Features of Union Bank of India Unsecured Education Loan
- Collateral-Free Financing: Unsecured loans up to ₹40 lakh for Category A universities and ₹30 lakh for Category B universities abroad under the Special Union Education Loan Scheme. General schemes offer up to ₹7.5 lakh without collateral.
- Competitive Interest Rates: Starting at 9.25% p.a., with concessions (e.g., 0.5% for female students). Rates as low as 8.55% for premier institutes, linked to EBLR for transparency.
- Flexible Repayment Tenure: Up to 15 years post-moratorium (course duration + 1 year), with options to pay simple interest during moratorium to reduce burden.
- Comprehensive Expense Coverage: Covers tuition, hostel, books, equipment, laptops, travel (one-way for abroad studies), insurance, and other course-related costs.

- Comprehensive Expense Coverage: Unsecured loans cover tuition fees, hostel and mess expenses, living costs, exam/library/lab fees, books, equipment, computer/laptop (if required), travel (one-way for abroad), insurance, and course-related costs like study tours and projects. For abroad studies, private accommodation is considered based on country norms. All expenses must be supported with receipts or university documents.
- No Margin for Premier Institutes: For Category A premier institutes, loans up to ₹40 lakh require no margin if 100% collateral is provided (hybrid cases). Otherwise, a 15% margin is applicable for loans above ₹4 lakh. Scholarships can be used to cover the margin requirement.
- Eligibility and Course Coverage: Indian nationals aged 18+ with admission to recognized institutions through merit or approved processes are eligible. Abroad courses must be in UBI's approved list (e.g., top 150 universities). Covered programs include full-time UG, PG, PhD, and select professional courses like CIMA or CPA. Diploma programs abroad are excluded under the general scheme.
- Co-Applicant/Guarantor Requirement: A parent, guardian, spouse, or in-law must be a co-applicant with a CIBIL score of 650+. No income criteria are required for unsecured loans. This expands eligibility to students from low-income households, though CIBIL score compliance is critical.
- Minimal Processing Fees: No fees for general unsecured loans up to ₹4 lakh. For the Special Union Education Loan Scheme (abroad), ₹5,000 is charged but refundable if disbursed within 3 months. Unsecured loans up to ₹40 lakh have no legal/valuation charges. Abroad study loans may attract ₹10,000–₹20,000 non-refundable fees.
- Tax Benefits: Under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act, interest paid on the loan (not principal) is deductible for up to 8 years from the start of repayment. This substantially reduces borrowing costs for large loan amounts.
- Streamlined Application Process: Applications can be submitted online via UBI’s website or Vidya Lakshmi Portal, or offline at branches/ULPs. Sanctions are processed within 7–15 days post-document verification. Required documents include identity/address proof, admission letter, academic records, fee structure, and co-applicant KYC.
- Support for Pre-Visa Disbursement: Tuition and living expenses can be disbursed before visa issuance, helping meet visa funding requirements. This is especially helpful for international students facing pre-visa fund proof obligations.
- Reimbursement for Paid Fees: If tuition or other eligible fees are paid prior to loan sanction, UBI reimburses them within 6 months of admission upon receipt submission. This provides financial flexibility to students who initially paid from personal funds.
- Interest Subsidy: Students from families with annual income up to ₹4.5 lakh are eligible for moratorium-period interest subsidies under the Central Sector Interest Subsidy Scheme (for domestic loans up to ₹10 lakh), reducing repayment burden.
- Mandatory Insurance: A term life insurance policy covering the loan tenure is mandatory. Premiums are minimal and can be included in the loan amount, offering protection to the borrower’s family and reducing lender risk.

- Tax Benefits on Interest: Interest paid on the loan qualifies for deductions under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act, 1961, for up to 8 years from the start of repayment.
- No Margin for Lower Loan Amounts: For loans up to ₹4 lakh, UBI provides 100% financing. For higher amounts, a 15% margin applies, which can be met using scholarships.
- Simplified Eligibility and Co-Applicant Criteria: Eligibility is based on merit admission with no income criteria for co-applicants. Only a CIBIL score of 650+ is required.
- Minimal or No Processing Fees: No processing fee for general loans up to ₹4 lakh. For the Special Union Education Loan Scheme, a ₹5,000 fee is refundable if disbursed within 3 months.
- Support for Pre-Visa Disbursement: UBI allows disbursement of tuition and living expenses before visa issuance. This helps students meet visa financial requirements, a key need for international applicants.
- Reimbursement for Paid Fees: Tuition or other fees already paid by the student can be reimbursed within 6 months of admission on submission of original receipts. This provides financial relief and liquidity.
- Interest Subsidy for Economically Weaker Sections: Students with parental income up to ₹4.5 lakh per annum are eligible for interest subsidies during the moratorium under government schemes.
- Streamlined Application Process: Applications can be submitted online via UBI’s site or Vidya Lakshmi Portal, or offline at branches. Sanction is usually completed within 7–15 days.
- Mandatory Insurance for Borrower Protection: A term life insurance policy is required, covering the loan amount and tenure. Premiums are low and can be included in the loan. This ensures security for the co-applicant and the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an unsecured education loan from Union Bank of India?
An unsecured education loan from UBI is a loan for higher education in India or abroad without
collateral, up to ₹40 lakh for premier institutes abroad or ₹7.5 lakh for general schemes.
Who is eligible for a UBI unsecured education loan?
Indian nationals aged 18+ with merit-based admission to recognized institutions and a
co-applicant with a CIBIL score of 650+ are eligible.
What courses are covered under UBI unsecured education loans?
Full-time graduate, postgraduate, Ph.D., and specialized courses (e.g., CIMA, CPA) at recognized
institutions in India or UBI-approved universities abroad.
What is the maximum loan amount for a UBI unsecured education loan?
Up to ₹40 lakh for Category A universities, ₹30 lakh for Category B universities abroad, or ₹7.5
lakh for general schemes, extendable under CGFSEL.
What expenses are covered by the loan?
Tuition, hostel, books, equipment, laptops, travel (one-way for abroad studies), insurance, and
other course-related costs.
What is the interest rate for UBI unsecured education loans?
Rates start at 9.25% p.a., with concessions (e.g., 0.5% for female students) and lower rates
(8.55%–9.75%) for premier institutes.
Is there a processing fee for UBI unsecured education loans?
No fees for general loans up to ₹4 lakh; ₹5,000 (refundable) for premier institute schemes
abroad; ₹10,000–₹20,000 for abroad studies.
What is the repayment period for a UBI unsecured education loan?
Up to 15 years post-moratorium (course duration + 1 year), with no prepayment penalties.
Do I need a co-applicant for a UBI unsecured education loan?
Yes, a parent, guardian, or spouse with a CIBIL score of 650+ is mandatory.
What documents are required for a UBI unsecured education loan?
KYC, academic records, admission letter, fee structure, co-applicant KYC, passport/visa for
abroad studies, and income certificate for subsidies.
List of Union Bank of India Unsecured Education Loans Banks
- Union Education Loan Scheme (General – Unsecured)
- Special Union Education Loan Scheme for Premier Institutes Abroad
- Union Digital Education Loan for Premier Institutes (India)
- Career Growth Education Loans
- Union Education Loan with Central Government Subsidy (CGFSEL)
- Union Education Loan for Specific Courses
- Union Education - Inland Studies
- Special Union Education Loan Scheme for Premier Medical Institutes
- For Premier Management & Technical Institutes Inland Tier I
- For Premier Management & Technical Institutes (Tier-II)
- Union Kisan Shikshan Suvidha
- Undergraduate Education Loan
- Postgraduate Education Loan
- Parents Availing Education Loan
- Union Education Loan for NRI Students
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