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INDIA OfficeAxis Bank vs ICICI Bank Study Abroad Loan: Comparison for Indian Students
Introduction
For Indian students eyeing global universities in 2025 and Spring 2026, the choice of loan provider can make or break the study abroad journey. Two of the biggest private sector players are Axis Bank (Horizon program) and ICICI Bank (Campus Power).
Both offer flexible study abroad loan options, but which one is right for you? In this blog, we compare Axis Bank vs ICICI Bank study abroad loans across eligibility, coverage, collateral, interest rates, and unique benefits. By the end, you’ll know which bank suits your profile and how Lorien Finance can ensure quick loan sanction and disbursal, provided with complete verified documentation.
Overview of Axis Bank and ICICI Bank Study Abroad Loans
Axis Bank Horizon
- Focuses on students going abroad for higher education.
- Offers funding for tuition, travel, living, and exam costs.
- Digital-first application process.
ICICI Bank Campus Power
- A comprehensive ecosystem for students and parents.
- Covers tuition, hostel, living, exam fees, travel, and insurance.
- Offers loans up to ₹3 crore.
Key difference: Axis focuses on streamlined study abroad lending, while ICICI builds an ecosystem with additional student services.
Eligibility Criteria
Axis Bank
- Indian nationality.
- Confirmed admission to recognized foreign institutions.
- Co-applicant (parent/guardian) with income proof required.
ICICI Bank
- Indian students pursuing UG/PG abroad.
- Recognized universities worldwide.
- Co-applicant mandatory; strong financial profile improves approval chances.
Loan Amount and Coverage
Axis Bank
- Loan amount based on course + profile.
- Covers tuition, living, exam fees, travel, and insurance.
ICICI Bank
- Loan up to ₹3 crore.
- Coverage includes tuition, hostel, living, travel, and exam fees.
Interest Rates and Repayment Terms
Axis Bank
- Competitive interest rates (around 11–13% depending on collateral).
- Moratorium during course + grace period.
- Flexible repayment up to 15 years.
ICICI Bank
- Similar range (~10–12.5%).
- Interest concessions possible for select institutions.
- Repayment tenure up to 15 years.
Collateral and Documentation Requirements
Axis Bank
- Both secured and unsecured loans available.
- Collateral paper required for larger amounts.
- Standard documentation: admission letter, KYC, academic transcripts, co-applicant financials.
ICICI Bank
- Higher unsecured loan limit compared to most private banks.
- Collateral preferred for loans above a threshold.
- Documentation: admission proof, fee structure, co-applicant KYC + income proof, collateral papers if pledged.
Processing Time and Ease of Application
Axis Bank Horizon
- What it is: Horizon is Axis Bank’s specialized product for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad.
- How it works: It offers a complete study abroad loan package covering tuition fees, travel, living expenses, insurance, and exam fees.
- Processing time: With a digital-first approach, loans are typically sanctioned within 7–10 working days once documents are complete.
- USP: The Horizon program is tailored for global education, ensuring students can get quick access to funds before admission and visa deadlines.
ICICI Bank Campus Power
- What it is: Campus Power is ICICI Bank’s student ecosystem platform, combining loans with extra services like admissions support, test prep, accommodation, and forex.
- How it works: Students can apply online for loans and also access value-added resources in one place.
- Processing time: Average sanction takes 10–12 working days depending on documentation.
- USP: It’s not just a loan, Campus Power provides a one-stop solution for students and parents planning overseas education.
Unique Benefits of Each Lender
Axis Bank Horizon
- Student-centric global program.
- Covers wide range of expenses including travel and insurance.
- Faster sanction suited for urgent intakes.
ICICI Bank Campus Power
- Highest loan cap in private banking (₹3 crore).
- Full ecosystem: admissions, test prep, accommodation, forex.
- 100% tax benefit on interest under Section 80E.
Axis Bank vs ICICI Bank: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Axis Bank Horizon | ICICI Bank Campus Power |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Amount | Based on profile/course | Up to ₹3 crore |
| Coverage | Tuition, living, travel, insurance, exam fees | Tuition, living, hostel, travel, exam, insurance |
| Interest Rate (2025) | ~11–13% | ~10–12.5% |
| Collateral Requirement | Required above certain limits | Higher unsecured limit, collateral for big loans |
| Processing Time | 7–10 days | 10–12 days |
| Repayment Tenure | Up to 15 years | Up to 15 years |
| Unique Benefits | Fast sanction, global focus | ₹3 crore cap, student ecosystem, tax benefit |
Student Scenarios
- No collateral, urgent Spring 2026 sanction: Axis Bank may be more flexible with Horizon’s faster processing.
- High-cost courses (MBA, Medicine, UG at Ivy League): ICICI can sanction up to ₹3 crore, ideal for very expensive programs.
- Looking for ecosystem support: ICICI’s Campus Power helps with not just loans but also admissions, accommodation, and forex.
Lorien Finance’s Role in Axis vs ICICI Loans
At Lorien Finance, we simplify this decision for you:
- Compare Axis vs ICICI based on your profile.
- Help prepare collateral papers and documentation.
- Ensure quick loan sanction and disbursal, provided with complete verified documentation.
- Support beyond loans: forex, insurance, accommodation.
To Sum it Up
Both Axis Bank Horizon and ICICI Bank Campus Power are excellent options for Indian students planning to study abroad in 2025 and Spring 2026.
- Choose Axis Bank if you want fast sanction and flexible processing.
- Choose ICICI Bank if you need a higher loan cap and additional student ecosystem services.
At Lorien Finance, we ensure you don’t waste time choosing blindly. With our expertise, you’ll get the best study abroad loan option with quick sanction and disbursal, provided with complete verified documentation. Apply with Lorien Finance today and make your study abroad dream stress-free.
FAQs
What is the difference between Axis Bank Horizon and ICICI Bank Campus Power?
Axis Bank Horizon is a dedicated study abroad loan product covering tuition, living, and travel expenses with fast sanction timelines. ICICI Bank Campus Power is a student ecosystem platform that not only provides loans but also adds services like admissions guidance, accommodation, forex, and scholarships.
Which bank offers higher study abroad loan amounts in 2025?
ICICI Bank offers loans up to ₹3 crore, making it suitable for high-cost programs like MBA or Medicine. Axis Bank also funds large amounts but typically on a case-by-case basis tied to your course and profile.
Who provides faster loan sanction: Axis or ICICI?
Axis Bank Horizon is known for quicker approvals, often within 7–10 working days with complete documents. ICICI Bank Campus Power usually takes 10–12 working days, depending on collateral and documentation.
Can I get an unsecured study abroad loan from Axis or ICICI?
Yes. Both Axis and ICICI provide unsecured loans for eligible universities and strong student profiles. However, ICICI generally has a higher unsecured loan limit compared to Axis.
Which has lower interest rates in 2025?
Both Axis and ICICI offer competitive rates (10–13% range). With collateral, ICICI may offer slightly lower rates. For unsecured loans, Axis may be quicker but with marginally higher rates.
How can Lorien Finance help me choose between Axis and ICICI?
Lorien Finance compares both banks based on your profile, helps prepare collateral papers, and ensures quick loan sanction and disbursal, provided with complete verified documentation. We also support with forex, insurance, and accommodation services both banks don’t directly provide.