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Pursuing higher studies abroad is an exciting proposition and has become a cherished dream for many students and their families. However, studying abroad can be very costly and it comes with financial responsibilities that require meticulous planning. In this article, we will understand the banking and financial aspects that will help you plan your overseas education.
Have you estimated the cost of living for your international studies?
The most important step for moving abroad to study is to research and estimate your overall expenses including the cost of living in your destination country. These include:
- Tuition and university-related fees, including textbooks and co-curricular activities.
- Visa and travel related expenditure including travel and health insurance.
- Accommodation expenses.
- Day-to-day living expenses including groceries, meals, and local transportation etc.
- An emergency fund for medical/travel/unplanned exigencies.
In addition to the above, you should keep a buffer to account for any currency fluctuations during the course of your study. Taking all the above factors into consideration, studying overseas can be an expensive proposition. Generally, as a student you will either self-finance the amount or consider a loan to cover the expenses.
Financing your overseas education
Basis your estimated cost of living, your next step should be to identify suitable financing options to fund your studies abroad. As a student, you have various financing options available at your disposal.
1. Education loans: Almost all leading banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) offer loans for overseas education. These loans come in two forms, secured loans, which necessitate collateral, and unsecured loans, which do not. The decision to provide secured or unsecured education loan is subject to the internal credit policies of the bank. You may be required to provide a collateral if the loan is above ₹7.5 lakh.
Education loans typically come with a moratorium period of six to 12 months, which varies from bank to bank. During this period, you can:
- Defer loan repayments altogether; or
- Repay only the interest that is accrued during the moratorium period; or
- Start making EMI payments on the loan.
ICICI Bank extends education loans to support your studies at leading foreign universities.
Before availing an education loan, it is essential to conduct a thorough review of the applicable interest rates offered by your chosen loan provider as this will determine your EMI. You can also avail tax benefits under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act, 1961, on the repayment of your education loan. Please note, that this benefit is available only under the existing tax regime and can only be claimed by the person who repays the loan (either the student, or the parent as per the case).
You can use ICICI Bank’s Expense & Tax Benefit calculator to ascertain the same.
To avail an education loan, you need to submit a set of documents. Click here to refer to the checklist.
2. University scholarships/grants: You should look out for scholarships or grants that may be provided by your university. You should submit your application for these scholarships keeping in mind the deadline set by the university.
3. Part-time jobs: Many countries permit international students to work part-time. Working part-time can help you cover some of your expenses, whether you are saving for tuition fees or paying for living costs. Additionally, it may also add to your work experience.
Opening a student account for your overseas education
Before leaving for studies abroad, international students should open a student account or obtain a forex card to manage their finances overseas. These options are also safer than carrying traveller's cheques or cash, reducing the risk of theft.
Banks like ICICI Bank, provide a variety of country-specific student accounts and card options. These include:
1. International bank accounts:
Certain banks provide migrating students the convenience of opening country-specific accounts digitally, while they are still in India.
For instance, ICICI Bank UK offers students the advantage of opening Home Vantage Current Account completely digitally and instantly using ICICI Bank UK iMobile. You can open this account while you are still in India or from the UK. You also get access to internet banking, debit card, and mobile banking.
Similarly, ICICI Bank Hello Canada offers Permanent Residents (PR) and work permit holders the convenience of opening a Canadian chequing account prior to moving to Canada. ICICI Bank India customers can also open a Canadian savings account in their home country before their move. ICICI Bank Canada has collaborated with Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) to make it easier for newcomers (PR, study and work permit holders) to help settle in Canada by giving them access to their products. This collaboration provides account holders, access to over 1,200 RBC branches and 4,200 RBC ATMs across Canada, an RBC credit card with a limit up to CAD 15,000 plus other exclusive offers.
Click here to know how to open an international bank account.
Mandatory requirements for student visa in Canada
Student GIC for Canada: If you want to study in Canada, you must open a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) account with any bank in Canada. This is a way to show that you have enough money to pay for your tuition and living expenses while you are there. The money from the account is released to you in instalments throughout your program. For instance, ICICI Bank Canada offers Student GIC account for students travelling to Canada.
Students applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa, must open a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) account with approved banks in Canada. A GIC is a fixed deposit that has a guaranteed rate of return over a fixed term and provides proof of funds required for the SDS student visa application. Funds can be transferred from the student or parent’s account. Once your account is funded, you shall receive an ‘Investment Balance Confirmation’ (IBC) certificate which is to be used as proof of funds while applying for your student visa.
The funds from the GIC account are released to the student in instalments over the course of 10-12 months. This helps cover a part of their educational and living expenses while studying in Canada. ICICI Bank Canada offers Student GIC account which gives students access to a dedicated digital platform, 24/7 contact center support and easy application process. Students can apply and open the account digitally and instantly, while they are still in India.
ICICI Bank Canada has collaborated with RBC which provides Student GIC account holders access to over 1,200 RBC branches and 4,200 RBC ATM’s across Canada, an RBC credit card with a limit up to CAD 2,000, automated monthly transfers from ICICI Bank Canada GIC to their RBC Student Account, plus other exclusive offers.
*Important Notice
On November 8, 2024, the Government of Canada announced the discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, which previously offered expedited study permit processing for applicants from certain countries. Although SDS is no longer available, students can still meet the proof of funds requirements for the existing study permit program through ICICI Bank Canada’s Student GIC program.
ICICI Bank Canada’s website is currently undergoing updates to reflect changes in the Student GIC Program and other relevant information for prospective students. Updates to the site will clarify the program’s details and application process in light of recent immigration policy changes. You may continue to apply with us, for a student account, to obtain valid proof of funding required under the existing study permit programs, which will continue. For the latest updates, keep an eye on the ICICI Bank Canada website.
2. NRI accounts: You have the option to open NRI accounts, such as Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) account, Non-Resident External (NRE) account, and Foreign Currency Non-Resident Bank (FCNR(B)) accounts in India. These accounts help you with seamless money transfers between your home country and the country you are studying in.
3. Student Travel Cards & Forex Cards: Travel cards are very helpful for students studying abroad because they allow you to pay for things in the local currency and avoid any conversion charges.
Conclusion
It is imperative to create a financial plan to estimate the cost of living while studying overseas. These expenses can either be self-financed or financed through scholarships/ a loan from a bank. You can also open an international bank account or get a forex card before you move so that you can transact in the local currency and save on the foreign exchange conversion fees.
Disclaimer:
The contents of this article/infographic are meant solely for informational purposes. The contents are generic in nature and are not intended to serve as a substitute for specific advice on any matter whatsoever. The information is subject to updation, completion and verification and the applicable norms may keep changing materially from time to time. This information is also not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to applicable laws or would subject ICICI Bank Limited/its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. ICICI Bank Limited/its affiliates and their representatives shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or liability incurred arising in connection with any decision taken by any person on the basis of this content. Please conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any decision. Terms and conditions of ICICI Bank and third parties apply. ICICI Bank is not responsible for third party services. Nothing contained herein shall constitute or be deemed to constitute an advice, invitation or solicitation to avail any products/ services of third parties.