Top 8 Benefits of Education Loans You Need to Know

In today's world, higher education is increasingly seen as a crucial stepping stone to personal and professional success. However, the rising costs associated with obtaining a degree can be daunting. This is where education loans come into play. Understanding the benefits of education loans can help you make an informed decision about financing your studies.

Education loans are not just a means to cover tuition fees; they come with a multitude of advantages that make them an attractive option for students. From easing financial stress to offering flexible repayment options, the advantages of education loans extend beyond immediate financial relief. By leveraging student loan benefits, you can focus on your studies and achieve your academic goals without constant worries about finances.

The rising costs of education can be a significant financial burden for many individuals and families. This is where education loans come into play, offering a lifeline to those aspiring for higher education. The benefits extend beyond reduced financial stress, encompassing tax advantages, tax savings, and covering a wide range of educational expenses. 

By opting for education loans, families can preserve their savings and assets while still ensuring that their children receive quality education. Education loan benefits include flexible repayment options, lower interest rates compared to other types of loans, and tax benefits, which make them a financially prudent choice. Furthermore, student loan benefits often include grace periods and tailored repayment plans that align with the student's future earning potential, reducing the financial burden on the family. This evolution in funding higher education reflects a broader understanding of how education loans can strategically support academic aspirations and long-term financial stability.

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Below are listed nine hidden benefits of taking an education loan:

1. Reduced financial burden

Higher education, whether in India or abroad, will definitely make you reach for your savings. While it sounds better than starting your life with debt, it restricts you financially and dips your savings considerably. 

Firstly, if you use your savings to finance your education, you will be confined to the amount you have. A dream college or dream destination could be well beyond your reach. Secondly, your hard-earned savings are not like the bottomless chips and coke offered at a diner. Your savings will eventually, lead to unnecessary panic and tension in case of an emergency.

On the other hand, understanding what expenses are covered under an education loan is crucial, especially as the cost of education abroad continues to rise. It's essential to consider inflation, currency fluctuations, and tax implications when making financial decisions. Taking an education loan not only safeguards against rising expenses but also offers tax benefits, ensuring long-term cost savings. An education loan covers 100% of the expenses incurred, thus keeping your savings intact. The education loan products are designed in a way to give the student complete financial support.
 

2. Tax exemptions on education loans

Tax exemptions are the icing on top of education loans. There are two parts to this - TCS (Tax collected at source) and Tax exemption while filing your Income Tax return.

If you are paying a foreign university a tuition fee above INR 7 lakhs in a financial year, 5% tax will be collected at the source. The same tax will be 10% if PAN and Aadhar cards are not furnished at the time of application. However, students who take an education loan are eligible for a 0.5% concession. The education loan should be applied for by a financial institution. 

In simple words, it means that you will be subjected to a higher TCS if you self-finance your education or arrange the funds through anyone other than the authorized financial lenders. Therefore, it is another reason to not dip into your savings and apply for an education loan. 
 

3. Tax benefits under section 80E

Another benefit of an education loan is the tax exemption on the interest paid on an education loan. Under the Chapter VI-A of Section 80E of the Income Tax Act of India, the interest payments made for an education loan will fall under ‘Deductions’. These tax benefits on education loans should alone drive students to take one.

4. No need to liquidate assets

Typically, parents sell valuable assets to cover the costs of education, which can ultimately disrupt long-term financial plans such as purchasing property or a home for their children's marriage. By opting for an education loan, banks use your liquid assets like Fixed Deposits (FDs), insurance policies, and government bonds as collateral and provide you with a loan backed by these assets. As a result, the education loan you obtain will not interfere with your long-term financial objectives.

Must Read: Types of collateral to get an education loan
 

5. Lower interest rates

Education loans typically come with lower interest rates compared to personal or any other credit options. This makes education loans a cost-effective way to finance your education because you end up paying less interest over the loan's tenure. Lower interest rates result in more affordable monthly payments, which can ease the financial burden on students and their families. This extended repayment period allows borrowers to comfortably repay the loan without straining their finances.
 

6. Easy repayment strategy

Education loans offer a grace period, which is a specified period after graduation or leaving school during which borrowers are not required to make loan payments. This grace period can vary but is typically 6 to 12 months. It gives graduates time to find employment and establish their financial stability before starting to repay the loan. Additionally, lenders often offer a range of repayment plans, such as income-driven repayment, graduated repayment, or extended repayment. These options allow borrowers to choose a plan that aligns with their income and financial circumstances, making it easier to manage and pay off the loan.
 

7. Build financial discipline

Taking out an education loan can be a valuable opportunity for students to learn financial discipline. It teaches them to budget their expenses and manage their finances responsibly, as they have a loan to repay. Timely repayment of an education loan can positively impact a borrower's credit history, which can be beneficial for future financial endeavors, such as applying for credit cards, buying a car, or purchasing a home.
 

8. Education loan subsidy schemes

Some countries and regions offer education loan subsidy schemes to provide financial assistance to deserving students. These subsidies may come in the form of interest rate reductions, loan forgiveness programs, or direct financial support to cover a portion of the education expenses.

Education loan subsidy schemes can significantly reduce the overall cost of education by lowering the interest burden on borrowers. This makes higher education more accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.

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Study loan over self-financing or personal loan

Taking an education loan over self-financing or a personal loan can indeed be a wise financial decision for various reasons:

1. Loan amount

Education loans typically offer higher loan amounts compared to personal loans. With collateral, you can access substantial funds for your education, sometimes as high as INR 1.5 crore. Even without collateral, you can borrow up to INR 40 Lakh, which is often sufficient to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other education-related costs. In contrast, personal loans often have lower limits, typically capping at around INR 25 Lakh.

2. Interest rate

Education loans generally come with lower interest rates compared to personal loans. The interest rates for secured education loans are even more attractive, starting at 9.40% for women and 10.90% for men. Unsecured education loans may have slightly higher rates, starting at 11.25%. In contrast, personal loan interest rates typically start at 13% and can go much higher, up to 24%. Choosing an education loan can result in significant interest savings over the life of the loan.

3. Moratorium period

Education loans offer a moratorium period during which you don't have to make any repayments. For secured education loans, this period can extend to the study duration plus six months after graduation. Even for unsecured education loans, you may only need to pay simple interest during your study period. Personal loans, however, usually require immediate EMI payments, which can be financially burdensome for students and their families.

4. Loan tenure

Education loans typically provide more flexibility in terms of loan tenure. You can choose from loan tenures of 7, 10, 15, or 20 years, which can make the EMI more manageable. Personal loans, on the other hand, often have shorter tenures, typically around 5 years, which can result in higher EMIs.

Education loans offer several advantages over personal loans when it comes to financing your education. They provide higher loan amounts, lower interest rates, extended moratorium periods, and more flexible loan tenures. These features can ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education and allow you to focus on your studies without immediate repayment obligations.

If you are considering an education loan, it's essential to research and compare the loan options available, including interest rates, repayment terms, and eligibility criteria, to make an informed decision. Additionally, consulting with experts can help you navigate the loan application process and choose the right lender for your needs.

One such platform is GyanDhan, India’s first education financing marketplace on a mission to make higher education accessible to all. With partnerships with leading lenders such as State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and HDFC-Credila we aim to provide the best loan option to aspiring students.

With GyanDhan, you can access a wide range of loan options tailored to your needs and financial circumstances. Our dedicated team of experts can guide you through the loan application process, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience. So, take that crucial step toward your educational dreams, and explore the possibilities with GyanDhan by checking your education loan eligibility. Your brighter future awaits!

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