• Home
  • Progress With Us Articles
personal-loan-vs-education-loan
clock3 min read
calenderMar 1, 2024

4 key differences between Personal Loan vs Education Loan

Personal Loan and Education Loan serve distinct purposes, they cater to different financial needs. Each option offers a different pathway for financing your education, with its own set of advantages and considerations. This critical decision significantly impacts your financial strategy for funding your academic pursuits.

Through understanding the key differences between a Personal Loan and an Education Loan, this guide aims to assist you in selecting the most appropriate financial solution, ensuring your educational journey is supported without causing unnecessary financial burden.

Difference between Student Loans and Personal Loans


Flexibility in fund usage

Education Loans are specifically meant to cover your education cost or study expenses, such as tuition fees, books, and related expenses.

Personal Loans, however, offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to allocate funds as you see fit for education or other personal needs. There are usually no restrictions on how you have to utilise the borrowed amount.

Faster application process

The process to secure a Personal Loan is notably swift and straightforward, offering a viable solution when you need funds quickly.

Unlike Education Loans, which may require extensive documentation and proof of admission, Personal Loans streamline the approval journey, ensuring you can access the financial support you need without unnecessary delays, making them ideal for urgent or unplanned expenses.

Benefits of Personal Loan

When comparing Student Loans vs Personal Loans, the flexibility of Personal Loans is a standout benefit. The reasons are listed below:

  • Flexible spending: Personal Loans can be used for anything, not just education expenses. This means you can cover any unexpected costs without hassle.
  • Quick access to funds: The process for Personal Loans is fast, often getting you the money within days.
  • No collateral required: You don't need to provide any security, like your house or car, to get a Personal Loan.
  • Flexible repayment options: You can choose a repayment plan that suits your financial situation, making it easier to manage your money.
  • Immediate eligibility: You can apply for a Personal Loan as soon as you need it, without waiting for admission confirmation.

Benefits of Education Loan

In the discussion on Personal Loans vs Education Loans, Education Loans shine with their student-friendly features, which are mentioned below:

  • Affordable interest rates: Education Loans usually have lower interest rates, making them a cost-effective option for you.
  • Extended repayment periods: These loans often come with longer repayment terms, reducing your monthly payment amount.
  • Moratorium period: Education Loans offer a grace period where no repayments are required, allowing you to focus on your studies.
  • Specifically designed for students: These loans cover all your educational expenses, ensuring you have what you need for your studies.
  • Tax benefits: If you've obtained an education loan and are in the process of repayment, the interest paid on it qualifies for deduction from the total income under Section 80E.

Drawbacks of Personal Loan

In the debate of Personal Loans vs Education Loans, it's clear that Personal Loans carry certain disadvantages.

  • Higher interest rates: Higher interest rates make Personal Loans more costly over the loan's life, impacting your financial flexibility.
  • Immediate repayment: The requirement for immediate repayment after disbursement adds pressure, potentially straining your budget, especially if your income is unstable or you're investing in long-term goals like education. These factors necessitate careful planning to manage the financial commitment effectively.

Drawbacks of Education Loan

When comparing a Personal Loan vs Education Loan, it's important to note that Education Loans have their limitations.

  • Limited use: The specificity of Education Loans limits their application strictly to educational expenditures, constraining flexibility in financial management.
  • Collateral: The collateral requirement for substantial loan amounts poses a significant barrier, particularly for students without access to assets. This can complicate the borrowing process, making it challenging for some to secure the necessary funding for their education. However, Axis Bank does provide collateral-free loans of up to Rs 75 lakhs, while there is no upper limit for a collateral-backed Education Loan.

Also Read: Instant Personal Loan without documents: Eligibility, benefits & steps to apply

Conclusion

Deciding between a Student Loan vs a Personal Loan carries long-term implications for your financial health and personal growth. It's about finding a balance between immediate needs and future payoffs, between flexibility and specificity.

Axis Bank's Personal Loan options emerge as a solution, offering a substantial amount of up to ₹40 lakhs with a tenure extending up to 84 months. The quick, paperless application process and rapid approvals could be the bridge between you and your aspirations.

To fund your educational endeavours, Axis Bank's Education Loan pivots on empowering your academic pursuits. The added benefit of tax deductions under Section 80E makes this option an immediate financial solution and savvy long-term investment in your professional future.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purpose only. The views expressed in this article are personal and do not necessarily constitute the views of Axis Bank Ltd. and its employees. Axis Bank Ltd. and/or the author shall not be responsible for any direct / indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.