What Students Read

Answers to your Any and Every Study Abroad Queries, All in One Space!

Read on to get your latest updates on Universities, Courses Offered, Student Visa Updates, and lots more!
Image
11 minutes reading time (2281 words)

Education Loan to Study in Canada for Nepali Students 2025

Education-loan-in-canada

Canada is home to a number of the top universities in the world. Students from across the globe are flocking to secure their spots at these universities and to get a chance to study in Canada. While the cost of studying abroad is a hurdle for many, however, Canada offers multiple scholarships for Nepali students allowing maximum students to be eligible to apply to universities in Canada without having to worry about the tuition fees.

While scholarships provide students relief from having to shoulder the entire financial responsibility of studying abroad, however, the truth is there is huge competition among students in securing these scholarships that are limited in number. Candidates who are not able to secure scholarships but are determined to study abroad can look at an education loan to finance their study abroad dreams. Understanding the process of securing an education loan to study in Canada can be a turning point in your academic journey.
Read this practical guide if you are wondering how to get an education loan for Canada from Nepal. From loan types to documents, approval tips, and repayment rules, everything is covered with clarity and precision.

Why Choose an Education Loan to Study in Canada?

Studying in Canada offers incredible opportunities, from world-class education to promising career prospects. While the investment is significant, an education loan is a strategic financial tool that can make this dream accessible and manageable. Here's why opting for an education loan is a smart choice for aspiring Nepali students:

  1. Bridge the Affordability Gap: Even with Canada being relatively affordable compared to some other countries, the overall cost (tuition, living, travel) can be substantial. An education loan directly addresses this by providing the necessary funds to cover these expenses, ensuring finances are not a barrier to accessing high-quality education.
  2. Preserve Family Savings: Instead of depleting your family's hard-earned savings or liquidating valuable assets, an education loan allows you to finance your studies while keeping existing financial security intact. This is crucial for managing unforeseen family needs or future investments.
  3. Invest in Your Future Earning Potential: Think of an education loan as an investment in yourself. A Canadian degree can significantly enhance your career prospects and earning potential globally. The loan enables you to access this future, and the increased income can make loan repayment manageable.
Manageable Repayment & Moratorium Period: Most education loans come with a moratorium period (course duration + grace period, often 6-12 months post-study). This means you typically don't have to start full EMI payments until you have completed your studies and have started earning, easing the immediate financial pressure.

Types of Education Loans Available for Nepali Students

Different loans suit different needs.

  • Loans from Nepali Banks - Offered by banks like Nabil, NIC Asia, Global IME, and Himalayan Bank for students going abroad.
  • International Student Loans – Specifically designed for foreign students in Canada without local co-signers (MPOWER Financing and Prodigy Finance among other lenders).

Eligibility Criteria for an Education Loan to Study in Canada

Before applying, check if you are eligible for an education loan to study in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be a Nepalese citizen
  • Minimum academic qualification: Intermediate/+2 (Higher Secondary Level)
  • Age:
    • 18 to 35 years for Diploma, Graduate, Professional, or Vocational courses
    • Up to 40 years for Master's level or higher degrees
  • Parents/guardians must have a steady income:
    • Uncommitted monthly income should be at least 1.25 times the interest payable
    • Gross monthly income should be at least 2 times the interest payable during the moratorium period.

Courses Eligible for Education Loan

Education loans usually cover a wide range of programmes:

  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Diploma and Postgraduate Diplomas
  • Technical/Vocational Courses
  • PhD or Doctoral Programs

Education Loan to Study in Canada: Application Process

In this section, we are going to talk about the steps involved in applying for an education loan to study in Canada from Nepal.

Step 1: Find a loan provider

The most important step to applying for an education loan to study in Canada is to find a bank that provides the best interest rate to students looking for an education loan to pursue higher education abroad. Most banks would have a loan calculator on their website for you to use to get a rough estimate of the interest rate you would be required to pay provided you get the education loan. Do a thorough research, speak to bank agents, shortlist a couple and visit them in person to understand the eligibility requirements, applicable interest rates and repayment methods before shortlisting your education loan financial institution (bank).

Step 2: Apply for an Education Loan

Once you have shortlisted your bank for your education loan, go ahead with the application process. A lot of the processes are currently handled electronically meaning you are not required to physically visit the bank. However it is important that all documents are uploaded as required on the system for the smooth processing of your education loan application.

Step 3: Submit Documents
Lenders usually ask for:

  • Valid ID proof
  • Address proof
  • Academic records
  • Passport and visa
  • University admission letter
  • Any relevant extra-curricular certificates

Step 4: Wait for Approval

Once conditionally approved, the lender will share the interest rate and repayment terms. If you accept the offer, the loan gets final approval, and funds are released. The education loan approval process in Nepal can take up to 4 weeks.

Step 5: Review Before You Sign

Go through the terms and repayment details carefully. If anything is unclear, get advice from someone you trust before signing.

Documents Required for an Education Loan Application

These are the documents needed when applying for an education loan in Nepal. Candidates should note that the below documents are provided for reference, banks would have their own set of requirements.

  • Completed loan application form
  • Mark sheet of the last qualifying examination
  • Scholarship letter (if applicable)
  • Admission/Offer letter from the college or university
  • Detailed course fee structure
  • Two recent passport-size photos of the student and their parents/guardian/guarantor
  • Foreign exchange permit (if applicable)
  • Citizenship or passport copies of the student and their parents/guardian/guarantor
  • Proof of regular income of parents/guardians (with supporting documents)
  • Tax clearance/paid/filed certificates (if applicable)
  • PAN card copies of the borrower/guarantor (if applicable)
  • Brief statement of assets and liabilities of parents/guardians
  • Ownership documents of property to be mortgaged or FDRs to be pledged

Applying for an education loan to study in Canada can be a daunting process. And a lot of first time students looking to study abroad are more vulnerable to make mistakes during the application process. Candidates are advised to get in touch with our AECC counsellors for assistance during the entire study abroad journey. From helping you identify the best banks for education loans to study in Canada, to supporting documentation and approval, AECC Nepal makes the process smooth and stress-free. 

How Education Loans Work for Studying in Canada

Understanding how study loans for Nepali students work can save you from confusion later. Please note these are general guidelines and are bound to differ from one bank to another.

  • Repayment usually begins 6–12 months after graduation
  • Fixed and floating interest rates are available
  • Grace periods may vary by lender

Repayment of Education Loan for Canada

Repayment terms vary depending on the lender. Most banks allow a moratorium period (study duration + 6 months). Repayment tenure typically ranges from 5-10 years, but can extend up to 15 years with some banks.. Early repayment is allowed by most banks without penalties.

Collateral Rules

Education loans in Nepal are typically collateral-based term loans, meaning you need to pledge property or assets that meet the bank's requirements. If you are using land as collateral, most banks expect it to meet these common criteria:

  • Must have motorable road access (minimum 8 feet wide)
  • Should not be listed under the Guthi or Mohi land categories
  • Must be located at a safe distance from high-tension electric lines
  • Should be in your name (or your parents'/guardian's) and not already pledged as third-party collateral
Meeting these conditions is necessary for the bank to consider your collateral acceptable. Some private lenders and international loan platforms offer education loans without collateral for Canada.

Tax Benefits

While Nepal does not currently offer tax benefits on education loan interest, students studying in Canada may be eligible for certain deductions once they start working and become taxpayers in Canada.

How Much Loan Can You Get for Education in Canada

Most banks in Nepal offer education loans of up to NPR 10 million, typically covering tuition, travel, and living expenses. Some banks, however, cap their education loans at NPR 5 million, which may fall short if you are enrolling in a more expensive course. It's important to check whether the bank's loan limit aligns with your total estimated costs before applying.

Expenses Covered Under the Student Loan

Nepali students can apply for an education loan to study in Canada that covers up to the total Cost of Attendance (COA), as defined by their college or university. This amount includes tuition fees, accommodation (room and board), meals, books and study materials, local transportation, health insurance, student activity fees, and other essential living expenses associated with studying abroad.

The loan amount is calculated as the total COA minus any scholarships, grants, or financial aid the student has already received. This ensures that students can bridge the financial gap and confidently pursue their international education without worrying about uncovered expenses.

Best Banks and Financial Institutions Offering Education Loans for Canada

Here are some top options with the interest rates for education loan to study in Canada:

Bank

Floating Interest Rate

Fixed Interest Rate

Tenure

Processing Fee

Rastriya Banijya Bank

6.14% to 7.14%

10%

Up to 5 Years

0.75%

Global IME

6.38% to 9.88%

11.99% to 12.99% (≤5 yrs)

Under 5 Years

0.75%

12.99% to 13.99% (>5 yrs)

Above 5 Years

Everest Bank

6.45% to 8.45%

11.99%

Up to 7 Years

0.75%

Siddhartha Bank

6.53% to 9.78%

10.25% (≤5 yrs)

Under 5 Years

0.75%

10.75% (>5 yrs)

Above 5 Years

Citizens Bank

6.76% to 9.76%

11% (6 to 10 yrs)

For 6 to 10 Years

0.75%

11.50% (11 to 15 yrs)

For 11 to 15 Years

 

Tips for Choosing an Education Loan to Study in Canada

Make informed choices through these recommendations:

  • Compare interest rates offered by banks
  • Understand Fixed vs Floating Interest
  • Consider moratorium and repayment periods
  • Verify whether the financing covers all costs
  • Enquire about early repayment or pre-closure fees/penalties

Important Tips for Getting Your Education Loan Approved

Enhance your chances of securing an education loan to study in Nepal with the tips listed below:

  • Sustain a good academic performance
  • Select a well-known Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada
  • Create a strong financial co-applicant profile
  • Supply all necessary documents properly
  • Keep good communication with the bank

Nepali students looking to apply for an education loan to study in Canada are advised to get in touch with their bank for the updated rate of interest and other important details. The article here provides a guide to students looking to apply for an education loan to study in Canada. More importantly interest rates are subject to change and candidates are advised to closely communicate with the bank for updated information.

Confused about top universities in Canada or courses that are eligible to be covered by the education loan being offered by your bank? AECC works closely with students from Nepal to help them secure the best possible education loan to study in Canada. Whether you are looking for loans with or without collateral, our expert counsellors provide end-to-end guidance. Talk to us today and start your study journey with confidence.

FAQs on Education Loan to Study in Canada

How much student loan can I receive to study in Canada?

You can avail an education loan for study in Canada between NPR 10 lakhs and 1 crore. The amount will be based on your profile, collateral and course. This is a common education loan for studying in Canada from banks in Nepal.

Can I immigrate to Canada if I have existing student loans?

Yes, studying on a student loan in Canada will not impact your application for permanent residence if you qualify for an education loan in Nepal, have good financial history, and satisfy all the conditions for immigration and the requirements of official documents.

Which expenses are covered under a Canadian education loan?

An education loan to study in Canada usually covers tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, travel, books, and visa charges. This coverage is common in the education loan process for Canada, helping Nepali students manage costs efficiently.

Is a guarantor needed for an education loan to study in Canada?

Yes, generally, when applying for an education loan from Nepali banks to study in Canada, a guarantor or co-applicant is almost always required. The co-applicant shares the responsibility of loan repayment with the student. The bank assesses the income stability, financial standing, and creditworthiness of the co-applicant(s) to ensure the loan can be repaid.

How long does it take to get an education loan approved for studying in Canada?

Nepal's approval of education loans usually takes 2–4 weeks upon examining all documents required for education loans in Canada, subject to the procedures of the bank and your education loan eligibility in the country.

Related Posts

Image
Copyright © 2025 aecc. Useful Links | Glossary | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy