An education loan for studying abroad is one of the smartest ways to finance your degree. You might be surprised to know that Banks don’t just evaluate your financial background, but they carefully examine the course you intend to pursue. Yes, your course selection plays a decisive role in whether your loan gets approved or not.
If you are wondering, why does it matter so much? Well, to put it in simple words, financial lenders want assurance that your chosen field of study will set you up for a successful career. This ensures that you will be able to repay the loan comfortably after the completion of your course.
This article is your go-to resource for understanding the impact of course selection on education loans for abroad studies, how to select the right course, and the top courses eligible for loans offered by leading Indian Banks. So, without any further delay, let’s get started.
Banks view education loans as investments in a student’s future. They assess the repayment potential based on your ability to secure a well-paying job after completing your course. Keep reading to find out the impact of your course selection.
Employability Potential
In-demand courses with strong job prospects are more likely to receive favourable loan terms. Banks are reluctant to fund generic or low-employment-potential programs.
Degree Level
The level of study also determines the direction of the loan application. For undergraduate courses funding is possible but less favoured compared to postgraduate and professional courses. Likewise, degrees like MBA, MS and industry-specific certifications have higher loan approval rates.
Accreditation of the University or Institution
The credibility of the University matters. Loans for courses at globally recognized institutions like Ivy League schools, Russell Group Universities in the UK, or Group of Eight (Go8) in Australia are more easily approved.
Choosing the right course isn't just about getting a loan rather it also has an impact on the career. For example, graduates from courses in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence often land high-paying jobs in tech hubs like the USA and Canada, while Hospitality graduates shine in Switzerland and Dubai.
Considering that we now know how impactful course selection is, let’s help you get familiar with factors that should be looked at before making any final decision.
The key factors to evaluate when selecting a course for student loans for studying abroad include:
Return on Investment (ROI)
Will your expected salary post-graduation justify the expenses? High-ROI courses like tech programs and MBAs often make repayment easier.
Market Demand
Look for courses aligned with industries experiencing growth globally. Research job trends to identify sectors that will stay relevant in the long run.
Career Goals
Select a course that aligns with your long-term ambitions. Avoid trendy courses just for their loan eligibility if they don’t fit your interests.
Location of Study
Countries have varying demands for specific skills. For example, Healthcare courses are in high demand in Canada, while Fintech courses flourish in Singapore
University’s Placement Records
Choose a University or institution with strong placement statistics for your chosen course. Degrees from top-ranked Universities add weight to your loan application.
Bank Eligibility Criteria
Check the bank’s list of approved courses before finalising and submitting your application. This will reduce your chances of loan rejections.
Making the right and informed decision is important. So, listed below are some expert tips to help you decide.
Self-Assessment: Identify your strengths, skills, and interests. This will help you choose a course that you are genuinely passionate about.
Evaluate Course Curriculum: Look into the curriculum to ensure it covers emerging technologies and in-demand skills.
Consult with Experts: Speak with study abroad counsellors, alumni, or mentors for guidance.
Research the Job Market: Analyse job reports and employment trends in your chosen destination country.
Review Bank Policies: Check the eligibility list of courses for education loans from various banks and their highest loan offerings.
To select the right course, you will have to know the popular options. Going further, let’s take a look at the prevalent choices.
Among the sea of course options for master’s and bachelor’s degrees, we have a curated list of courses that usually qualify for education loan eligibility.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics): Computer Science, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology
Business & Management: Finance, International Business, MBA
Healthcare: Medicine, Nursing, Public Health
Creative Fields: Graphic Design, Animation, Film Studies
Hospitality & Tourism: Hotel Management, Culinary Arts
While this is just a common list, let’s get into the specifics and discuss their country-wise options.
Every study destination has its most sought-after courses, and this section is going to help you find out the top options. These are common for various levels of study like master’s, bachelor’s, and diploma courses.
Study
Destinations |
Top
Courses |
USA |
Computer
Science Data Science
& Artificial Intelligence Business
Analytics Engineering Business
Administration |
UK |
Business
& Management Finance Engineering Healthcare Law |
Australia |
Engineering Information
Technology Data Science Business
Analytics Finance |
Canada |
Management Engineering Information
Technology Supply Chain
Management Business |
New Zealand |
Engineering Biotechnology Logistics
& Supply Chain Management Tourism &
Hospitality Agriculture |
Ireland |
Engineering Data Science Information
Technology Pharmaceutical
Sciences Business
Management |
Germany |
Automotive
Engineering Mechanical
Engineering Artificial
Intelligence Finance International
Health Management |
Switzerland |
Hospitality
Management Luxury Brand
Management Culinary Arts Cybersecurity Healthcare |
Singapore |
Business
Analytics Financial
Technology Cybersecurity Artificial
Intelligence Logistics
& Supply Chain |
Dubai |
Business
Management Data Science
and Analytics Architecture Logistics
& Supply Chain Hospitality
and Tourism Management |
Building on the knowledge that you have gained in the section above, now is the time to check the list of some of the popular banks.
Banks usually conduct market research and have a specific list of courses as per their analysis. Keep reading to know if your preferred bank and course are listed below:
Popular
Indian Banks |
Eligible
Courses |
State Bank of
India (SBI) |
All Professional
Masters, Bachelors, Pathway, Foundation, Diploma and Integrated Courses |
Bank of
Baroda |
All
Professional Masters, Bachelors, Pathway, Foundation, PG Diploma Courses |
Punjab
National Bank (PNB) |
All
Professional Masters, Bachelors, Pathway, Foundation, Diploma and Integrated
Courses |
Axis Bank |
All
Professional Masters, Bachelors, Pathway, Foundation, Diploma and Integrated
Courses |
ICICI Bank |
Unsecured
loans only for STEM courses. |
IDFC First
Bank |
Unsecured
loans for Masters & PG Diploma for STEM and Management and other courses |
Yes Bank |
Unsecured
loans are provided for STEM and Management courses listed under the A, B
& C categories of the Bank. |
Now that you know how courses impact your loan eligibility, it's time to act. Start by shortlisting your courses and university and then approach the right bank to finance your dreams. A well-thought-out decision today will pave the way for a successful international career tomorrow.
Applying for an overseas education loan is a multiple-step process and completing all the paperwork, approvals, and lender formalities can be confusing. That’s where Élan Overseas Education Loans comes in to help you. Our Experts don’t just help you compare loan options between secured and unsecured education loans; they comprehensively assist you with the documentation and application process.
Reach out to our Experts today by visiting our head office or taking virtual counselling.