Higher education is the stepping stone to a brighter future, but the financial burden can be daunting. If you’re a student in Nepal aiming to pursue higher education, don’t let financial barriers hold you back. Education loans are here to help you overcome these hurdles and turn your dreams into reality.
What are Education Loans?
Education loans are a type of financial assistance that helps students pay for their tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs. Banks and financial institutions in Nepal typically offer these loans.
Loan approval and interest rates are subject to the individual bank’s policies. The Next Education Consultancy has no role in the approval or availability of the rates.
Who is Eligible for Education Loans?
To be eligible for an education loan in Nepal, you must be:
- A Nepali citizen
- At least 18 years old at the time of loan application
- Pursuing a recognized course at an educational institution, either in Nepal or abroad
Required Documents for Education Loan Application
The required documents for an education loan application in Nepal:
Collateral Documents
- Land Ownership Certificate (Lalpurja)
- Rajinama or Bakaspatra or Ansha-banda
- Malpot Receipt
- Tax clearance of the building
- Blue Print and trace map
- Char Killa Pramanit
- Approved house map
- Nirman Sampanna Patra / Abhilekhikaran
- Ghar Kayam in Lalpurja in case of the existence of a house
- Photographs of the property (usually 2 copies each)
Personal Identification Documents
- Citizenship certificate or Passport
- Relationship Certificate (if applicable)
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
Financial Statements and Records
- Bank (deposit & loan) account statement of at least the last 6 months
- For business owners: Firm/Company Registration Certificate, PAN/VAT Certificate, Article of Association (AOA) and Memorandum of Association (MOA), Partnership Deed
- PAN Certificate (especially for loans amounting to or exceeding NPR 5 million)
Education-Related Documents
- Offer Letter/I-20 from Education Institutions (Colleges/Universities)
- Course of Enrollment (CoE) Letter from Education Institutions (Colleges/Universities) (In case of Visa Extension)
- Immigration Letter from the relevant High Commission (In case of Visa Extension)
- No Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Education (MoE)
- Location Map of Residence & Office (if applicable)
Income Proof
- Salary certificate
- Rental agreement (If any) along with the tenant’s identification
- Audited financials of the last 2 fiscal years (For business income)
- Pension document
- Copy of renewed/valid blue book of the vehicle along with route permit (If income is from a commercial vehicle)
- Salary certificate, work permit, valid passport with visa, payslip, and bank account statement (If income is from foreign employment)
- Valid tax-paid receipts/tax clearance certificates for justifying income (wherever applicable)
Additional Notes
- The specific requirements may vary depending on the loan provider.
- It is important to gather all of the required documents as early as possible to expedite the loan application process.
- Missing or incomplete documents may delay the processing of your application.
A Class Banks in Nepal that offer student loans in Nepal
Name |
Website |
Agriculture Development Bank Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/agricultural.development.bank.limited |
Citizens Bank International Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/ctznbank |
Everest Bank Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/everestbankltd |
Global IME Bank Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/Globalime |
Himalayan Bank Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/himalayanbankltd |
Kumari Bank Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/kumaribankltd |
Laxmi Bank Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/laxmisunrisebank |
Machhapuchchhre Bank Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/machhapuchchhrebank |
Nabil Bank Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/nabilbanklimited |
Nepal Bank Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/nepalbankltd |
NIC Asia Bank Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/NicAsiaBank |
Nepal Investment Mega Bank Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/NepalInvestmentMegaBankLtd |
NMB Bank Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/nmbbank |
Prime Commercial Bank Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/PCBLNEPAL |
Prabhu Bank Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/prabhubanknp |
Rastriya Banijya Bank Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/rbbnepal |
Sanima Bank Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/sanimabank |
Nepal SBI Bank Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/NepalSBIBankOfficial |
Siddhartha Bank Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/SiddharthaBankLtd |
Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited |
https://www.facebook.com/StandardCharteredNP |
What is Covered by Education Loans?
Education loans in Nepal are designed to cover a range of expenses related to a student’s education. Here’s what they generally include:
- Tuition Fees: This is the main expense covered by education loans. It pays for the academic fees of the course you have chosen to pursue.
- Travel Expenses: If your education requires you to travel, especially for studying abroad, the loan can cover airfare and other travel-related costs.
- Living Expenses: This includes costs for basic necessities like food, accommodation, and daily living while you are studying, especially if you are away from home.
- Financial Services: These loans often cover the cost of financial services needed for education, such as creating demand drafts, telegraphic transfers, traveller’s cheques, and exchanging currency for international students.
- Laptop and Educational Materials: Education loans may also provide a certain amount for purchasing a laptop and other educational materials essential for your course.
It’s important to check with the specific loan provider for detailed coverage and any limits on these expenses. Different banks and financial institutions might have varying policies regarding what their education loans cover.
What is Not Covered by Education Loans?
Education loans are primarily focused on directly supporting a student’s academic journey, but there are several expenses that they typically do not cover:
- Personal and Lifestyle Expenses: Costs related to entertainment, luxury items, or any non-academic activities are not covered. This includes things like movie tickets, high-end gadgets not required for studies, or leisure travel.
- Family Travel Expenses: If your family members or dependents need to travel, their expenses won’t be covered by your education loan.
- Pre-Admission Costs: Expenses that you incur before officially getting admitted to a course, like fees for entrance exam preparation, are not included.
- Non-Educational Expenditures: This includes medical expenses, personal debts, or other loans. Education loans are strictly for academic-related costs.
- Excess Living Expenses: While basic living expenses might be covered, anything beyond a reasonable standard, such as renting expensive apartments or dining at high-end restaurants, is not included.
- Post-Completion Expenses: Costs associated with life after you finish your course, like expenses incurred during job searches, are not part of the education loan coverage.
- Course-Specific Limitations: Some education loans might have restrictions on funding certain types of courses, especially those that are not widely recognized or are highly specialized.
- Insurance Premiums: Insurance costs, whether related to the loan or your education (like health insurance during study abroad), are generally not covered.
- It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of an education loan to understand exactly what is and isn’t covered, as this can vary between different banks and financial institutions.
How to Apply for an Education Loan in Nepal?
The application process for an education loan in Nepal typically involves the following steps:
- Choose a Loan Provider: Research and compare different banks and financial institutions to find the best interest rates, terms, and conditions.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria set by the chosen loan provider.
- Gather Documents: Collect the required documents, including collateral documents (property documents), personal identification documents (citizenship or passport), financial statements (bank statements, salary slips, etc.), education-related documents (offer letter, immigration letter, etc.), and income proof (salary certificate, rental agreements, etc.).
- Submit Application Form: Fill out the application form accurately and submit it along with the required documents to the loan provider.
- Loan Processing: The loan provider will review your application and assess your financial situation.
- Loan Approval: If your application is approved, you will receive a loan agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the loan.
- Loan Disbursement: Once the loan agreement is signed, the loan amount will be disbursed to your account.
Interest Rates and Loan Repayment in Nepal for Students:
- Interest Rates: Expect to pay about 10% to 14% extra on the money you borrow for education.
- Repayment Period: You have 5 to 10 years to pay back the education loan.
- Repayment Options: Choose how to repay, like monthly equal payments (EMI) or flexible plans (flexi loans), based on your budget.
Tips for Obtaining an Education Loan
- Start Planning Early: Begin exploring education loan options well in advance of your admission process.
- Compare Options: Thoroughly research and compare different loan providers to find the most favorable terms and conditions.
- Maintain a Good Credit Score: A healthy credit history can influence your loan eligibility and interest rates.
- Provide Complete Documentation: Submit all required documents accurately and on time to expedite the loan process.
- Seek Guidance: Consult with financial advisors or education loan experts if you need assistance.
Education loans in Nepal offer a vital financial lifeline to students, enabling them to pursue their academic dreams without being weighed down by financial constraints. By understanding the nuances of education loans, from what they cover to the eligibility criteria and application process, students can make well-informed decisions. It’s essential to choose a loan that aligns with your educational needs and financial capabilities. With careful planning, comparison, and understanding, an education loan can be a stepping stone to academic success and a brighter future.
Common Terms Related to Bank Loans in Nepal
- Principal: The original sum of money borrowed as a loan. This does not include interest or other charges.
- Interest Rate: The percentage of the principal charged by the lender for the use of its money. The interest rate can be fixed (constant over the period) or variable (changes with market rates).
- Fixed Interest Rate: An interest rate that remains constant throughout the life of the loan.
- Variable Interest Rate: An interest rate that can change over time, usually about an underlying benchmark or index.
- EMI (Equal Monthly Installments): The fixed payment amount made by the borrower to the lender at a specified date each calendar month. EMIs include both principal and interest.
- Moratorium Period: A grace period during which the borrower is not required to make any repayment. It is usually offered until the completion of studies or a few months after securing employment.
- Tenure or Repayment Period: The duration over which the borrower is expected to repay the loan. It typically ranges from 5 to 15 years for education loans.
- Collateral: An asset (like property or gold) the borrower offers to secure the loan. If the borrower fails to repay, the lender can seize the collateral.
- Guarantor: A person who agrees to repay the borrower’s debt should the borrower default on loan obligations.
- Subsidized Loan: A loan for which the government pays the interest while the student is in school, during the grace period, and any deferment periods.
- Unsubsidized Loan: A loan for which the borrower is responsible for paying all the interest, from the time the loan is disbursed.
- Foreclosure: The action of taking possession of a mortgaged property when the mortgagor fails to keep up with their mortgage payments.
- Disbursement: The release of loan funds by the lender, typically sent directly to the institution or to the borrower.
- Credit Score: A numerical expression based on a level analysis of a person’s credit files, to represent the creditworthiness of an individual.
- Default: Failure to repay a loan according to the terms agreed upon in the promissory note.
- Processing Fee: A fee charged by the lender to process the new loan application. This is typically a small percentage of the total loan amount.
- Prepayment Penalty: A fee that may be charged if a loan is paid off before the end of its term.
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