Loan for Foreign Study (S.E.B.C.) helps students from the Socially and Educationally Backward Class (S.E.B.C.) in Gujarat pay for higher education abroad. Gujarat government offers a maximum loan of ₹15,00,000 at a simple annual interest rate of 4% to cover first year study costs like air tickets, tuition, hostel and books. Applications for the 2026-27 academic year are accepted online through the eSamajkalyan portal.
Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Government of Gujarat runs this scheme for S.E.B.C. students who want to study in a foreign university. The loan is given as cash support and covers many of the expenses that come with studying outside India.
Loan for Foreign Study (S.E.B.C.) - Key Details
This is a state level scheme for individual students of Gujarat. It is a cash loan, not a scholarship, so the amount has to be repaid after studies with simple interest. The whole loan is paid in one installment after the mortgage deed is registered.
Students can use the money for the first year of their course abroad. This includes air tickets, registration fees, tuition and education fees, hostel charges and books. Since the loan is given at only 4% interest, it stays easy on the pocket compared to most bank loans.
Repayment starts one year after the course ends. The principal amount has to be paid back within 10 years and the total interest within 2 years. Payments can be made monthly or quarterly as per convenience.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Loan for Foreign Study (S.E.B.C.) |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Gujarat |
| Benefit Type | Cash Loan |
| Nodal Department | Social Justice and Empowerment Department |
| Interest Rate | 4% per annum |
| Maximum Loan | ₹15,00,000 |
Benefits
This scheme provides a maximum loan of ₹15,00,000 at a simple annual interest rate of 4%. This funding covers the vital costs for the first year of study, including air tickets, registration fees, tuition and education fees, hostel charges and books.
The entire loan amount is paid as a single installment directly into the bank account once the original registered mortgage deed is submitted. Repayment starts one year after finishing the studies. The principal amount must be repaid within 10 years and the total interest within 2 years, using either monthly or quarterly payment schedules.
Eligibility
To benefit from this support, the student should meet the following criteria:
- Must belong to the Socially and Educationally Backward Class (S.E.B.C.), which includes Notified Tribes, De-notified Tribes, More Backward and Extremely Backward categories.
- Annual family income should be less than ₹10,00,000.
- Must have secured at least 60% marks in 12th standard, reduced to 50% for NT/DNT and other specified backward categories.
- Should be enrolled in a Diploma, Graduate, Post Graduate, Post Graduate Diploma or Ph.D. level course abroad with a minimum duration of one academic year or two semesters.
- Must submit one solvent guarantor and register a property as mortgage in favor of the government.
- Should apply before traveling abroad or within six months of arrival in the foreign country.
For example, if Rahul belongs to an S.E.B.C. category and plans to study in Canada, he must make sure his family annual income is below ₹10,00,000 and that he secures at least 60% in his 12th exams to be eligible.
Application Process
The application is completed online through the official eSamajkalyan portal. Follow the steps given below.
STEP 1 - Visit the official eSamajkalyan website and click on the 'New User? Please Register Here!' option in the right pane. Fill in all mandatory fields, enter the captcha and submit to complete registration. A User ID will be shown for login.
STEP 2 - Log in to the dashboard using the User ID and password in the 'Citizen Login' section. Click the 'Corporation' menu and select 'Gujarat State Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation'. A list of schemes will appear.
STEP 3 - Choose this specific loan scheme. Fill in all mandatory details and upload the required documents in the requested format and size. Review the information carefully and make corrections if needed.
STEP 4 - Submit the online application and note down the Application Number for future reference. A printout of the submitted form can also be taken.
STEP 5 - Take two printed copies of the submitted form along with all supporting documents and deposit them at the local District Social Welfare Office (Developing Castes) applicable to the student.
Documents
Required documents during application:
- Caste Certificate and Family Income Certificate.
- Mark Sheet and Degree Certificate.
- Offer letter or Letter of Acceptance from the foreign university.
- Copy of Passport, Visa and Air Ticket.
- Parents' or Guardian's property documents with valuation report.
- ITR and Form-16.
Required for disbursement:
- Original Registered Mortgage Deed.
References
E-Samajkalyan Portal | SJE Department Scheme Page | Mari Yojana Scheme Details
FAQ's
What is the minimum percentage required in 12th standard?
At least 60% marks are required, unless the student belongs to NT/DNT or other specific backward categories, where 50% is accepted.
When should I apply for the loan?
The application should be submitted either before leaving India or within six months of arriving at the foreign university.
What is the maximum loan amount available?
The scheme offers a maximum financial support of ₹15,00,000.
How does the loan disbursement work?
After the application is approved, the parent or guardian must register a property mortgage in favor of the government. Once the original deed is submitted, the amount is transferred to the bank account.
Are the courses covered limited?
The scheme supports courses like Diploma, Graduate, Post Graduate, Post Graduate Diploma and PhD, provided they last at least one academic year or two semesters.
Who can apply under this scheme?
This is for students from the Socially and Educationally Backward Class (S.E.B.C.) with an annual family income under ₹10,00,000.
What is the interest rate?
The loan is provided at a simple annual interest rate of 4%.
What expenses are covered?
It covers essential costs for the first year, including tuition fees, registration, books, airfare and hostel expenses.
How do I repay the loan?
Repayment starts one year after the course concludes. Payments can be made in monthly or quarterly installments over 10 years for the principal amount.
Is a guarantor required?
Yes, one solvent guarantor must be provided as part of the application process.
