Every year, thousands of Indian students dream of studying abroad. In 2024 alone, over 7.6 lakh students chose destinations like the USA, Canada, and the UK for higher education. But let’s be honest, tuition fees and living costs can make these dreams feel out of reach.
The PM Vidyalaxmi Portal Abroad Education Loan is a government-backed platform that simplifies applying for abroad education loans from multiple banks in one place. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of applying for a loan via the PM Vidyalaxmi Portal, ensuring you have the financial support needed to achieve your academic goals.
Every year, thousands of Indian students dream of studying abroad. In 2024 alone, over 7.6 lakh students chose destinations like the USA, Canada, and the UK for higher education. But let’s be honest, tuition fees and living costs can make these dreams feel out of reach.
The PM Vidyalaxmi Portal Abroad Education Loan is a government-backed platform that simplifies applying for abroad education loans from multiple banks in one place. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of applying for a loan via the PM Vidyalaxmi Portal, ensuring you have the financial support needed to achieve your academic goals.
Are you parent of a JEE/NEET aspirant?
Need guidance on funding your MBA College Fees?
Top Features of PM-PM Vidyalaxmi Portal Abroad Education Loan
The PM-PM Vidyalaxmi Portal serves as a comprehensive platform, streamlining the process of securing education loans for international studies. Whether it’s a collateral-free loan up to ₹7.5 lakh or an easy online process, the portal is designed to help students focus on their studies.
By consolidating various loan schemes and providing essential resources, the portal aims to make the journey smoother for aspiring students.
Loan schemes on PM Vidyalaxmi portal
Students can explore schemes like the PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme, Central Sector Interest Subsidy (CSIS), and other bank-specific education loan programs. This allows them to compare interest rates, repayment terms, and eligibility criteria, helping them choose the loan that best fits their academic and financial needs.
Unified Common Education Loan Application Form
Students can fill out a single Common Education Loan Application Form (CELAF) to apply for loans from multiple banks. This simplifies the application process, saving time and reducing the complexity associated with applying to individual institutions.
Apply to Multiple Banks Simultaneously
The portal allows students to apply to up to three banks, increasing the chances of loan approval. This feature is particularly beneficial for students seeking the best possible terms and conditions for their education loans.
Status tracking for abroad education loans on PM Vidyalaxmi
Students can monitor the progress of their loan applications through the portal. The status is updated in real-time, providing transparency and allowing students to take prompt action if additional information or documentation is required.
Direct Communication for Grievances and Queries
The portal facilitates direct communication between students and banks for addressing grievances or queries related to education loans.
Integration with the National Scholarship Portal
Students can access information and apply for government scholarships through the portal. This integration provides a one-stop solution for both loan and scholarship applications, enhancing the financial support available to students.
Students looking for additional funding opportunities can also explore ways to Study Abroad for Free: Top Scholarships & More to supplement their education loans and reduce financial burden.
Get an Education Loan 10X Faster than Banks.
PM Vidyalaxmi Portal Abroad Education Loan Eligibility
Since the platform acts as a single-window system connecting students with multiple lenders, the eligibility framework generally aligns with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) guidelines for education loans.
Below are the key eligibility requirements for applying through the PM-Vidyalakshmi Portal:
- The applicant must be an Indian citizen or hold a valid resident status.
- A confirmed offer letter or admission proof from a recognised foreign university/institution is mandatory. Provisional admissions may not be accepted.
- A consistent academic record with satisfactory grades is expected. Banks often look at past performance to assess the student’s ability to succeed in the chosen program.
- The loan is available for professional and technical courses at graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels in India and abroad. Vocational training and skill development courses from approved institutions are also covered.
- Generally, students between 18 to 35 years are eligible. Some banks extend the limit for postgraduate or doctoral programs.
- A parent, guardian, or spouse is usually required as a co-applicant. Their income and repayment capacity are also considered.
- For loans up to ₹7.5 lakh, no collateral is required (only a co-obligation by parents/guardian). For higher loan amounts, collateral such as property or fixed deposits may be mandatory.
- Some government-subsidised schemes under the portal may have specific family income limits, such as the Padho Pardesh or CSIS interest subsidy scheme, where annual parental income should not exceed ₹4.5 lakh.
Documents Required for PM Vidyalaxmi Portal Education Loan Registration
Applying for an education loan to study abroad requires more detailed paperwork compared to loans for domestic courses. This is because banks must verify your academic potential, financial capacity and also the authenticity of the overseas institution and the expected cost of living in a foreign country.
Listed below are the key documents needed for an abroad education loan:
- Identity Proof – Aadhaar Card, Passport (mandatory for overseas study), PAN Card, or Voter ID.
- Address Proof – Aadhaar, Passport, Utility Bill, or Ration Card.
- Recent passport-size photographs as per bank requirements.
- Mark sheets and certificates of 10th, 12th, and graduation (if applicable).
- Entrance exam scores (GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, SAT) or any other test required by the foreign university.
- Official admission letter from a foreign university with the course name, duration, and start date.
- Detailed breakdown of tuition fees, hostel fees, and other charges provided by the university.
- Many banks require a valid student visa (or proof of application) before disbursing funds.
- Income Proof of Co-applicant (Parent/Guardian) – Salary slips, Form 16, IT returns, or for self-employed, audited financials and business proof.
- Bank Statements – Last 6 months of both applicant and co-applicant accounts.
- Collateral Documents (if required) – Property papers, fixed deposits, or LIC policy documents in case the loan is secured.
- Loan Application Form (CELAF) – Duly filled form available on the PM-Vidyalakshmi Portal.
Minimal Docs, Maximum Approval - Apply Now!
What is the Common Educational Loan Application Form (CELAF)?
The Common Educational Loan Application Form (CELAF) is a standardised form on the PM-Vidyalakshmi Portal that lets students apply to multiple banks with a single submission. It collects key details such as personal information, academic background, course and university details, loan amount required, co-applicant’s financials, and collateral (if any).
CELAF ensures a faster, more transparent, and hassle-free loan application process for securing funds for overseas education.
How to Apply Education Loan on PM Vidyalaxmi Portal for Abroad Studies?
The PM-Vidyalakshmi Portal was launched to make the application process simpler by acting as a single-window platform where students can register, fill out a common loan application, and apply to multiple banks at once.
Here’s the complete process you need to follow to apply for an abroad education loan through the PM-Vidyalakshmi Portal:
Visit the Official Portal
Go to the official PM Vidyalaxmi Portal. On the homepage, a pop-up will appear guiding you to the PM Vidyalakshmi student portal.
Student Registration
Click on “Student Login” and then “Register”. Enter your personal details, email ID, and create a secure password. You will receive OTPs for both your registered mobile number and email ID to verify your account.
Log in to Your Dashboard
After verification, return to the login page and access your Student Dashboard.
Fill the Common Education Loan Application Form (CELAF)
From the dashboard, select “Apply for Loan Application”. Begin filling the CELAF form, which includes personal, academic, and contact details. This single form allows you to apply to multiple banks, saving time and effort.
Aadhaar & PAN Verification
Enter your Aadhaar number to complete e-verification through an OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile. Then, add your PAN card details for real-time validation of your identity and income.
Add University and Course Details
Provide accurate information about your foreign university, course structure, duration, and total expected expenses. This helps banks assess loan eligibility and sanction amounts.
Select Banks and Branches
Upload all mandatory documents. Choose your preferred banks and their branches for the loan application.
Submit Your Application
Review all details carefully and click “Submit”. Banks will then process your application and update the status on the portal. You will also receive notifications on your registered email ID.
Pro Tip: Always apply at least 3–4 months before your course begins, as banks may take time for document verification, collateral evaluation, and loan sanctioning. Early application ensures your loan sanction letter is ready before your visa process, a requirement in most study destinations.
Reapplying for a Loan on PM Vidyalaxmi Portal After Closure? Here’s What You Should Know
Sometimes, even after closing an education loan, students face issues when trying to reapply on the PM Vidyalaxmi Education Loan Portal. The portal may still reflect the previous loan as active, creating confusion between the student and the bank.
Reddit User in r/CATpreparation shared:
“I have closed the loan from SBI, but it is still reflecting on the PM Vidyalaxmi portal, and they say that I can't apply until it is closed by the bank. And the bank is saying they have closed. If anyone has gone through this, please connect.”
Insight: This highlights a common issue where the portal’s database and the bank’s internal system are not always in sync. Even if the bank has closed the loan, it might take time for the status to update on PM Vidyalaxmi.
What do we infer from the above case?
- Loan closure confirmation may take time to reflect on the portal.
- Direct follow-up with the bank’s education loan department is often required.
- Keep all closure documents handy to expedite updates.
Tip: If your closed loan is still showing as active on PM Vidyalaxmi, contact your bank immediately with proof of closure and request that they update the portal. Patience and persistent follow-up usually resolve the issue.
Students exploring financial support options can also check out the Education Loan Subsidy SBI Guide for detailed insights on SBI’s subsidy schemes and application process.
The PM Vidyalaxmi Portal Abroad Education Loan demonstrates how digital platforms can streamline complex processes like education loans. By consolidating multiple banks, schemes, and verification steps into a single system, it saves time and also increases transparency and accessibility for students. This shows that with the right tools, strategic financial planning and early application, you can make global education genuinely easy.
Break financial barriers and make your study abroad dreams a reality with Propelld. With flexible, collateral-free loans, quick digital approval, and personalised repayment options, you can secure funds for tuition, living expenses, and more without the stress. Propelld’s 100% online process ensures you get your loan fast and hassle-free, so you can focus on preparing for your international education journey.
Start your application today and step closer to your dream university!



.avif)

