Union Bank Of India Vs SBI: What’s Better For Study Abroad Loans?

Are you planning to pursue higher education abroad but uncertain about which bank to choose for your education loan? Selecting the right lender can make a significant difference in your financial planning and overall educational experience. In this blog post, we’ll look into a comprehensive comparison between two of India’s leading banks – Union Bank of India Vs State Bank of India – to help you make an informed decision regarding your education loan for abroad studies. 

From interest rates and loan amount eligibility to repayment options and additional benefits, we’ll explore the unique features and offerings of both banks, enabling you to choose the loan that best aligns with your academic aspirations and financial considerations.

Key Comparison Of UBI Vs SBI Abroad Education Loans

UBI and SBI are popular choices for abroad education loans in India. Although they share many features, there are some key differences to consider. State Bank of India is known for its low interest rate education loans. Recently, the State Bank of India has introduced ‘Global Ed-Vantage’ Loans, especially for students preferring to study abroad.

On the other hand, Union Bank Of India offers ‘special education loans for abroad studies’. Let’s compare the key features of Union Bank of India and State Bank Of India Global Ed-Vantage education loans. Check out the table below for a comparative overview of these two banks. 

Key Parameters	Union Bank of India Abroad Education Loan	SBI Global Ed-Vantage Loan
Loan Limit	Rs. 1.5 CR	Rs. 1.5 Cr
Interest Rates	9.85-10.5%	11.15%
Moratorium Period	Course period + 1 year	Course duration + 6 months
Repayment Tenure	15 years	15 years
Margin	15%	20%
Processing Fees	No processing charges levied	Rs.10,000+GST
Co-applicant	Parent/spouse	Parent/guardian/spouse
Collateral	No collateral below Rs.40 Lakhs is required  Collateral required above Rs. 40 Lakhs as real estate, bonds, etc.	Tangible collateral security Collateral security offered by Third Party (other than parents) can also be accepted

Difference Between Union Bank of India And SBI Eligibility Criteria

When considering education loans from the Union Bank of India (UBI) and State Bank of India (SBI), understanding the eligibility criteria is important for prospective borrowers. Both banks have established specific requirements that applicants must meet to qualify for their education loan offerings. 

These criteria include various aspects, such as age, educational qualifications, course accreditation, etc. Here we will look at the different eligibility aspects of both banks separately:  

SBI Global Ed-Vantage Scheme Eligibility Criteria

SBI has a set of eligibility criteria for courses, countries, and expenses. Let’s go through them one by one: 

Eligible Courses and Countries

• Graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across diverse fields at internationally recognised universities and institutes.
• Available for study destinations, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and New Zealand.
• Covers a wide range of disciplines and academic pursuits offered by institutions abroad.
• Encompasses courses leading to undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various fields.
• Eligible study locations span across major global education hubs renowned for their quality education systems.

Eligible Countries

• Tuition fees for college, school, or hostel.
• Fees for examinations, library access, and laboratory usage.
• Travel expenses and passage money for studying abroad.
• Purchase of books, equipment, instruments, uniforms, or computers necessary for course completion, provided the cost is reasonable.
• Additional expenses such as study tours, project work, or thesis writing, capped at 20% of the total tuition fees for the course.
• Caution deposit, building fund, or refundable deposit supported by institution bills or receipts, limited to 10% of the tuition fees for the entire course.
• Premium for ‘RiNn Raksha’ insurance coverage, enhancing loan security with IRDA License No: UIN: 111N078V01.

Union Bank Special Education Loan Scheme Eligibility Criteria 

Just like SBI, the Union Bank has eligible expenses covered under its loan scheme. Let’s go through it: 

• Payment of tuition fees to educational institutions, including colleges, schools, or universities.
• Charges related to hostel accommodation or mess facilities.
• Fees for examinations, access to libraries, and utilisation of laboratory facilities.
• Premium payment for insurance coverage for the student borrower.
• Deposits such as caution deposits or building funds, are supported by official bills or receipts from the institution.
• Expenses for travel or passage required for studying abroad.
• Procurement of books, equipment, instruments, or uniforms necessary for the course.
• Acquisition of a computer or laptop at a reasonable price, if essential for completing the course. 
• Any additional expenses essential for course completion, such as study tours, project work, or thesis-related costs. 

Apart from the eligible expenses, the Union Bank of India approves loans for students studying in one of the top tier 160 premier institutions on its list.  

Education Loan Application Process

Struggling to choose between Union Bank of India and State Bank Of India for your education loan? UniCreds offers personalised guidance to help you find the best option for your needs:

• Step 1: Visit our website and complete the inquiry form.

• Step 2: Our experts will contact you to understand your requirements.

• Step 3: Submit the required documents for eligibility evaluation.

• Step 4: We’ll recommend the optimal loan scheme from UBI or SBI Bank.

• Step 5: Select your preferred loan and we’ll forward your application for processing.

• Step 6: Our counsellors will follow up with the bank for quicker approval and disbursal.

UniCreds provides free assistance with no hidden charges. Prepare collateral documentation and student loan margin money beforehand for a smoother application process. 

Documents Required For Union Bank Of India Vs State Bank Of India Education Loan

The process of applying for an education loan can be a bit jumbling, especially when faced with the myriad of documentation requirements from different lenders. To help streamline this process, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of documents typically requested by Union Bank of India (UBI) and State Bank of India (SBI) for their education loan applications. 

Whether you’re considering UBI or SBI for your financial needs, having a clear understanding of the documents required can greatly simplify your application journey. Below, we present a detailed breakdown of the essential documents: 

Documents Required	Description
Identity Proof	Valid identification documents such as Aadhar Card, Passport, PAN Card, etc.
Address Proof	Proof of current residence, including Aadhar Card, Passport, Utility Bills, etc.
Academic Records	Academic certificates such as 10th, 12th, and Graduation/Post-graduation certificates.
Admission Letter	Official letter of admission from the educational institution.
Fee Structure	A document outlining the fee structure provided by the educational institution.
Income Proof	Proof of income, which may include Income Certificate, Salary Slips, etc.
Collateral Documentation	Documents related to collateral, such as Property Papers and Valuation Reports.
Loan Application Form	Form provided by the bank to apply for the education loan.
Passport Size Photographs	Photographs meeting the specifications provided by the bank.

Union Bank Of India Vs State Bank Of India Education Loan For Studying In India 

As mentioned earlier, both the Union Bank Of India and State Bank of India (SBI) offer unique education loan products. Understanding the differences like moratorium period in student loan, interest rates, etc. is essential for prudent financial management. The following table presents a comparison of education loans provided by Union Bank of India and State Bank of India education loans for domestic studies. 

Key Parameters	Union Bank of India Education Loan	SBI Education Loan
Loan Limit	Need-based financing	Rs. 1.5 Cr
Interest Rates	10-11%	11.5%
Moratorium Period	Course period + 1 year	Course completion+1 year
Repayment Tenure	15 years	15 years
Margin	5%	5%
Processing Fees	NA	Loans up to Rs. 20 lacs : NILLoans above Rs. 20 lacs: Rs. 10,000 (plus taxes)
Co-applicant	Parent/spouse	Parent
Collateral	Tangible collateral security is valued at least equal to the loan amount, along with interest accumulation during the course and moratorium period, which must be acceptable to the bank.	Up to Rs. 7.5 Lacs: Only Parent/ Guardian as co-borrower. No Collateral Security or third-party guarantee is required.Above Rs. 7.5 Lacs: Parent/ Guardian as co-borrower and tangible collateral security.

SBI Or Union Bank Of India – Which Is Better?

Determining which bank, either State Bank of India (SBI) or Union Bank of India (UBI), is better for an education loan depends on various factors, including interest rates, repayment terms, customer service, and specific loan offerings. Both banks have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and requirements. 

It’s essential to compare the loan products, features, and terms offered by both banks carefully, considering factors such as interest rates, processing fees, loan tenure, and flexibility in repayment options. 

Additionally, assessing the level of customer service and support provided by each bank can also influence the decision-making process. Therefore, it’s advisable to thoroughly research and evaluate the offerings of both SBI and UBI to determine which aligns best with your needs and financial goals. 

FAQs 

Q1. Which bank is better: Union Bank of India or SBI? 

The choice between Union Bank of India and SBI depends on individual preferences and requirements. While Union Bank offers lower interest rates and no processing fees, SBI provides a higher margin and accepts a wider range of collateral, catering to different borrowers needs. 

Q2. Which bank offers better interest rates for education loans, Union Bank of India or SBI?

Union Bank of India generally offers better interest rates for education loans compared to SBI, with rates ranging from 9.85% to 10.5%, whereas SBI’s interest rate for the Global Ed-Vantage Loan is 11.15%.

Q3. Can you compare the processing fees for education loans at Union Bank of India and SBI?

Union Bank of India does not charge processing fees for education loans, whereas SBI imposes a fee of Rs. 10,000 plus GST for the Global Ed-Vantage Loan.

Q4. What is the maximum loan amount offered by Union Bank of India and SBI for education purposes?

Both Union Bank of India and SBI offer a maximum education loan amount of Rs. 1.5 crore.

Q5. Are there any specific eligibility criteria that differ between Union Bank of India and SBI education loans?

Yes, the margin requirement varies between Union Bank of India and SBI, with UBI requiring a 15% margin and SBI requiring a higher margin of 20%. Additionally, collateral requirements differ, with Union Bank offering no collateral below Rs. 40 lakhs, while SBI mandates collateral for amounts exceeding Rs. 40 lakhs.

Q6. How do the repayment terms vary between the Union Bank of India and SBI education loans?

The repayment terms for Union Bank of India education loans typically include a moratorium period of the course duration plus 1 year, with a repayment tenure of 15 years. On the other hand, SBI offers a moratorium period of course duration plus 6 months, with a similar repayment tenure of 15 years.