Studying in Singapore can be a life-changing experience, but it can also be costly.
International students often seek financial assistance to help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs.
Singapore offers various student loans to help ease the financial burden.
In this article, we will explore the 9 best student loans for international students in Singapore, detailing the loan amounts, interest rates, terms, and eligibility requirements for each loan provider.
Best Singapore Student Loan for International Students
Loan Provider | Loan Amount | Co-signer Requirement | Interest Rates | Loan Terms | Eligibility Requirements |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DBS Bank | Up to SGD 150,000 | Yes | 4.88% – 5.38% | 5 – 10 years | Full-time international students with a valid student pass |
OCBC Bank | Up to SGD 150,000 | Yes | 4.5% – 6.88% | 5 – 10 years | International students with an admission offer from local universities |
UOB Bank | Up to SGD 150,000 | Yes | 4.4% – 5.7% | 5 – 10 years | Full-time international students with a valid student pass |
Maybank Singapore | Up to SGD 150,000 | Yes | 4.25% – 6.88% | 5 – 10 years | Full-time international students with proof of income and a valid pass |
CIMB Bank | Up to SGD 150,000 | Yes | 4.98% – 6.38% | 5 – 10 years | International students enrolled in an accredited course in Singapore |
College Ave Student Loans | Up to $100,000 | No | 5.5% – 9% | 10 – 15 years | International students enrolled in eligible U.S.-based institutions |
Standard Chartered Bank | Up to SGD 200,000 | Yes | 4.48% – 5.98% | 5 – 10 years | Full-time students enrolled at local universities with a valid student pass |
Bank of China Singapore | Up to SGD 100,000 | Yes | 4.99% – 6.88% | 5 – 10 years | Full-time students enrolled in Singapore universities |
Citibank Singapore | Up to SGD 100,000 | Yes | 4.88% – 5.98% | 5 – 10 years | Full-time students with a valid student pass |
1. DBS Bank
- Loan Amount: Up to SGD 150,000
- Interest Rates: 4.88% – 5.38%
- Loan Terms: 5 – 10 years
DBS Bank offers education loans of up to SGD 150,000 with interest rates ranging from 4.88% to 5.38%. The loan term can extend up to 10 years.
A co-signer is required, and the student must have a valid student pass to be eligible for the loan. This loan can be used for tuition fees and living expenses.
2. OCBC Bank
- Loan Amount: Up to SGD 150,000
- Interest Rates: 4.5% – 6.88%
- Loan Terms: 5 – 10 years
OCBC offers education loans up to SGD 150,000 with interest rates ranging from 4.5% to 6.88%. The loan term can be as long as 10 years.
A co-signer is required for international students, who must be enrolled in a full-time course at a recognized university in Singapore.
3. UOB Bank
- Loan Amount: Up to SGD 150,000
- Interest Rates: 4.4% – 5.7%
- Loan Terms: 5 – 10 years
UOB offers education loans of up to SGD 150,000 with interest rates between 4.4% and 5.7%. Loan terms range from 5 to 10 years, and a co-signer is required.
The student must have a valid student pass and be enrolled full-time in a course at a recognized institution in Singapore.
4. Maybank Singapore
- Loan Amount: Up to SGD 150,000
- Interest Rates: 4.25% – 6.88%
- Loan Terms: 5 – 10 years
Maybank Singapore offers loans of up to SGD 150,000 with interest rates ranging from 4.25% to 6.88%. The loan term can be as long as 10 years.
A co-signer is required, and international students must provide proof of income and a valid student pass.
5. CIMB Bank
- Loan Amount: Up to SGD 150,000
- Interest Rates: 4.98% – 6.38%
- Loan Terms: 5 – 10 years
CIMB Bank offers education loans of up to SGD 150,000 with interest rates ranging from 4.98% to 6.38%.
The loan term can be as long as 10 years. A co-signer is required, and the loan is available to international students enrolled in accredited courses in Singapore.
6. College Ave Student Loans
- Loan Amount: Up to $100,000
- Interest Rates: 5.5% – 9%
- Loan Terms: 10 – 15 years
College Ave Student Loans offers a unique option for international students studying in the U.S. The loan provides up to $100,000 with interest rates ranging from 5.5% to 9%.
The loan term ranges from 10 to 15 years, and it does not require a co-signer, which is a significant advantage for international students.
However, this loan is only available for U.S.-based institutions.
7. Standard Chartered Bank
- Loan Amount: Up to SGD 200,000
- Interest Rates: 4.48% – 5.98%
- Loan Terms: 5 – 10 years
Standard Chartered offers education loans of up to SGD 200,000 with interest rates ranging from 4.48% to 5.98%.
The loan term is between 5 and 10 years, and a co-signer is required. International students must be enrolled full-time at a local university in Singapore with a valid student pass.
8. Bank of China Singapore
- Loan Amount: Up to SGD 100,000
- Interest Rates: 4.99% – 6.88%
- Loan Terms: 5 – 10 years
The Bank of China Singapore offers education loans of up to SGD 100,000, with interest rates ranging from 4.99% to 6.88%.
The loan term can range from 5 to 10 years. A co-signer is required, and international students must be enrolled in full-time education at a recognized institution in Singapore.
9. Citibank Singapore
- Loan Amount: Up to SGD 100,000
- Interest Rates: 4.88% – 5.98%
- Loan Terms: 5 – 10 years
Citibank offers student loans of up to SGD 100,000 with interest rates ranging from 4.88% to 5.98%.
The loan term can be up to 10 years, and a co-signer is required. Students must provide proof of enrollment at a recognized university and hold a valid student pass.
Quick One: We have other useful loan articles here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students in Singapore apply for student loans?
Yes, international students in Singapore can apply for student loans from various banks, provided they meet the eligibility criteria, which typically include having a valid student pass, enrollment in a full-time program, and a co-signer.
What is the interest rate range for student loans in Singapore?
Interest rates for student loans in Singapore typically range from 4.25% to 6.88%, depending on the bank and the loan terms. For example, UOB Bank offers loans with rates between 4.4% and 5.7%.
Is a co-signer necessary for international students applying for loans in Singapore?
In most cases, yes. International students are required to have a co-signer, usually a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident, when applying for a student loan in Singapore. However, College Ave Student Loans does not require a co-signer for U.S.-based institutions.
Conclusion
For international students planning to study in Singapore, education loans are a practical solution to manage tuition fees and living expenses.
With a variety of loan options, from banks like DBS, OCBC, and UOB, to specialized loans such as College Ave Student Loans for U.S.-based students, international students have a range of flexible financing options.
Be sure to compare loan amounts, interest rates, and terms to choose the best student loan that fits your financial needs and academic goals.