Planning to study abroad is exciting, but getting a loan isn’t always the same for every course. Banks and NBFCs usually give preference to programs that can lead to good jobs and steady income after graduation. This helps them feel sure you can repay the loan on time.
This guide highlights the Top Courses Eligible for Abroad Education Loans, helping students and parents understand which academic paths are more likely to secure funding and make the loan process smoother for an overseas education journey.
By the end of this blog, you will know
Lenders primarily favour courses in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and prestigious Management (MBA) programmes due to their high demand and robust career prospects in the international job market.
Course eligibility is heavily dependent on the reputation and global ranking of the foreign university, with premier institutions ensuring smoother and more favourable loan sanctioning processes, even for non-STEM fields like Arts and Humanities.
Education loans are generally sanctioned for full-time, degree-granting courses of at least one academic year in duration, which require physical presence at the university abroad.
Standalone, non-academic qualifications like general language courses or short-term certificate programmes are typically not eligible for standard education loans, though they may be covered if they are a mandatory part of a full degree programme.
Courses Covered by Study Abroad Loan Schemes
Lenders typically classify courses based on their marketability and career prospects. The more “job-oriented” a course is, the higher its priority for a loan. This essentially means institutions favour courses leading to strong employment outcomes in the international job market.
The Reign of STEM Disciplines
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs overwhelmingly dominate the list of preferred courses for international education loans. These fields are consistently in high demand globally, ensuring high earning potential for graduates.
Course Category
Examples of Eligible Programs
Loan Priority Level
Engineering
MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Data Science, Mechanical Engineering, and specialised fields like AI/ML.
Highest Priority
Technology
Masters in Information Systems (MIS), Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and Cloud Computing.
High Priority
Mathematics/Science
MS in Financial Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, and Biotechnology.
Professional Courses Eligible for Education Loans: Management and Medicine
Beyond STEM, certain professional courses eligible for education loans carry significant weight due to their long-term career stability and high earning potential. These courses are often a safe bet for securing substantial loan amounts.
Management Programs (MBA and Specialised Masters)
The Master of Business Administration (MBA), particularly from top-tier, globally ranked institutions, is a financial favourite. Lenders are more comfortable funding an MBA from an institution with a proven track record of placing graduates in lucrative management roles.
MBA: Full-time, 1-year or 2-year programs from the top 100 universities worldwide.
Specialised Masters: Masters in Finance, Marketing Analytics, Business Analytics, and Supply Chain Management.
Medical and Allied Health Sciences
While the duration and cost can be high, courses in medicine are considered extremely secure investments due to their universally high earning capacity.
MBBS/MD/MS: Medical degrees and post-graduate specialisations.
Allied Health: Physiotherapy, Dentistry, Nursing (with specific licensure requirements).
Other Courses: Arts, Humanities, and Law Programs
While STEM and Management courses secure the top spots, modern lending policies have become more inclusive. Loan availability is increasingly common for Arts, Humanities, and Law programs, provided they are pursued at highly reputable, globally recognised universities.
Course Category
Examples of Eligible Programs
Key Lending Criteria
Arts & Humanities
MA in Economics, Psychology, Digital Media, Journalism, and Public Policy.
University ranking, student's academic profile, and GRE/GMAT scores are critical.
Law
LL.M (Master of Laws), Juris Doctor (JD) programs.
The reputation of the law school and the student's admission test scores.
Architecture & Design
M.Arch, Masters in Product Design, User Experience (UX) Design.
Evidence of a strong portfolio and an offer from a top-ranked design school.
Lenders will scrutinise the student's profile and the institution's standing more rigorously for these fields, as the employment outcomes can be more varied than in STEM.
Eligibility of Language and Diploma Courses: The Lender’s Perspective
The eligibility of language and diploma courses for an education loan is less straightforward. Lenders draw a clear distinction between career-focused credentials and general skill development.
Post-Graduate Diploma (PG Diploma/PG Cert)
Eligibility:
Generally eligible, provided the course is a Post-Graduate level qualification from a recognised college or university and is demonstrably job-oriented. Examples include PG Diplomas in Information Technology, Business Management, and Finance in Canada or Australia.
Key Factor:
Lenders will verify that the course is approved for a post-study work visa in the host country, increasing the borrower's ability to repay.
Certificate and Language Courses
Eligibility:
Generally not eligible for substantial, long-term education loans. Standalone language courses, short-term professional certifications, or preparatory courses are typically not funded, as they do not lead to a full degree qualification.
Exception:
A language course may be covered as an ancillary expense if it is a mandatory part of a degree program, such as German preparatory for a German university admission.
How Your Course Choice Affects an Abroad Education Loan
Your choice of academic programme has a direct and profound impact on the likelihood of your loan approval and the financial terms you will secure. Lenders view the course as the primary indicator of your future repayment capacity.
Employability Potential:
Courses aligned with global high-growth industries (e.g., Data Science, AI, Financial Engineering) are prioritised, as they promise higher starting salaries, which is a key factor in the lender’s risk assessment.
Loan Quantum:
Programmes with higher and more secure post-graduation earnings (like top-tier MBAs) often qualify for higher loan amounts, sometimes covering up to 100% of the total cost of education.
Interest Rate Reduction:
Admission to a premium course at a highly-ranked university (often determined by a lender's internal "prime list") typically results in a lower, more favourable interest rate compared to a general course.
Collateral Requirement:
For unsecured loans, a high-value, career-oriented course significantly reduces the loan's perceived risk, increasing the chances of approval without collateral. Conversely, a general course may trigger a collateral requirement, even for smaller loan amounts.
Top Courses by Bank for Overseas Education Loans
While all lenders fund a broad range of accredited courses, banks often have specific internal lists, sometimes tied to the university's ranking, where certain courses receive preferential treatment in terms of interest rates and maximum loan quantum.
All Professional Masters (MS, MBA), Bachelors, Pathway, Foundation, and PG Diploma Courses.
Offers competitive rates under schemes like Baroda Scholar for students admitted to premier foreign universities (Premier List).
Key Points to Check Before Picking a Course for a Study Loan
When making your course selection, it is crucial to think like a loan underwriter, assessing the course's investment value to ensure maximum loan eligibility and favourable terms.
Return on Investment (ROI):
Research the average post-graduation salary for the course in your country of study. Ensure this salary is sufficient to comfortably service the Education Loan Equated Monthly Instalments (EMIs).
Accreditation and Recognition:
The course must be offered by an officially recognised and accredited body within the host country and must lead to a qualification accepted for professional employment and a potential work visa.
Post-Study Work Eligibility:
Prioritise courses that grant eligibility for a post-study work visa (e.g., the Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada or the Graduate Route in the UK), as this period is essential for securing a job and beginning loan repayment.
Future Market Demand:
Choose fields of study (like those in the Courses covered by study abroad loan schemes) that are predicted to remain relevant and in-demand over the next 5-10 years, ensuring long-term career stability.
In conclusion, funding your international education dream is entirely achievable with the right strategy. By thoroughly researching the difference between secured and unsecured loans, understanding the eligibility of your chosen course, and preparing a strong co-applicant profile, you can secure favorable loan terms. Don't let financial worries stop you from pursuing a world-class degree.
Start your loan application and compare offers today to take the next big step in your career!
Propelld has you covered with personalised education loans that fit your unique needs. Propelld offers fast digital approvals, study loans of up to ₹50 lakhs, and the ease of zero-collateral requirements.
FAQs About Top Courses Eligible for Abroad Education Loans
1. Is my course eligible for an education loan for abroad studies?
Most recognised degree and postgraduate courses (Master's, MBA, MS, etc.) at accredited foreign universities are eligible. Lenders generally prefer courses with strong job prospects, like STEM and management, but many humanities and arts programs are also covered.
2. Can I get an education loan for a diploma or certificate course abroad?
It is difficult, as most major banks and lenders primarily fund full-time degree or postgraduate programs. Some private financial institutions or NBFCs might offer loans for highly recognised or professional certificate courses, but often with stricter conditions.
3. Do banks have stricter criteria for non-STEM courses like Arts or Humanities?
Yes, lenders may apply stricter criteria or offer lower unsecured loan amounts for non-STEM courses due to perceived lower earning potential. You may be asked for a stronger financial co-applicant or collateral to secure the loan.
4. What is the difference between a secured and an unsecured education loan?
A secured loan requires you to pledge collateral (like property, fixed deposits, or life insurance) and generally offers lower interest rates and higher loan amounts. An unsecured loan requires no collateral but often has higher interest rates and is based on the student's academic profile and the co-applicant's income.
5. Can I get an overseas education loan without collateral?
Yes, you can get an unsecured loan, typically up to a certain maximum amount (e.g., ₹40-75 lakhs), based on your and your co-applicant's financial profile. However, this is mainly for students admitted to highly ranked global universities.
6. What types of assets are accepted as collateral for a secured loan?
Lenders usually accept tangible assets like residential or commercial property, non-agricultural land, Fixed Deposits (FDs), or government-issued bonds. The accepted value of the collateral determines the maximum loan amount.
7. What expenses are covered by an overseas education loan?
Education loans generally cover the entire cost of attendance, including tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses, books, and study materials. However, the extent of coverage varies, so always confirm with your lender.
8. When does the repayment for the education loan begin?
Repayment usually begins after a moratorium period, which covers your course duration plus a grace period, typically six months to one year, after completing the course or getting a job. Simple interest payment might be required during the moratorium.
9. How can I get the lowest interest rate for my education loan?
To get a lower interest rate, you should aim for a secured loan with collateral and a strong co-applicant. Additionally, a strong academic profile and admission to a top-tier global university can help you negotiate better terms.
10. Is a co-applicant or guarantor mandatory for an education loan?
Yes, a financial co-applicant (usually a parent or relative with a stable income) is almost always mandatory, especially for unsecured loans. Their financial profile is key, as they act as a safeguard for the bank until your repayment starts.
11. Does my university's global ranking affect my loan approval or interest rate?
Absolutely. Admission to a top-ranked university significantly increases the chances of loan approval and often qualifies you for lower interest rates and higher unsecured loan limits. Lenders see this as a sign of better job prospects and repayment capacity.
12. Are there any tax benefits on an education loan for studying abroad?
Yes, in many countries, including India, the entire interest paid on an education loan for higher studies abroad is eligible for deduction from your taxable income under specific sections of the Income Tax Act (e.g., Section 80E).
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.
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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