20 Student Loan Platforms in Europe – Studying in Europe can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but the cost of education and living expenses can be overwhelming, especially for international students. While scholarships and grants exist, they are often limited and competitive. That’s where student loans come in: offering a lifeline to pursue your dream degree without financial setbacks.
Thankfully, Europe is home to various student loan platforms tailored to meet the diverse needs of European and non-European students alike. Whether you’re planning to study in Germany, France, the Netherlands, or the UK, this guide is for you. In this article, we have compiled the top 20 student loan platforms in Europe.
20 Student Loan Platforms in Europe
The following platform will help you fund tuition, accommodation, travel, and more. The best part is that most of these platforms do not require a co-signer or collateral.
1. Prodigy Finance
Prodigy Finance stands out as a leading option for international students seeking education funding. It provides borderless education loans for students pursuing master’s degrees in top universities in the UK, Germany, France, and more. No collateral or co-signer is needed, and you can get pre-approved even before university admission.
2. Future Finance (UK)
Based in the UK, Future Finance offers flexible loans to both UK and EU students. You can borrow up to £40,000, with repayment starting after graduation. It’s ideal for students who don’t want parental backing or immediate repayments.
3. Studielink (Netherlands)
Though not a direct lender, Studielink connects students with funding opportunities for studying in the Netherlands. Many Dutch institutions offer loans through this portal, including government-backed student loans and tuition fee loans.
4. BAföG (Germany)
BAföG is a well-known German government loan system that supports local and EU students with low-interest loans. It covers tuition and living expenses, and up to 50% may be converted into a grant if repaid on time.
5. Student Loans Company (UK)
This UK government agency provides loans for tuition and living costs to UK and EU students studying in the UK. Loans are repaid only after graduation and when you start earning above a certain income threshold.
6 Lendwise
Provides specialist postgraduate loans for UK and international students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in various fields across Europe.
7. CSN (Sweden)
CSN is Sweden’s central student aid authority. Swedish and EU/EEA students can apply for financial aid and low-interest loans for higher education. It covers both tuition and living expenses, especially for long-term programs.
8. Lånekassen (Norway)
Norway’s Lånekassen offers both grants and loans for students in Norwegian universities and abroad. EU/EEA students may qualify based on residency or work history. Their loans have flexible repayment and low interest.
9. StudentFinance
StudentFinance partners with bootcamps and universities across Europe to provide income share agreements (ISAs). Students repay only after securing a job and earning above a certain income level. This platform is perfect for tech and business learners.
10. Deutsche Bank Student Loan (Germany)
This German private bank offers student loans to both EU and non-EU students, especially those in postgraduate studies. It’s popular among international students applying for German study visas requiring proof of funds.
11. Auxmoney (Germany):
A peer-to-peer lending platform where individuals can invest in student loans, offering an alternative to traditional bank loans in Germany.
12. BPER Banca (Italy)
One of Italy’s largest banks, BPER Banca, offers student loans with low interest and deferred payment options. They work with several Italian universities and can fund both tuition and living costs.
13. Banco Santander (Spain and EU)
Santander offers education loans in several European countries and partners with top universities. Loans come with flexible interest rates and extended repayment periods, ideal for students in long programs.
14. Creditea
Creditea offers quick-access credit lines for students needing short-term educational funding. While not exclusively a student loan provider, many students use it to bridge gaps during their studies.
15. Ascent Europe
Inspired by its U.S. counterpart, Ascent is expanding into Europe with student-friendly lending options, including merit-based loans and ISAs. It’s suitable for students pursuing degrees in high-demand industries.
16. OppLoans Europe
Although still emerging in the EU market, OppLoans provides micro-loans to students and young professionals. These can be used for educational needs, particularly in short-term or technical programs.
17. Kiva Education Loans
Kiva partners with microfinance institutions and social lenders to provide education loans to low-income and marginalized students in Europe and beyond. It’s ideal for students who may not qualify for commercial loans.
18. Sofi Europe
SoFi is a major U.S. student loan provider expanding into Europe. It offers refinance options and loans to students in tech, business, and medical programs, especially those studying in the UK or Ireland.
19. UniCredit Bank Student Loans (Italy & Austria)
UniCredit offers education loans to students across Europe, particularly in Italy and Austria. They offer long grace periods and low rates, and some programs don’t require guarantors.
20. Erasmus+ Master Loan
Backed by the European Commission, this loan helps students pursue full master’s degrees in a different Erasmus+ program country. It’s offered through participating banks and provides favorable repayment terms and interest rates.
Final Thoughts
Europe offers a broad range of student loan platforms that suit both local and international students, regardless of your financial background. From income-share agreements to traditional loans and government-backed aid, you’re no longer limited by borders or bureaucracy. Always review interest rates, repayment terms, and eligibility criteria before applying.
