In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noteworthy surge in Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) contribution to the education loans segment. This surge underlines the evolving landscape of educational financing, with NBFCs poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the accessibility and availability of funding for aspiring learners.

The assets under management (AUM) for educational loans disbursed by NBFCs are expected to grow at 40% Y-o-Y from INR 25,000Cr in FY23 to INR 35,000Cr in FY24. This growth can be primarily attributed to the distinctive and specialized business models of NBFCs which tend to give them an edge over banks. These models are characterized by several key elements that contribute to their success which are as follows:

• ·       Allowing the applicant’s distant relatives to be co-borrowers unlike banks which permit only parents to become co-applicants
• ·       Speedy disbursal of loans due to comparatively simplified processes as compared to banks
• ·       Even though there is a strategic focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses, renowned for their high employability rates, NBFCs also sanction loans for vocational and art courses
• ·       Flexible repayment terms like longer moratorium period, increase in no. of EMIs, etc.

NBFCs present distinct advantages, such as impressive conversion rates due to focused strategies, and the willingness to fund non-STEM courses among others. However, challenges like higher costs and the absence of interest subsidy schemes like Central Scheme of Interest Subsidy (CSIS), Padho Pardesh Scheme of Interest Subsidy (PPS), Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy (ACSSIS) that are typically available through traditional bank loans act as headwinds.

The government has introduced certain schemes to make education financing simpler and easier for both borrowers and lenders. By giving these instructions, the government wants to motivate lenders to offer education loans without making things too hard and to make sure more deserving students can avail of them.

 As more and more students are expected to go abroad for higher studies, the demand for education loans is expected to grow further. Data reveals that the numbers have been increasing from 2.6 lakh students in FY21 to 4.5 lakh in FY22, and latest to 7.5 lakh in FY23. In addition to the USA and Canada, students are now considering countries like Australia, UK, and Germany for their higher education.

This shift presents advantageous opportunities for NBFCs such as HDFC Credila, Avanse, Auxilo, InCred, and others that are already active in the education loan sector. It also opens up new chances for NBFCs that specialize in education loans. These NBFCs can capitalize on the changing preferences of students and expand their services to cater to the increasing demand for education loans in these new study destinations.