Studying Abroad:
Passport and visa
University admission letter
SWIFT code (for fee remittance)

For Government Schemes/Subsidies:
Income certificate
Caste certificate (if applicable)
Indemnity bond or scheme-specific form

Additional Tips

Lenders rely heavily on KYC accuracy to avoid compliance delays. Make sure to avoid any errors here, as it can slow down even approved loans.
Institutes must be recognised by relevant authorities (UGC, AICTE, INC, NMC, State Councils, or international accreditation bodies).
Some NBFCs evaluate alternative income proofs and cash-flow strength. Learn how profile-based loans work in our transparency policy.
Collateral evaluation increases processing time; therefore, you can get unsecured loans if you want moderate loan amounts. Also, here’s a detailed guide for you to understand the difference between secured and unsecured loans.

Next, we will help you ensure you gather any additional documents required for non collateral education loan or a secured one, or any special cases, to further strengthen your loan application.

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Minimal Documentation. Higher Chances of Approval.

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Education Loan Documents List PDF

To simplify your loan preparation, we’ve created a downloadable education loan documents list PDF. It includes all the essential documents you’ll need—personal ID, academic records, income proof, and special case requirements. Use it as a quick reference to ensure nothing is missed during your application.

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‍Proper documentation not only improves your chances of approval but also ensures a smooth application process. Read on for a detailed document checklist and tips to finalise your education loan application.

Education Loan Document Requirements: Banks vs NBFCs

Here are the key differences between documents required for education loan in India and abroad by traditional banks and NBFCs, to help you choose the faster and more flexible option:

Parameters	Banks	NBFCs
Documentation Load	High, multiple verifications	Lower, streamlined
Processing Speed	Slower, manual checks	Faster, digital-first
Collateral Rules	Rigid thresholds	More flexible options
Income Proof	Strict, mandatory	Profile-based assessment
Digital Process	Partial	End-to-end online

So, Why Do NBFCs Work Better for Students?

NBFCs like Propelld assess academic profile, employability, and repayment capacity, rather than relying only on extensive paperwork—resulting in quicker approvals and smoother disbursals.

What are the Documents Required for Education Loan Abroad?

When applying for an education loan abroad, lenders assess academic credibility, visa readiness, and financial backing. Here’s a quick checklist of documents required for education loan abroad:

Academic

Academic transcripts (10th, 12th, graduation/post-graduation)
Offer/admission letter from the foreign university (course, duration, fee breakup)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Resume/CV
Letters of Recommendation (if required by lender/university)

Test Scores and Language Proof

GRE / GMAT / SAT / ACT (as applicable)
IELTS / TOEFL / PTE (for non-native English speakers)

Travel and Forex Documents

Valid passport
Student visa (or visa application receipt)
University SWIFT code (for international fee transfers)
RBI Form A2 / forex declaration (if applicable)

Financial Proof

Bank statements
Scholarship or assistantship letters (if any)
Sponsor affidavit or funding declaration
Medical fitness certificate & health insurance (if required)

Planning to study abroad? Discover how you can get the best education loan for abroad studies in our comprehensive guide: Education Loan for Studying Abroad.

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Fund College Fees + Living Expenses Abroad

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What are the Documents Required for a Self-Employed Co-Applicant?

For applicants with a co-applicant who is self-employed or owns a business, lenders will need these documents to evaluate the financial standing of a self-employed co-applicant:

Business proof: GST / MSME / trade licence
ITRs (last 2 years)
Bank statements (last 6 months)
Profit and Loss statement and balance sheet
TDS certificate (Form 16A), if applicable

What are the Documents Required for Government Education Schemes?

For those applying under government-backed schemes, specific documents, such as category and income verification, are required in addition to standard documents:

Also, remember that education loan limits and eligibility vary by course and state. Always verify before applying.

Aadhaar card
Caste/community certificate (if applicable)
Income certificate (as per scheme limits)
Admission letter and fee structure
Academic mark sheets
Indemnity bond and declaration forms
Bank account details

To understand which schemes you can apply to, review our complete guide on government-backed education loan schemes in India.

What are the Documents Required For Collateral Education Loan?

For secured education loans, collateral documents are essential as the loan amount is sanctioned based on the value of the asset provided. Below is a list of documents required for different types of collateral like property and liquid assets:

Property as Collateral

Title deed and registered sale deed
Chain of ownership (up to 30 years)
Latest property tax receipt/utility bill
Approved building plan
Occupancy and completion certificate (if constructed)

Liquid Assets

Fixed Deposit certificate
LIC policy with surrender value
Government bond certificates

Note: These documents are in addition to the standard collateral documents. Always consult your loan provider or legal advisor to confirm the exact requirements based on your property's location.

What Documents are Required for State-Specific Education Loans?

In India, property documentation requirements can differ across states due to variations in regional property laws. Below is a list of commonly required additional documents specific to certain states:

What are the Documents Required After Education Loan Sanction?

Once the loan has been sanctioned, a few more documents are required to formalise the loan agreement completely and to facilitate the disbursement process, including:

Signed loan agreement: A legally binding document signed by the applicant and co-applicant outlining terms, rates, and repayment schedule.
NACH/Standing Instruction mandate for EMI: To set up EMI repayments through SI or NACH; may include post-dated cheques (PDCs) for security.
University fee demand letter: Issued by the educational institution, this confirms enrollment and specifies tuition and other payable fees.‍

Note: Traditional lenders often require you to pay 5–15% of the total education cost upfront before sanctioning the loan, called margin money. However, NBFCs like Propelld have a 0% margin money policy.

What are the Documents Required for the Disbursement of an Education Loan?

Once your education loan is sanctioned, every disbursement—whether it's for a new semester or for additional expenses—requires proper documentation. Each disbursement (semester-wise or expense-based) typically requires:

Disbursement Request Letter: A formal letter from the student requesting release of funds with disbursement details.
Institute fee receipt: Proof that tuition or related fees for the previous term have been paid.
Academic progress report: Reflects the student’s academic performance in previous semesters.
Visa copy and SWIFT advice (for abroad)‍: Confirms student’s valid visa status and international payment instructions.

‍Knowing how education loan disbursement works will help you avoid delays and ensure timely payment to the institution.

Common Mistakes with Education Loan Documents: Real Student Insights

Many education loan delays or rejections happen due to avoidable documentation errors, not eligibility. Student discussions across forums highlight these recurring issues.Here are tips to avoid such errors:

Incomplete or Mismatched Documents

On r/personalfinanceindia, multiple users reported applications being put on hold due to minor mismatches between different ID proofs, such as Aadhaar–PAN.

Tip: Ensure identical name format, spelling, and address across all documents before submission.

Missing Admission Documents

Many students make the mistake of submitting only the admission letter, leading to their loan being delayed because the bank requires a semester-wise fee structure, not just the offer letter, a common issue shared on r/vitchennai.

Tip: Always submit your admission letter along with bonafide certificate and year-wise or semester-wise fee structure documents.

Weak Co-Applicant Documents

On r/AskIndia, a student’s loan was rejected due to the parent’s low credit score despite confirmed admission. Therefore, students must remember that their education loan can be rejected due to the co-applicant’s missing ITRs, irregular income proof, or low CIBIL score.

Tip: Check the co-applicant's CIBIL score early, keep 2–3 years of ITRs ready, and maintain clean bank statements with regular income entries before applying.

Applying Too Close to Fee Deadlines

Students on r/india mentioned cases where loans were approved but disbursed too late, leading to missed enrollment deadlines.

Tip: Submit your education loan documents immediately after receiving the admission letter—even if classes start later; or you can also go for lenders offering disbursal within 24–48 hours, like Propelld. Read our SLA Policy to know more.

Assuming Collateral is Optional

An MBA applicant on r/gradadmissions shared that they made the mistake of applying for high loan amounts without arranging collateral; their loan was rejected mid-process when collateral documents weren’t ready.

Tip: For loans above ₹7.5–10 lakh, confirm collateral requirements upfront and keep the required documents ready.

So, How to Avoid Education Loan Delays Due to Documentation?

Thus, online forum discussions consistently show that documentation errors—not eligibility—are the biggest reason for education loan delays. Preparing documents early and understanding bank-specific requirements can significantly speed up approval.

Double-check name spellings and dates across documents.
Keep scanned copies ready in PDF format.
Submit the co-applicant documents together.
Clarify moratorium, repayment, and prepayment rules early.
Apply to multiple banks early, and keep documents ready in advance.

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Education Loan - Min Docs. Max Approval. Min Hassle. Max Tenure

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How to Submit Documents to Get Education Loan in 2025?

On online threads like r/personalfinanceindia, r/india and r/vitchennai, many students ask how to apply and what documents are needed for education loan.

First, it’s important to remember that banks typically evaluate:

Course and institution
Co-applicant’s income and credit profile
Repayment capacity

Documents Checklist

Refer to this education loan documents list for quick verification of documents before submission:

Document Category	Key Checks	Recommended Format
KYC Documents	Valid IDs, correct name and address, not expired	Clear, colored scans or photocopies
Academic Records	All mark sheets, certificates, and admission letters included	Self-attested copies
Financial Documents	Recent bank statements, salary slips, and complete ITRs (co-applicant)	Bank-attested copies or signed statements
Collateral Papers	Complete property/asset documents, approved valuations	Originals + 2 copies for submission
Special Cases	Passport, visa, LORs, SOPs for abroad loans	Scanned, clear, and organised files

Here’s how to apply and what documents needed for education loan:

Compare lenders

Look at interest rates, processing fees, repayment terms, and government schemes like CSIS.

Prepare documents

Sign and date all photocopies for self-attestation. Ensure bank and income documents are not older than 3 months.

Submit application

Apply online or at the branch, ensuring all documents are complete.

Loan approval and disbursal

Lenders verify documents, assess repayment capacity, and release funds.

To understand how the detailed education loan application process, review our complete application walkthrough.

Pro Tips:

Start preparing 2–3 months early—organise by category.
Double-check names, addresses, and dates across all documents to avoid mismatches.
Keep both digital and physical copies for backup.
For co-applicants, ensure income proofs and bank statements match the submitted KYC details.
For collateral loans, verify property ownership and approvals in advance to prevent delays.

Clarify moratorium, prepayment, and subsidy benefits to avoid delays.‍

Need loan repayment tips? Check out our guide on education loan repayment rules in India in 2025.

Documentation is the Foundation of Your Loan Approval!

A well-prepared education loan documents list can reduce education loan approval time from weeks to days. While traditional banks follow fixed checklists, new digital lenders focus on clarity, transparency, and repayment alignment.

So, if you’re overwhelmed by the documents needed for education loan in India or abroad, choose a lender like Propelld that offers a minimal-documentation, digital-first, student-friendly process, which can make all the difference!

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FAQs on Documents Required for Education Loan

Are Property Documents Required for an Education Loan?

Property documents are required only for secured education loans where collateral is offered. For non-collateral education loans, property papers are not needed.

Is ITR Required for an Education Loan?

While some lenders may request Income Tax Returns (ITR) as part of the documentation process, it's not universally required. However, having a stable income and a good credit score can enhance loan approval chances.

Why is income proof required for an education loan?

Income proof helps lenders assess the repayment capacity of the co-applicant. It is a key document for loan approval, even if the student has no income.

Is a co-applicant mandatory for applying for an education loan?

No, a co-applicant is not mandatory for all education loans. However, having a co-applicant with a strong financial background can improve your chances of getting approved and potentially securing a better interest rate.

What happens after my loan is approved? What documents do I need to submit then?

After approval, you may need to submit additional documents like academic progress reports, disbursement request letters, and proof of previous semester fee payments (using the loan). For studying abroad, a copy of your visa and SWIFT advice might be required.

What are some tips to improve my chances of getting an education loan?

Maintaining a good academic record, gaining admission to reputable institutions, and demonstrating strong future employment prospects and a stable financial background can significantly improve your chances of securing an education loan.

What property documents are required for an education loan?

If you're applying for a secured education loan (with collateral), property documents such as the sale deed, property title, and latest property tax receipts may be required for verification.

What documents are required for an education loan from college?

When applying for an education loan through your college tie-up with a lender, you typically need admission proof, fee structure, academic records, identity/address proof, and income documents of the co-applicant.

Is a passport mandatory while processing an education loan?

A passport is not mandatory for all education loan applications, but it is often required if you're applying for an education loan abroad, as it serves as a key identity and travel document.

Is proof of admission to the course required for an education loan?

Yes, proof of admission—such as an offer letter or admission confirmation from the university or college—is a mandatory document when applying for an education loan.

What documents are required for an education loan in India?

To apply for an education loan in India, you need identity proof, address proof, academic records, admission letter, fee structure, income proof of the co-applicant, and collateral documents (if applicable).

What are the documents required for an education loan in SBI?

For an SBI education loan, you need the completed loan application form, passport-size photographs, academic mark sheets, admission letter, fee structure, KYC documents, income proof of parents/co-borrowers, and collateral papers (if needed).

What documents are required for an education loan in Axis Bank?

Axis Bank requires the admission letter, academic records, income proof, identity/address proof, passport-size photographs, and collateral documents for secured loans.

What are the documents required for an education loan in Canara Bank?

Canara Bank requires a completed application form, admission letter, academic documents, ID/address proof, co-applicant income proof, and collateral documents if applicable.

What documents are required for an education loan in HDFC Bank?

For HDFC Bank education loans, submit your admission offer letter, academic records, KYC documents, co-applicant income proof, and property papers for secured loans.

How many documents are required for an education loan?

Typically, around 8–10 documents are required, including ID/address proof, academic records, admission letter, fee structure, income documents, and collateral papers (if applicable).

What documents are required for non-collateral education loan?

You’ll need academic records, admission proof, fee structure, KYC documents, and strong income documents of the co-applicant. Some lenders may ask for a guarantor or future employability proof.

What are the documents required for education loan under Vidya Lakshmi Portal?

You need to upload your academic documents, admission proof, co-applicant income proof, and identity/address documents while applying through the Vidya Lakshmi Portal.

What documents are required for an education loan for MBA?

The documents include your MBA admission letter, past academic mark sheets, identity/address proof, co-applicant income proof, and property documents (if applying for a secured loan).

What are the documents required for a Union Bank of India education loan?

Union Bank asks for a filled application form, academic records, proof of admission, fee details, income proof of the co-borrower, and property documents if needed.

Can I get a student loan on Aadhaar card only?

No, Aadhaar alone is not sufficient. It can be used as identity proof, but additional documents are required.

Are 10th and 12th marksheets required for an education loan?

Yes, most lenders require 10th and 12th marksheets to verify your academic history.

How do education loan documents differ for banks and NBFCs?

NBFCs often require fewer documents and focus more on employability, while banks may ask for detailed income and collateral papers.

Are documents required differently for education loans abroad?

Yes. Abroad education loans additionally require a passport, a visa copy, an offer letter, and foreign university fee details.

Can I apply for an education loan without income proof?

It is difficult. Some NBFCs may consider alternative profiles, but most lenders require income proof of the co-applicant.

Are scanned documents accepted for education loan applications?

Yes, scanned copies are accepted during application, but originals may be required for verification later.

Do working professionals need different documents for education loans?

Yes, working professionals may need to submit salary slips, employment proof, and bank statements in addition to academic documents.

Can missing documents delay education loan approval?

Yes, incomplete or incorrect documentation is one of the most common reasons for loan approval delays.

Education Loan Documents List 2025: Know Everything You Need Before You Apply

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