Studying abroad opens wonderful career pathways for ambitious youth. However, international education demands high tuition fees and living expenses. To support talented students from economically modest backgrounds, the Government of Gujarat runs the Foreign Study Loan Scheme.
Under the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, this initiative provides subsidized educational loans at an affordable interest rate of just 4% simple interest. Through the Gujarat Unreserved Educational and Economical Development Corporation (GUEEDC) and the Directorate of Developing Castes Welfare (DDCW), the government helps eligible students pursue prestigious degrees abroad.
The state government has widened access by raising the annual family income eligibility limit to ₹10 Lakh, ensuring a larger pool of deserving students can fulfill their dream of studying overseas.
Key Highlights of Gujarat Study Abroad Loan Scheme 2027
Here is a quick summary of the scheme’s main features:
| Parameter | Scheme Details |
| Scheme Name | Gujarat Foreign Study Loan Scheme / Study Abroad Loan Scheme |
| Administering Department | Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Govt. of Gujarat |
| Implementing Agencies | GUEEDC / DDCW / e-Samaj Kalyan |
| Maximum Loan Amount | Up to ₹15.00 Lakh (Direct Loan) / ₹10.00 Lakh (Interest Subsidy) |
| Rate of Interest | 4% Simple Interest per annum |
| Income Ceiling | Up to ₹10,00,000 per year |
| Minimum Academic Criteria | 60% or above in Class 12 / Higher Secondary Exam |
| Target Audience | Unreserved (EWS) / SEBC / Developing Castes students of Gujarat |
| Eligible Courses | MBBS, Master’s Degree, Post-Graduate Diploma, Professional Degrees |
| Moratorium Period | Course duration + 1 year grace period |
| Repayment Tenure | 5 to 6 years (up to 10 years for specific categories) |
| Application Mode | 100% Online |
Core Benefits of the Scheme
The Gujarat Study Abroad Loan Scheme offers outstanding financial advantages over traditional commercial bank loans:
- High Financial Coverage: Students can receive up to ₹15,00,000 for international studies.
- Low Interest Rate: The government levies a flat 4% simple interest rate, which protects families from heavy compound interest burdens.
- Extended Moratorium: Students pay nothing during their course duration and receive an extra 1-year grace period after graduation to find employment before repayment starts.
- Comprehensive Expense Support: The loan covers university tuition fees, examination charges, study materials, hostel accommodation, and one-way airfare.
- Direct Bank Transfer: The department disburses approved loan funds directly to student accounts.
Revised Income Limit & Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all the following eligibility conditions to secure loan approval:
- Domicile Status: The candidate must hold Indian citizenship and permanent residency in Gujarat.
- Category Requirement: The applicant must belong to the Unreserved category, Economically Weaker Section (EWS), or Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC).
- Annual Family Income: The total annual income of the applicant’s parents or guardians must not exceed ₹10,00,000.
- Academic Track Record: The student must score at least 60% marks in their Class 12 (Higher Secondary Examination).
- Valid Foreign Admission: The student must hold a confirmed admission offer or I-20/CAS letter for an MBBS, Master’s Degree, or PG Diploma course from a recognized foreign university.
- No Duplicate Benefits: The candidate must not receive similar education loan subsidies from any other Central or State Government scheme.
Security and Collateral Norms
The government safeguards public funds through clear collateral guidelines:
- Loans Up to ₹7.50 Lakh: The applicant or guarantor must pledge immovable property valued at 1.5 times the sanctioned loan amount.
- Loans Above ₹7.50 Lakh (Up to ₹15 Lakh): The applicant must pledge immovable property equal to 100% (1:1) of the loan amount.
- Cheque Security: The applicant must submit 5 post-dated cheques drawn in favor of the respective state corporation.
Documents Required for Online Application
Applicants should scan and prepare the following documents before starting the online form:
- Class 10 and Class 12 Marksheets and Passing Certificates
- Bachelor’s Degree Marksheets and Degree Certificate (if applying for Master’s)
- Valid Caste / Category Certificate (Unreserved/EWS or SEBC)
- Family Income Certificate issued by an authorized Revenue Officer (Mamlatdar/TDO)
- Official Admission Letter / Offer Letter from the foreign university
- Valid Indian Passport copy and Visa Approval copy
- Proof of Identity and Address (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Ration Card, Electricity Bill)
- Bank Account Passbook copy / Cancelled Cheque
- Immovable Property Documents / Valuation Certificate for collateral mortgage
- Passport-size Photographs of the applicant and guarantor
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
Students can apply smoothly by following these instructions:
1.Register on the Official Portal:
Visit the official e-Samaj Kalyan or GUEEDC portal. Click on New User Registration, enter your Aadhaar details, full name, mobile number, and email address, and set your password.
2.Select the Foreign Study Loan Scheme:
Log in using your registered credentials. Navigate to the user dashboard, open the active scheme list, and choose Foreign Study Loan Scheme.
3.Fill in Personal and Academic Details:
Enter your personal profile, family income details, academic qualifications, and foreign university course information in the designated sections.
4.Upload Required Documents:
Upload clear, scanned copies of your marksheets, income certificate, caste certificate, admission letter, passport, and property valuation records in PDF/JPEG format.
5.Submit and Download Acknowledgment:
Review all entered data carefully. Click Final Submit, save your unique Application ID, and print out the completed application form for verification.
6.Complete Office Document Verification:
Submit the signed physical application form along with original documents and collateral mortgage paperwork to the designated district office for final sanction.
Important Dates Table
| Event | Tentative Schedule |
| Online Application Opening | Open throughout the academic year / Active on portal |
| Document Scrutiny Window | Within 15–30 days of submission |
| Sanction Letter Issuance | Prior to university fee payment deadlines |
| Loan Disbursement | After completion of property mortgage registration |
Official Government References
| Organization / Department | Official Website / Portal |
| Directorate of Developing Castes Welfare (DDCW) | sje.gujarat.gov.in/ddcw |
| e-Samaj Kalyan Portal (Govt. of Gujarat) | esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in |
| Gujarat Unreserved Development Corporation (GUEEDC) | gueedc.gujarat.gov.in |
| Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG) | kcg.gujarat.gov.in |
Official Helpline and Contact Details
| Authority / Office | Contact Information |
| e-Samaj Kalyan Technical Helpdesk | 079-23213017 / 079-23253724 |
| GUEEDC Support Helpline | +91 79 2325 8688 / 2325 8684 |
| KCG Study Abroad Subsidy Helpdesk | +91 99090 39380 |
| Official Email Support | support-esamajkalyan@gujarat.gov.in |