International Student Loans in Singapore for 2026
Updated: 14 Jul 2026
International students pursuing education in Singapore often encounter fewer local student loan options compared to Singaporean citizens or Permanent Residents (PRs). Unless you are an eligible noncitizen who can qualify for government-backed education schemes, you will likely need to explore private education loans.
Below, you'll find a breakdown of study loan options from local financial institutions, along with guidance on eligibility for alternative financial aid programmes available to international students in Singapore.
Loan | SingSaver Reward | Monthly Repayment | Prevailing Interest Rate | EIR | Total Cost of Loan | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | HSBC Personal Loan | - | S$289 | From 1.30 % p.a. | From 2.50 % p.a. | S$390 | |
 | Standard Chartered CashOne Personal Loan | S$210 | S$285 | From 0.90 % p.a. | From 1.75 % p.a. | S$270 | |
 | POSB Further Study Assist | - | S$314 | 4.38 % | 0.00 % p.a. | S$1,314 | |
 | OCBC FRANK Education Loan | - | S$315 | 4.50 % | 6.19 % p.a. | S$1,350 | |
 | CIMB Monthly Rest Education Loan | - | S$323 | 5.39 % | 6.75 % p.a. | S$1,617 |
1. Go to HSBC's website and click “Apply Now” under Personal Loans
2. Fill out an application and submit the required documents
3. Wait for approval from HSBC
- One of the lowest interest rates from 1.30% p.a (EIR 2.50% p.a) for those earning min. S$30,000 annually.
- No processing fees
- Instant disbursement upon approval to an HSBC bank account
- Get a 1-minute in-principle approval on your HSBC Personal Loan
- Max. loan amount equal to 90/95% of approved credit limit at time of application
- Min. loan amount of S$1,000
- Option to borrow at a slightly longer loan tenure of 7 years
- Early repayment fee: 2.5% of the repayment amount
- Overdue interest: 2.5% + prevailing interest on overdue amount
- Late payment fee: S$75 for each monthly repayment that is not received in full by the monthly due date
- High base minimum annual income requirement of S$65,000 (w.e.f. 1 October 2025) Learn more.
1. NRIC (Front & Back)
2. For salaried employees: Last 3 months’ computerised payslip, or latest Income Tax Notice of Assessment with latest 1 month’s computerised payslip, or latest 6 months’ CPF statement (for Singaporeans or PRs)
3. For self-employed persons: Last 2 years’ Income Tax Notice of Assessment
The information displayed above is for reference only. The actual rates offered to you will be based on your credit score and is subject to the provider’s approval.
1. Go to Standard Chartered's website and click "Apply Now” button under Personal Loans
2. Fill out an application and submit all required documents
3. Wait for approval of personal loan from Standard Chartered
- Enjoy low interest rates from 0.90% p.a. (EIR ~1.75% p.a.) for longer tenures. Get instant loan approval and cash disbursement in as quick as 15 minutes to your designated bank account.
- Enjoy a 5-year annual fee waiver on your Standard Chartered Platinum Visa credit card
- Min. loan amount of S$1,000
- Max. loan amount of up to S$250,000
- Allow for change of loan tenure.
- Allow for flexible repayment without late fees.
- Waiver of S$50 annual fee (from 2nd year till expiry of loan) if all instalments for the year are paid on or before the due dateMax. loan amount of up to 4X monthly salary, capped at S$250,000
- Read our full review of the Standard Chartered CashOne Personal Loan
- EIR calculated is not yet inclusive of the first-year annual fee of S$199. Interest rate in your application will be based on your credit profile as determined by Standard Chartered.
- First year annual fee: S$199
- Early repayment fee: S$150 or 3% of the outstanding principal, whichever is higher
- Change of tenure: S$50 per change
- Late payment fee: S$100
- Copy of Passport (with at least 6 months' validity), including the page with address displayed (where applicable)
- Copy of your Employment Pass
- Any ONE of the following documents:
- Latest utility bill, rates or tax bill
- Latest bank / credit card statement (e-Statements are accepted)
- Rental agreement showing your address
- Latest mobile phone statement or pay-TV statement
- Letter from employer stating current address
- Government-issued document stating current address (e.g. IRAS, CPF, ICA)
No documents required for Singaporeans / PRs applying via SingPass.
For foreigners applying via SingPass, please prepare the following:
The information displayed above is for reference only. The actual rates offered to you will be based on your credit score and is subject to the provider’s approval.
POSB Further Study Assist
1. Download an application form on POSB's website
2. Fill it out and apply online or in-person at one of the bank's branches
3. Wait for an offer
4. Accept the offer from POSB
- Min. loan amount: S$2,000
- Borrow up to 6x your monthly salary (Up to S$80,000)
- Loan tenure up to 10 years
- No early redemption or cancellation penalty
- Late payment fee: S$30
1. Photocopy of NRIC (front & back) for Applicant & Guarantor (if applicable)
2. Copy of Letter of Acceptance stating course type and course duration
3. Invoice of payment for course fees
4. Applicant applying with guarantor must provide birth certificate or marriage certificate to prove relationship
5. Income Document(s)
The information displayed above is for reference only. The actual rates offered to you will be based on your credit score and is subject to the provider’s approval.
OCBC FRANK Education Loan
1. Download an application form on OCBC's website
2. Mail it to the bank with copies of your NRIC, income documents, and educational institution's offer letter
- Min. loan amount: S$1,000
- Borrow up to 10x your monthly salary (Up to S$150,000)
- Loan tenure of up to 8 years
- Flexible repayment options
- Late Payment Fee: S$50
- Partial Repayment Penalty: 1% of amount prepaid
- Full Repayment Penalty: 1% of amount prepaid
1. NRIC (front & back)
2. Recent original telephone bill or original bank statement (if mailing address differs from NRIC)
3. Certified true copy of acceptance letter from institution stating type and course duration
4. Certified true copy of schedule of payment for course if not stated in acceptance letter
5. Income Document(s)
The information displayed above is for reference only. The actual rates offered to you will be based on your credit score and is subject to the provider’s approval.
CIMB Monthly Rest Education Loan
1. Click 'Apply Now' on CIMB's website
2. Fill up the application form or request for a call from the bank
3. Mail the application form to CIMB after filling it up
- Min. loan amount: S$1,000
- Borrow up to 8x your monthly salary (Up to S$200,000)
- Loan tenure of up to 10 years
- Attractive interest rates starting from 4.78% p.a. (5.22% EIR)
- Late Payment Fee: S$80
- Partial Repayment Penalty: 1% of amount prepaid
- Full Repayment Penalty: 1% of amount prepaid
1. Photocopy of NRIC (front and back) of Principal Applicant and Guarantor (if applicable)
2. Completed application form duly signed by Principal Applicant and Guarantor (if applicable)
3. Letter of Acceptance from the educational institution stating the type of course, duration of course and total course fee (if applicable)
4. Proof of Relationship between Principal Applicant and Guarantor (marriage certificate OR birth certificates)
5. Income document(s)
The information displayed above is for reference only. The actual rates offered to you will be based on your credit score and is subject to the provider’s approval.
Our pick for best flexibility: DBS Study Loan
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Interest rate: 3M SORA + 1.5 percentage points (variable, updated half-yearly)
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Maximum loan amount: Up to 25% of subsidised tuition fees + annual living allowance (S$2,000 for Polytechnic, S$3,600 for University/NIE)
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Loan tenure: Up to 20 years (University), up to 5 years (Polytechnic)
Overview:
The DBS Study Loan provides financial assistance for students in MOE-recognised tertiary institutions in Singapore, with interest commencing post-graduation.
Pros:
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Zero interest during the course of study.
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Flexible repayment options, starting from S$100 per month.
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Covers a portion of tuition fees and provides an annual living allowance.
Cons:
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Interest rate is variable and subject to change.
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Loan quantum is limited to a percentage of subsidised tuition fees.
Qualifications:
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Student must be enrolled in an MOE-recognised tertiary institution.
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Guarantor required, between 21 and 60 years old, and not bankrupt.
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For Polytechnic students: Guarantor must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident (PR).
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For University students: Guarantor can be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident (PR), or a foreigner residing in Singapore.
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If the guarantor is a foreigner residing outside Singapore, digital application is not possible.
Available term lengths:
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Up to 20 years for University students.
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Up to 5 years for Polytechnic students.
Disclaimer:
Loan terms and conditions are subject to DBS Bank's approval. Interest rates are variable and updated half-yearly. Eligibility and loan amounts are determined based on the institution's guidelines and the applicant's financial situation. This loan is primarily designed for students with a Singaporean Citizen or PR guarantor. International students should verify eligibility and guarantor requirements with DBS directly.
Our pick for best tuition coverage: DBS Tuition Fee Loan
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Interest rate: 3M SORA + 1.5 percentage points (variable, updated half-yearly)
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Maximum loan amount: Up to 90% of subsidised tuition fees (University), Up to 75% of subsidised tuition fees (Polytechnic)
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Loan tenure: Up to 20 years (University), Up to 10 years (Polytechnic)
Overview:
The DBS Tuition Fee Loan helps students cover a significant portion of their tuition fees at MOE-recognised tertiary institutions in Singapore, with interest commencing after graduation.
Pros:
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Zero interest during the course of study.
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Covers a substantial portion of tuition fees.
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Flexible repayment options, starting from S$100 per month.
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Extended repayment periods available.
Cons:
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Interest rate is variable and subject to change.
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Loan quantum is limited to a percentage of subsidised tuition fees.
Qualifications:
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Student must be enrolled in a full-time subsidised course at an MOE-recognised tertiary institution.
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Guarantor required, between 21 and 60 years old, and not bankrupt.
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For Polytechnic students: Guarantor must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident (PR).
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For University students: Guarantor can be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident (PR), or a foreigner residing in Singapore.
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If the guarantor is a foreigner residing outside Singapore, digital application is not possible.
Available term lengths:
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Up to 20 years for University students.
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Up to 10 years for Polytechnic students.
Disclaimer:
Loan terms and conditions are subject to DBS Bank's approval. Interest rates are variable and updated half-yearly. Eligibility and loan amounts are determined based on the institution's guidelines and the applicant's financial situation. This loan is primarily designed for students with a Singaporean Citizen or PR guarantor. International students should verify eligibility and guarantor requirements with DBS directly.
Our pick for most accessible for international students: OCBC Tuition Fee Loan
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Interest rate: MOE interest rates (Variable, revised half-yearly)
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Maximum loan amount: Up to 90% of tuition fees
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Loan tenure: Repayment commences post-graduation
Overview:
The OCBC Tuition Fee Loan, administered by OCBC and provided by the MOE, funds up to 90% of tuition fees for eligible students, with interest accruing only after graduation.
Pros:
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Funds up to 90% of tuition fees.
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Interest charges commence only after graduation.
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Minimum monthly repayment of S$100.
Cons:
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Not available for international students paying full fees.
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Requires a Singaporean guarantor (for Singaporean students) or a guarantor of any nationality (for foreign students).
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Eligibility is restrictive.
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MOE Interest rates are variable.
Qualifications:
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Full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students at NUS/NTU/SMU (selected programmes).
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NIE students in specific full-time research or subsidised coursework programmes.
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Guarantor aged 21-60, not bankrupt.
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Specific nationality requirements for guarantors (depending on student's nationality).
Available term lengths:
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Repayment begins post-graduation, with monthly instalments.
Disclaimer:
Loan eligibility and interest rates are subject to OCBC's and the Ministry of Education's (MOE) discretion. The information provided is based on current guidelines and may be subject to change. International students should verify programme eligibility and guarantor requirements with OCBC directly.
Want to compare more options? Check out personal loans for foreigners and expats in Singapore.
Private education financing for international students in Singapore
For international students pursuing their studies in Singapore, private education loans are a common avenue to fund their academic journey.
These loans often come with specific requirements, including the need for a co-signer. We'll also examine alternative financing options.
Securing a co-signer for your Singapore education loan
To qualify for a private education loan, a co-signer, typically a Singaporean citizen or Permanent Resident (PR), is usually required. This co-signer must demonstrate a stable income and a strong credit history.
Potential co-signers can include family members residing in Singapore, university faculty members, or trusted mentors who meet the eligibility criteria.
It's crucial to understand that the co-signer is legally obligated to repay the loan if the primary borrower defaults.
Obtaining an education loan without a co-signer in Singapore
While co-signers are often necessary, some financial institutions in Singapore may consider alternative factors when evaluating loan applications. These factors could include:
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The applicant's academic achievements and chosen programme of study.
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The applicant's potential career prospects and projected earnings post-graduation.
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Availability of financial aid through government or university programmes.
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Exploring education loan options from banks in the student's home country.
Are international students eligible for government loans?
In Singapore, government-backed education financing schemes like the MOE Tuition Fee Loan and the CPF Education Scheme are exclusively available to Singaporean citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs). International students are not eligible for these schemes. However, they may explore the following options:
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Financial aid programmes offered directly by Singaporean universities.
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Private education loans provided by local banks.
Do international students need to apply for financial aid?
Many universities in Singapore offer institutional financial aid and merit-based scholarships to international students. It is highly recommended that students contact their respective universities to inquire about available financial assistance programmes.
Can international students get a student loan without a co-signer?
For most private education loans in Singapore, a co-signer who is a Singaporean citizen or PR is typically required. However, some lenders may consider alternative criteria in lieu of a co-signer, such as:
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The student's academic standing and chosen field of study.
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The student's potential future earnings and career prospects.
>> More: Best student loans in Singapore
Exploring financial aid for international students in Singapore
Beyond traditional loans, international students in Singapore should explore various financial aid options to minimise their borrowing needs.
Before considering a loan, research scholarships, grants, and support programmes available to international students in Singapore. Begin by investigating funding opportunities offered by your home country's embassy or educational offices in Singapore. These may provide scholarships or grants specific to your nationality.
Additionally, explore scholarship databases and websites that list financial aid opportunities for international students in Singapore. Directly contact the universities or educational institutions you plan to attend to inquire about internal scholarships, grants, or financial aid programmes specifically designed for international students.
Consider seeking guidance from student advisory centres or international student support offices in Singapore. These resources can provide valuable information on navigating the financial aid process, visa requirements, and other relevant matters.