List of Best Education Loans to Study in France

Updated on 05 December, 2023

Pragya Sharma

Pragya Sharma

Sr. Content Editor

France is a highly popular destination for international students. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the 1998 Franco-Indian partnership, France declared its goal to strengthen bilateral ties by welcoming a substantial influx of Indian students. The new roadmap outlines hosting 20,000 Indian students by 2025 and increasing this number to 30,000 by 2030. To make this educational journey accessible, many students turn to education loans in France.

How to Finance Study in France

Financing your study in France involves careful planning and consideration of available options. The average cost of studying in France for an international student for one academic year ranges from €10,000 to €13,000. To fund your education, you can explore various avenues, such as:

  • Scholarships: Investigate scholarships from the French government, universities, and private organizations. These can significantly offset your expenses.
  • Part-time Work: Many students find part-time employment to support their studies. France allows international students to work up to 964 hours annually, providing a valuable income source.

Education Loans: You can get education loans to study in France from reputable banks offering financial assistance tailored to students. These loans typically cover tuition fees, accommodation, and other related costs.

Calculate Your Education Loan:

Education Loan Calculator

Banks Offering Loans to Study in France

Understanding the types of loans available is crucial for making informed decisions. Here are two primary categories:

Secured Loans

Secured loans require collateral, providing the lender security against default.

To be highlighted 

Collateral loans are specifically designed to help students fund their education expenses, such as tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other related costs when studying abroad. The collateral serves as a form of security for the lender, ensuring they have a means of recourse if the borrower fails to repay the loan.

Bank Name  Maximum Loan Amount Interest Rate  Margin Loan Tenure Moratorium Period
ICICI Bank Up to Rs 2 crore Starting from [REPO + 3.45%]

No margin for premier Institutes

 

15% margin for Other category Institutes

Up to 10/12 years for undergraduate 

Up to 12/14 years for postgraduate

Course period + Up to 12 months grace period
SBI Global Ed-Vantage Up to Rs. 1.50 Crores Simple Interest will be charged during the course period and moratorium period Scholarship/assistantship to be included in the margin - -
Axis Bank Up to Rs.75 lakh Repo Rate linked interest rates

No margin on loans up to Rs.4 lakh

15% margin on loans above Rs.4 lakh

Up to 10 yrs During course period

Unsecured Loans

Offered by Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and private banks, these loans are accessible without needing assets as a guarantee. 

To be highlighted 

These are granted based on the borrower's creditworthiness, financial history, and other factors demonstrating their repaying abilities. They often come with higher interest rates to compensate for the increased risk taken by the lender. 

  Maximum Loan amount Interest Rate  Margin Loan Tenure Moratorium Period
HDFC Credila No upper limit Floating (linked to HDFC Credila's Benchmark Lending Rate (CBLR)) - Up to12 years -
Avanse No upper limit Floating (Interest = Avanse Base Rate + Spread) No margin Up to15 years Available

Education Loan to Study in France: Eligibility Criteria

Aspiring students must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify for an education loan in France for Indian students. Here are the key eligibility requirements:

  • Indian Citizenship: Applicants must be Indian citizens to be eligible for an education loan in France.
  • Educational Background: Candidates should have completed their education at a recognized university or high school in India.
  • Acceptance at a Recognized Institution in France: Students must secure admission to a recognized educational institution in France.
  • Age Criteria: Applicants should be above 18 years of age. Some banks also have a maximum age limit. Candidates are advised to check the same thoroughly before applying.

Documents Required for Education Loan to Study in France

Prospective borrowers must typically furnish the following documents to facilitate the loan application process:

  • A formal acceptance letter from a recognized university in France 
  • Loan Application Form, providing accurate and detailed information.
  • Identification documents, such as PAN cards, Aadhar cards, or other government-issued IDs.
  • Proof of Residence 
  • Academic Records
  • Birth Certificate
  • Passport Size Photographs 
  • Standardized Test Scores
  • Proof of Finances
  • Income Proof of Guarantor
  • Collateral Documents

How to Apply for Education Loan to Study in France

Planning and applying for a study loan in France is crucial for international students. Exploring education loans for MS in France opens the door to a transformative academic journey and expands your horizons. Follow this step-by-step guide to navigate the application process effectively:

  • Obtain an Acceptance Letter: Start by securing an acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in France. 
  • Calculate Overall Cost: Determine the total cost of your education in France, including tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. 
  • Research Loan Options: Conduct thorough research on the various banks and financial institutions offering student loans in France for international students.
  • Fill out the Application Form: Obtain the student loan application form from the chosen bank or financial institution. Fill it out accurately. 
  • Document Submission: Compile all the necessary documents. 
  • Collateral Submission: If the loan is secured and requires collateral, submit all relevant documents.
  • Sign the Loan Document: After approval, sign the loan agreement document. 

Why pick France as your study abroad destination:

Reasons to study in France

Expenses Covered Under Education Loan for France

The following types of costs are typically eligible for coverage under study loans:

  • Tuition Fees: This includes charges associated with academic courses and any mandatory fees the educational institution imposes.
  • Laboratory and Library Fees: These fees are essential for practical and research-oriented aspects of the curriculum.
  • Accommodation Charges: This ensures that students can focus on their studies without undue financial stress related to lodging expenses.
  • Caution Deposit and Other Deposits: Study loans in France can cover these upfront payments, making it easier for students to secure their places at their chosen institutions.
  • Other Miscellaneous Expenses: Education loans in France for Indian students also cater to various miscellaneous expenses, including books and travel. 

Things to Remember When Applying for France Education Loans

Applying for education loans to study in France demands careful consideration. Keep the following key points in mind:

  • Strategic Planning- Initiate the loan application process well in advance to ensure a smooth and timely disbursement of funds. Simultaneously, conduct a meticulous assessment of the total cost of your education in France. This proactive approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of financial requirements. 
  • Loan Margin- Understand the loan margin, which refers to the percentage of the total cost of education that you may need to fund independently. 
  • Moratorium Period- Inquire about the moratorium period, a grace period provided by lenders before the commencement of loan repayment. It will allow you to plan your finances accordingly. 
  • Interest Rate-  Understand whether the rates are fixed or variable and assess how they may impact your overall repayment obligations throughout the loan tenure.
  • Repayment Period- Knowing the duration within which you are required to repay the loan helps create a realistic financial plan. 
  • Loan Processing Time- Understanding the timeline for loan approval and disbursement is crucial for ensuring that funds are available when needed. 
  • Consider Collateral Carefully- If opting for a secured loan requiring collateral, evaluate the implications and the risks involved. Seek professional advice if needed.

Securing an education loan for Indian students in France is a significant step toward achieving your academic goals. By planning, conducting thorough research, and understanding the terms of your loan agreement, you can make informed decisions that align with your financial needs. 

Read More About Study in France:

FAQs

Is there a cap on the loan amount students can avail of for education loans to study in France?

Loan amounts may vary, and specific caps might be in place. The loan amount is generally determined based on factors like the total cost of education, including tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.

Are study loans in France available to students from all academic disciplines?

Education loans for studying in France are generally available to students across various academic disciplines, but specific eligibility criteria may vary among lenders.

How can I ensure a smooth loan application process?

Ensure accurate documentation, understand the loan terms, and plan. Seek professional advice if needed to navigate the process smoothly.

Did you find this article helpful?

Pragya Sharma

Sr. Content Editor

Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and has now scaled up as a 360-degree content professional well-versed with the intricacies of digital marketing and different forms of content used to drive and hook the target audience. She is also a co-author of 2 stories in an anthology based on the theme- women empowerment.

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