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If you plan to study abroad or pursue higher education, securing an education loan is often crucial. However, one of the biggest concerns students and parents have is- how long does it take to get a student loan?
Understanding the student loan processing time can help you plan better and avoid last-minute stress. In this blog, we’ll break down the timeline and factors that affect how long student loans take to get approved.
This Blog Includes:
What is Student Loan Processing Time?
Student loan processing time refers to the total time it takes for your loan application to be reviewed, approved, and disbursed by the bank or NBFC. Thus, the education loan process includes the time taken for:
- Submitting documents
- Loan evaluation and approval
- Signing the loan agreement
- Disbursement of funds
How Long Does a Student Loan Approval Take?
The processing time for student (education) loans in Indian banks typically ranges from 1 to 3 weeks (7 days to 21 days) to process a student loan after the submission of a complete application with all required documents for an education loan.
The exact duration for education loan processing time varies depending on several factors, including the lender, your documents, and the loan type. On average, here’s what you can expect:
Application Submission (1-3 days)
- Filling out the loan application is the first step.
- Ensure all details are accurate to avoid delays.
Document Verification (3-7 days)
- Lenders check your academic records, admission letter, co-borrower’s financials (if any), and other required documents.
- Missing or incomplete documents can increase processing time.
Loan Approval (5-10 days)
- The lender evaluates your eligibility based on credit score, income proof (for co-borrowers), and university credibility.
- So, if you are wondering how long student loans take to get approved, it typically takes 1-2 weeks if all documents are in order.
Loan Disbursement (1-4 weeks after approval)
- Once approved, the loan amount is disbursed directly to your university or as per the agreed terms.
- Some lenders may take longer if additional checks are needed.
Total Estimated Time: 2-6 Weeks
| Type of Banks/ Lenders | Student Loan Processing Time |
| Public Banks | 7–15 working days (1–3 weeks), can extend up to 4 weeks if collateral is involved |
| Private Banks | 7–20 working days (1–3 weeks), often faster than public banks, especially for unsecured loans |
| NBFCs | 7–15 working days (about 1–2 weeks), generally quicker than banks, especially for unsecured loans |
| Fintech Platforms | 5–10 working days (about 1 week), fastest among all, especially for unsecured or smaller loans. |
Also Read: Study Abroad Education Loans with Lowest Processing Fees
How Long Do Student Loans Take to Get Approved?
Most banks take 5 to 15 working days to approve a student loan, provided all documents are submitted correctly. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Document verification: 2–3 days
- Loan evaluation: 3–5 days
- Loan sanction letter issuance: 1–2 days
- Loan disbursement: 2–3 days
So, in total, you’re looking at around 7–15 days, depending on the lender.
Student Loan Processing Time of Top Banks
The time it takes to process a student loan can vary significantly depending on the lender. Public banks usually take a bit longer due to stricter verification, while private banks and NBFCs tend to process loans faster.
Here’s a quick comparison of the education loan processing time across leading public banks, private banks, NBFCs, and fintech platforms in India:
| Type of Lender | Institution Name | Typical Education Loan Processing Time |
| Public Banks | State Bank of India (SBI) | Around 15 working days (2–3 weeks); faster in metro cities; may take longer if collateral is involved. |
| Bank of India | 15–20 days to up to 1 month, depending on documentation and collateral verification. | |
| Punjab National Bank (PNB) | Approximately 15–20 working days; varies by branch and documentation completeness. | |
| Canara Bank | Around 2–3 weeks for processing; may extend if collateral verification is needed. | |
| Union Bank of India | Typically, 2–3 weeks; collateral loans take longer. | |
| Private Banks | Axis Bank | 15 working days from submission of complete documents; offers instant approval for some cases. |
| ICICI Bank | Instant sanction possible for existing customers; generally 7–15 working days. | |
| HDFC Bank | Around 10–15 working days; known for quick processing. | |
| Kotak Mahindra Bank | 10–15 days; partnered with HDFC Credila for education loans. | |
| IndusInd Bank | Approximately 15 working days; varies by branch and loan type. | |
| NBFCs | HDFC Credila | 5–7 working days; specialised in education loans with quick processing. |
| Avanse Financial Services | 7–10 working days; focused on education loans with flexible terms. | |
| InCred Education Loans | Around 7–10 working days; digital-first processing. | |
| Fintech Platforms | Fly Finance | 5–10 working days; fast digital processing and loan facilitation. |
| GyanDhan | 5–7 days for unsecured loans, 10–15 days for secured loans; offers loan advisory and faster processing. | |
| Credenc | Around 7–10 days, a digital platform specialising in education loans. |
Factors That Affect Education Loan Processing Time
The student loan processing time depends on several key factors. From the type of loan you apply for to the kind of lender you choose, every step in the process can influence the time it takes for your loan to be sanctioned and disbursed.
Understanding these factors can help you plan better, avoid delays, and ensure that your loan is ready when you need it, especially if you’re working around university admission deadlines or visa interviews.
Let’s take a closer look at the main factors that determine how long a student loan approval takes:
- Type of Loan:
- Secured loan (with collateral) usually takes longer (10–15 days).
- An education loan without collateral (unsecured loan) is faster (5–7 days) due to less documentation.
- Lender Type:
- NBFCs and Fintech platforms usually have the quickest education loan processing time.
- Government banks take more time due to strict documentation and verification.
- Document Completeness:
- If your application is missing documents, it may delay approval.
- Always double-check the required documents before applying.
- Credit Score of Co-applicant:
- A strong credit score helps in faster approval.
- If the co-applicant has low creditworthiness, banks may take longer to assess.
Also Read: How to Reduce Education Loan Interest Rates? Tips to Lower EMIs
How to Speed Up the Student Loan Approval Process?
To reduce the student loan processing time, follow these steps:
- Keep all documents ready: Admission letter, academic records, co-applicant details, income proof, etc.
- Apply online: Many lenders offer faster approvals through online applications.
- Choose the right lender: NBFCs and private banks generally process faster.
- Maintain a good credit history: A strong financial background increases approval speed.
To sum up, understanding how long a student loan approval takes is important for proper planning. While the education loan processing time depends on many factors, being well-prepared can make a big difference.
Whether you are going for a secured or unsecured loan, knowing the timeline helps you stay stress-free and focus on your academic journey.
Need help choosing the right lender or want quick loan processing? Reach out to us for expert guidance at Fly Finance by Leverage Edu.
Check out the FAQs for more details.
FAQs
The approval time for an education loan varies depending on the lender and the completeness of your documentation. Generally, it can take anywhere from 7 to 15 working days. For instance, HDFC Bank processes and disburses loans within 15 days from the date of submission of all relevant documents.
Yes, it’s possible to get an education loan approved within 10 days, especially if you apply through private banks or NBFCs with complete documentation. For example, HDFC Credila processes loans in approximately 3 days, and Axis Bank offers instant education loan approvals with quick disbursal.
Once approved, the disbursement of an education loan typically takes between 2 to 7 working days. Axis Bank, for instance, transfers funds within two days post-approval. Similarly, other banks may disburse the loan amount within a few days of completing all necessary formalities.
The sanctioning of a student loan usually takes between 7 to 15 working days, depending on the lender and the completeness of your application. For example, HDFC Bank aims to process and disburse loans within 15 days from the date of submission of all relevant documents.
State Bank of India (SBI) typically processes education loan applications within 15 to 20 working days after receiving all required documents. The processing time may vary based on the complexity of the application and the need for collateral verification.
Canara Bank generally sanctions education loans within 1 to 2 weeks, provided all necessary documents are submitted and the application meets the bank’s criteria. The timeline may extend if additional verification is required.
HDFC Bank processes and disburses education loans within 15 days from the date of submission of all relevant documents, including for loan amounts below INR 2 lakhs.
Yes, some banks and financial institutions offer instant education loan approvals, especially for existing customers. For instance, ICICI Bank provides instant education loan sanctions for its existing customers without the hassle of paperwork. Similarly, Axis Bank offers instant education loan approvals with quick disbursal.
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