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South Indian Bank Education Loan

South Indian Bank Education Loan: Interest Rates, Eligibility & Application Process

Written By
Vaishali Pandey
&
Reviewed By
Victor Senapaty
Updated On:
Sep 16, 2025
|
5
mins read
Vaishali Pandey
Updated On:
Sep 16, 2025

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Table of Contents

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The cost of higher education continues to rise globally, making it difficult for many students to pursue their academic ambitions. However, South Indian Bank (SIB), a trusted private sector bank in India, offers comprehensive education loans designed to make your dreams of studying in India or abroad more attainable.

It offers flexible repayment options, competitive interest rates, and easy processing to meet the unique needs of every student. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore South Indian Bank education loan details, such as eligibility requirements, loan schemes, application process, and more.

Key Takeaways

  • South Indian Bank offers multiple education loan schemes, like SIB Vitjnan Pradhan and SIB Excellence, with varying interest rates and loan amounts to fit different academic needs, both in India and abroad.
  • Interest rates are competitive, starting from as low as 10.55% p.a. Female students receive a 0.50% interest rate concession.
  • Loans feature a moratorium period, allowing repayment to begin only after the course is completed.
  • The loans cover a wide range of expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and study materials.

Key Features of South Indian Bank Education Loan

South Indian Bank offers multiple attractive features for students availing education loans, such as:

Feature

Details

Competitive Interest Rates

Starting from as low as 10.55% p.a.

No Collateral for Loans Up to ₹4 Lakhs

No collateral required for loans up to ₹4 Lakhs

Flexible Repayment

Repayment starts after course completion, with a moratorium period

Female Applicant Discount

0.50% concession on the interest rate for female applicants

Loan Amount Flexibility

Loans up to ₹1.5 Crore for studying abroad

Tax Benefits

Deductions under Section 80E for interest paid on education loans

Processing Fees

Nil for most loan schemes, except for study abroad loans

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South Indian Bank Education Loan Interest Rates

The interest rates vary depending on the scheme you choose and the loan amount required. It also depends on the student's academic profile and the university where they have secured admission. Female students are also eligible for a 0.50% interest rate concession. 

Here's a breakdown of the interest rates:

  • For the SIB Vitjnan Pradhan Scheme, it starts at 11.24% p.a.
  • For SIB Excellence, the range is from 10.55% to 11.15% p.a.
  • For SIB Edusum, the range is from 16.70% to 17.45% p.a.
  • For the SIB Global Education Scheme, the range is from 12.90% to 13.65% p.a.

Margin Money: What's Required?

Margin money refers to the portion of the loan that the student or co-applicant must contribute. South Indian Bank's margin money varies depending on the loan scheme and whether the student is studying in India or abroad:

  • SIB Vitjnan Pradhan Scheme consists of 5% for domestic courses and 15% for abroad studies.
  • SIB Excellence has no margin for loans up to ₹4 Lakhs; 5% for loans above ₹4 Lakhs.
  • SIB Edusum has no margin for loans up to ₹4 Lakhs; 5% for loans above ₹4 Lakhs; 15% for abroad studies.
  • SIB Global Education consists of a 25% margin for loans above ₹20 Lakhs.

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Eligibility Criteria for South Indian Bank Education Loan

To be eligible for a South Indian Bank education loan, you must meet the following basic requirements:

  • Indian citizens or NRIs with an Indian passport.
  • Applicants must be between 18 and 50 years of age.
  • Full-time undergraduate, postgraduate, Ph.D., or diploma courses lasting more than one year.
  • Good academic performance in previous qualifications.
  • Admission to a recognised educational institution in India or abroad.

Additionally, specific courses, such as those offered at prestigious institutions or job-oriented technical programs, may have more stringent requirements.

How to Apply for a South Indian Bank Education Loan?

Applying for an education loan with South Indian Bank is simple and can be done online or offline. Here's the process:

  1. First, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the loan.
  2. Collect the required documents, including proof of identity, address, admission letter, fee structure, and income proof of co-applicants.
  3. Online Application:
    • Visit the official website of South Indian Bank.
    • Navigate to the 'Education Loan' section.
    • Select the suitable loan scheme (e.g., SIB Global Education, SIB Vitjnan Pradhan, etc.).
    • Fill out the application form and submit your documents.
  4. You can also visit the nearest South Indian Bank branch with your documents and complete the loan application form in person.

Once your application is reviewed and approved, the loan amount will be disbursed in stages as required.

Explore Myths and Facts about Education Loans. Get the real insights before making your loan decisions.

South Indian Bank Education Loan Documents Required

To get a South Indian Bank education loan, you'll need a few key documents. These include academic records, as well as ID and address proof. You'll also need financial documents from your co-applicant, along with details about your course fees and the institution's approvals.

Document Type

Specific Documents Required

Student and Co-Applicant

PAN card, Aadhaar card/Voter ID, Passport-sized photographs

Academic

10th & 12th mark sheets, Entrance exam score cards, Admission letter, Course prospectus/details

Financial

Course fee structure, Co-applicant's bank statements, Co-applicant's income proof

Other

Completed application form, Property documents (if secured loan), Vidyalakshmi Portal details

South Indian Bank Education Loan Schemes Comparison

South Indian Bank offers multiple education loan schemes catering to different needs. These schemes cover a wide range of education-related expenses, including tuition fees, hostel fees, travel expenses, and other related costs.

Let's explore the central loan schemes along with other details:

Scheme

Maximum Loan Amount

Interest Rate

Repayment Tenure

Moratorium Period

Margin Money

SIB Vitjnan Pradhan

₹10 Lakhs (India) / ₹20 Lakhs (Abroad)

11.24% onwards

Up to 15 years

Course + 1 year

5% (India) / 15% (Abroad)

SIB Excellence

₹25 Lakhs

10.55% to 11.15%

Up to 15 years

Course + 6 months

10%

SIB Edusum

₹10 Lakhs

16.70% to 17.45%

Up to 10 years

Course + 1 year

15% (Abroad)

SIB Global Education

₹1.5 Crore

12.90% to 13.65%

Up to 15 years

Course + 6 months

25%

Expenses Covered by South Indian Bank Education Loan

South Indian Bank's education loans are comprehensive and cover the following expenses:

  • Tuition fees
  • Accommodation (hostel fees)
  • Travel expenses (for studying abroad)
  • Living expenses
  • Study materials (e.g., books, laptops)
  • Exam fees and library charges
  • Miscellaneous expenses, including project work, study tours, and medical insurance (if applicable)

Explore different Types of Education loans with Eligibility, Interest Rates, & Benefits to understand which option best suits your needs and repayment capacity.

Unused Account Fees? A Cautionary Tale from South Indian Bank

A recent query on a public forum highlights a common but frustrating banking issue: a dormant account being charged a significant portion of a new deposit as a fee. This case, involving a South Indian Bank account, serves as a stark reminder for anyone with an unused bank account.

Reddit User in r/LegalAdviceIndia shared: 

“I have two bank accounts in south indian bank and one in Canara. I haven't used one of the SIB accounts in more than 4 years or so. One of my friends credited ₹10000 into that account, and the bank instantly debited ₹9200 (citing non-maintenance of minimum balance). What options do I have to get my money back?”

Insight: Based on South Indian Bank's policies, dormant or inoperative accounts cannot be charged a penal fee for non-maintenance of a minimum balance. According to the bank's own compensation policy, if an erroneous or unauthorised debit is made, the bank is liable to reverse the charges. Therefore, the user's situation represents a clear violation of this policy.

What do we infer from the above case? 

  • Even if an account has been inactive for years, banks in India are not permitted to levy fees for non-maintenance of a minimum balance once the account is classified as dormant or inoperative. 
  • The bank's action of debiting ₹9200 appears to violate its own guidelines, and the customer has a strong case for a full refund.

Tip: Always keep a record of all communication with the bank, including dates, names of officials, and a copy of the written complaint.

South Indian Bank's education loans provide a clear path to funding your studies with competitive rates and flexible terms. By understanding the eligibility criteria and preparing all necessary documents in advance, you can navigate the application process smoothly and secure the best loan for your academic future.

Don't let financial roadblocks slow down your global education dreams. With Propelld, you get quick digital approvals, study loans up to INR 50 lakhs, and zero collateral hassles. Plus, enjoy flexible repayment options designed to fit your journey. Propelld makes financing simple, so you can focus on achieving your goals.

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Important FAQs About South Indian Bank Education Loan

Q1. What if my co-applicant's credit score is low? Will that hurt my loan application?

Yes, your co-applicant's credit score is a crucial factor. A low score can signal a higher risk, potentially leading to a rejected application or less favourable interest rates. It's best to have a co-applicant with a strong financial history to improve your chances.

Q2. I'm taking a gap year before my studies. How does that affect my education loan eligibility?

A gap year won't automatically disqualify you. However, you'll need to provide an apparent reason for the break, and the bank will assess your academic and professional history to ensure the break doesn't affect your ability to complete the course and repay the loan.

Q3. Can I take an education loan for a part-time or online course from SIB?

Generally, South Indian Bank provides education loans for full-time degree or diploma courses. You should confirm with a bank representative, as some part-time or online professional courses might be considered under specific loan schemes, but it's not the norm.

Q4. I've already paid some of my tuition fees. Can South Indian Bank reimburse me for those expenses?

Yes, South Indian Bank can reimburse expenses already paid, but only if they were incurred within a specific timeframe, typically up to one year before the loan sanction. You will need to provide original receipts and payment proofs to get a reimbursement.

Q5. Can I repay the interest on my loan during the moratorium period to save money?

Yes, you can. Paying the simple interest during your moratorium is a great way to reduce the total interest burden. If you choose not to, the accrued interest will be added to your principal amount, resulting in a higher EMI once repayment begins.

Q6. What happens if I want to switch my course or university after the loan is approved?

A change in course or university requires the bank's approval. You must inform your loan officer immediately. The bank will re-evaluate your loan based on the new fee structure and the institution's accreditation to ensure it still meets its lending criteria.

Q7. What if the collateral I provide is less than the loan amount I need?

If your collateral value is less than the required amount, you might need to provide a higher margin money contribution. For loans above ₹7.5 lakhs, especially for overseas studies, 100% collateral coverage is mandatory.

Q8. My parents are retired. Can they still be a co-applicant for my loan?

Yes, they can, but the bank will assess their income from pensions or other sources to determine their repayment capacity. If their income is insufficient, consider providing a younger co-applicant or a guarantor with a stable income.

Q9. Can I obtain a loan from SIB if I'm a student without a co-applicant with a strong financial background?

For loans of up to ₹4 Lakhs, you don't need collateral, which can be beneficial. For larger amounts, if a co-applicant isn't strong, your academic merit, a guarantor, or even the reputation of your chosen university might be considered as a mitigating factor.

Q10. I am an NRI. What additional documents do I need to get an education loan?

NRIs with an Indian passport are eligible for loans. In addition to the standard documents, you will need to provide your NRI status proof, foreign address proof, and any other specific documents required by the bank to verify your identity and residency status.

Q11. Can I get a second loan from South Indian Bank for my Master's after finishing my Bachelor's?

Yes, you can apply for a second education loan to support your higher studies. The new loan will be based on the fresh course details, and your repayment history for the first loan will be a significant factor in the bank's decision.

Q12. What's the best way to get a quick education loan decision from South Indian Bank?

The fastest way is to have all your documents, including your co-applicant's financial papers, ready and organised. Applying through a government portal like Jan Samarth also streamlines the process by pre-filling some details, making it easier for the bank to review your application quickly.

Vaishali Pandey
Content Marketer
Check out full profile

A banker turned content marketer with expertise in growth-focused content strategies for the finance and digital sectors.  She currently drives data-backed content initiatives at Propelld, through high-impact storytelling.

Before moving into content marketing, Vaishali spent nearly a decade in banking, across their asset and lending divisions and spent almost a decade in finance. An MBA in Marketing and a writer at heart, she finally took up content marketing and now simplifies money talks for the readers.

She is also a certified digital marketer (MICA), combining data-driven insights with creative storytelling to deliver measurable business growth.

Beyond work, Vaishali is a handcrafted brand founder, avid reader, and travel & food blogger, blending creativity and strategy in everything she does.

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Victor Senapaty
Co Founder, Propelld
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Victor Senapaty is the Co-Founder of Propelld, a pioneering fintech platform revolutionizing education financing in India. An IIT Madras and FMS Delhi alumnus, Victor brings a rare blend of investment banking expertise, startup leadership, and financial innovation to the education lending space.

He is a serial entrepreneur with ventures spanning edtech, hyperlocal commerce, and consumer experiences, and an ex-Deutsche Bank investment banker with deep expertise in financial modeling, valuation, and strategic growth. At Propelld, Victor focuses on unlocking financial access for students by creating future-potential-based lending models, helping thousands pursue higher education without traditional credit barriers.

A National Maths Olympiad gold medalist, FRM Level 1 certified professional, an avid traveler and football enthusiast, Victor is passionate about building products that meaningfully impact lives and transform access to education in India.

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