Basically, if you are a student and you are thinking of studying abroad, but do not know how to get student loan as an international student. Or you do not have the funds to fend for your studies abroad. Here is an easy way to archive that.
Therefore, you should understand that finance is one major problem for international students hoping to chase their dreams out of their country. More so, if you are able to find a way around this issue, it will help you stay focus on study and research works.
Get Student Loan as an International Student
However, in some cases student do sort out for loans to get passed this issue. This brings us to the point of student loans for international studies. Therefore, we are going to be discussing about how you can get these loans and study abroad.
What is a Student Loan
Particularly, a student loan is a financial tools that aids students cover the cost of their studies locally or internationally. More so, this cost can cover your accommodation, books, feeding, traveling on research expenses.
However, if you get a student loan do bear in mind that you need to pay back this loan after graduating. Although, this payment do commence after you have started working. Basically, you have to understand that the purpose of the loan is to aid you scale through financial issues while schooling.
Types of Student Loans
Basically, there are two types of student loans, which are Federal and Private loans. Below is a review of both.
Federal Student Loans
Federal student loans are issued by the government as the name implies. Therefore, this is more good for international students. This is because this type of loan have a low interest rate and are flexible to repay as well. However, to quality for this type of loan you need to be a citizen of the said country. Also, you need to be a permanent resident or eligible non-citizen.
Private Student Loans
Private loan are however given by banks, credit and other financial institutions. Basically, this loans have high interest rates and less borrower protections than the federal loans. Also, to qualify for a private loan you will need a co-signer and collateral to proceed on having the loan.
How to Qualify for Student Loans
Finding a School is paramount first
Therefore, to be eligible for most student loans, you must enroll or have acceptance to study in an eligible school abroad.
You Have to Maintain a Good Academic Standing
Precisely, most lenders do requires you to maintain a satisfactory academic up scale to remain eligible to keep the loan in place. More so, make sure you have to keep having good grades to meet the requirements.
Get a co-signer (private loans only)
Precisely, if you are considering taking this type of loan, you will therefore need a co-signer with a good credit score. Therefore, this will increase your chances of getting the loan.
How to Get a Student Loan as an International Student
Basically, before you consider taking a student loan, make sure you already have your admission first. Because this is the primary requirement for you to get the loan. More after getting the admission you can then advance to search for student loans available for you.
Research Loan Programs
Note that not all the students loans are available to international student. Therefore, you will need to search for the specific loan that fits your needs and country. Also, you can find loan programs that the government is offering. Also, for private entities, banks and basically other financial firms.
Eligibility Check
Do you know that every loan you want to obtain have its own requirement? Yes it does and you need to review them before proceeding. Therefore, you will require document like a valid student visa, admission letter, co-signer and the accreditation institution.
Gather required documents
Basically, if you know you have all the document to secure a student loan application. Below are some documents you need to have.
- Gather your passport and visa copies
- Financial statements or sponsor details
- Bank statements or financial documents
- Admission letter
- Proof of enrollment
- Any other documents specified by the loan provider
Process to Apply for the Student Loan
Precisely, you need to apply for the loan complete application. Although, this depends on the loan provider you are applying to. Also, make sure to submit all the document you need to acquire the loan.
Attend an interview (If Necessary)
While applying for some student loans, they may need you to attend an interview. This will make you to clarify your financial status and mode of repayment too. Therefore, if you pass the interview, they will approve your loan and if you fail it will be rejected. This is if you do not meet the requirement.
More so, If they approve your loan, you’ll receive the funds. Either directly or through your educational institution, depending on the country’s procedures.
Repayment Planning
Basically, before you take up any loan, do make sure to understand the terms and condition of the loan. Therefore, you need to know the interest rates, repayment plan and period of pardon. More so, this will make you to arrange plans for repaying your loans once they approve it.
Furthermore, when you get a loan, do make sure to adhered to all the terms of the loan in the said country. This so to obtain your student status. More so, this can affect your eligibility. Therefore, make sure to repay your loan in due time to avoid any penalties.