How to Convert Grades for Study Abroad?
“My grades are great, but will they make sense abroad?” If you’ve ever wondered how you can convert grades for abroad studies into an international university’s grading system, you’re not alone! Imagine acing your exams, proudly flaunting a 9.2 CGPA or 85%, and you’re all set to apply to your dream university in the US, UK, Canada, or Europe. But hold on—when you check the university’s requirements, you see words like GPA, First-Class Honours, 4.0 Scale, Distinction, and Pass with Merit. Suddenly, your confidence wobbles. How do you know if your scores meet the cut-off? Welcome to the tricky world of international grading conversions! Unlike India, where percentages, CGPA, and divisions rule the game, universities abroad use entirely different grading systems, making it crucial to understand how your scores will be interpreted. If this sounds like a confusing maze, don’t worry! In this blog, we’ll break it all down for you—how Indian grades compare to global grading systems, how top universities assess your marks, and why accurate grade conversion is key to a successful study abroad application. So, let’s get started and make sure your grades shine just as brightly on the global stage as they do in India! How the Indian Grading System Works? In India, the grading system varies across educational boards and institutions. The two most common grading scales are: This system assigns marks out of 100 and classifies them into divisions: The Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is a scale from 0 to 10, where: Most universities abroad do not use CGPA or percentage systems, so conversion is essential when applying overseas! How to Convert Indian Grades to Global Systems? Indian Percentage to US GPA US universities use a 4.0 GPA scale, where: Note: Some top US universities, like Harvard, may have stricter GPA cut-offs and require a 3.5 GPA or above. Indian Percentage to UK Grading System UK universities use classifications for degrees: Fun Fact: In the UK, a First-Class Honours (1st) is considered elite—so if you have 70%+ in India, you’re in the top bracket! Indian Percentage to Canadian GPA Canada uses a 4.0 or 9.0 GPA scale, varying by province. Typical conversion: Tip: Some top Canadian universities, like the University of Toronto or UBC, may require a minimum of 75% (3.0 GPA) for admission. Understanding how to convert your grades for abroad studies into US GPA, UK Honours, or Canadian GPAs is crucial. While we’ve provided general conversion insights, every university may have its own criteria. Want an easy way to convert your grades for abroad studies? Try the Lorien Finance Grade Converter Tool—a quick and hassle-free way to see how your marks compare globally! QS World University Rankings 2025: Where Does Your Dream University Stand? If you’re wondering which universities rank the highest in 2025, here are the top 5: Want to explore more? Check the QS Rankings 2025 to see where your dream university stands! How Lorien Finance Helps You Achieve Your Study Abroad Dreams? Applying abroad is exciting but can also feel overwhelming—especially financially. That’s where Lorien Finance steps in! We ensure you focus on your studies, while we take care of your finances! Pro Tip: Applying early for education loans improves approval chances. Start now! FAQs How do I convert my Indian CGPA to US GPA? Use this formula: CGPA × 4 ÷ 10 = US GPA. Example: 8.5 CGPA × 4 ÷ 10 = 3.4 GPA. Do top universities accept percentage-based transcripts? Yes, but they convert your scores internally. Some universities may ask for WES or ECE evaluation. Should I manually convert my grades for my application? No. Use official grade conversion tools or ask the university for guidance. Can Lorien Finance help with education loans? Absolutely! We help students secure funding for tuition, living expenses, and visa applications.
Understanding the Vidya Lakshmi Portal
Are you dreaming of studying abroad but feeling overwhelmed by the financial maze? Trust us, you’re not alone! Education loans are increasingly becoming the most viable option for financing abroad education for Indian students. But, navigating the world of education loans can be as tricky as finding the perfect chai in a bustling market. Wait, what if there was a one-stop solution to simplify this journey? Enter the Vidya Lakshmi Portal—a game-changer for Indian students aspiring to study overseas. We know, you have a lot of questions: what is this portal, how can it help you, will it help you get free financing, or a free air ticket? Let’s dive straight into the topic! What is the Vidya Lakshmi Portal? Launched under the guidance of the Department of Financial Services (Ministry of Finance), Department of Higher Education (Ministry of Education), and the Indian Banks Association (IBA), the Vidya Lakshmi Portal stands as India’s first dedicated platform for students looking for education loans to fund their abroad education. Developed and maintained by Protean eGov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL eGovernance Infrastructure Limited), the Vidya Lakshmi Portal allows Indian students to view, apply, and track education loan applications to multiple banks anytime, anywhere. Key Features of the Vidya Lakshmi Portal Unified Access: Students can view information on various education loan schemes offered by different banks and compare them, all in one place. Common Application Form (CELAF): The portal also provides a standardised application form which is accepted by multiple banks, to simplify the application process. Real-Time Tracking: Applicants can monitor the status of their loan applications in real-time, ensuring transparency. Scholarship Information: The portal also helps aspiring students with various scholarship schemes, helping them explore all possible financial support avenues. How to Use the Vidya Lakshmi Portal Registration: Begin by registering on the portal with basic personal details. Profile Creation: Complete your profile by providing academic and financial information. Explore Loan Options: Browse through the list of available education loan schemes from various banks. Fill the CELAF: Complete the Common Education Loan Application Form, ensuring all required fields are accurately filled. Apply to Multiple Banks: Submit your application to multiple banks simultaneously, increasing your chances of approval. Track Application Status: Monitor the progress of your applications through the portal’s tracking feature. Top Global Universities for Indian Students Now that you’ve made up your mind of studying abroad, wondering what the next step is? To choose the right educational institution for your studies, the one that aligns with your interests and future prospects. Here are some of the top universities in the world widely chosen by Indian students, as suggested by the QS World University Rankings 2025: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Imperial College London University of Oxford. National University of Singapore (NUS) ETH Zurich These rankings reflect the institutions’ commitment to academic excellence, research output, and global reputation. Lorien Finance: Your Partner in Realising Study Abroad Dreams While the Vidya Lakshmi Portal offers a streamlined process for education loans, navigating the financial landscape can still be daunting. This is where Lorien Finance steps in. With ample experience in the study abroad domain, Lorien Finance has helped over 500 students fulfil their study abroad dream. At Lorien, we specialise in providing financial solutions to aspiring students as per their needs. Our services include: Personalised Guidance by Experts: Understanding your unique financial needs and guiding you to the best loan options. Competitive Interest Rates: Offering loan products with favourable terms to ease your financial burden. End-to-End Support: Assisting you throughout the loan application process, from documentation to disbursement. Financial Planning: Providing guidance on budgeting and managing expenses while studying abroad. At Lorien Finance, we believe that financial constraints should never hinder educational aspirations. Let us be your trusted partner in turning your study abroad dreams into reality. Embarking on an international education journey is a significant decision, and having the right financial support is crucial. The Vidya Lakshmi Portal, complemented by Lorien Finance’s expertise, ensures that your dreams are within reach. Ready to take the plunge? Let’s make it happen together! FAQs Is the Vidya Lakshmi Portal free to use? Yes, the portal is completely free for students to access and use. Can I apply for multiple loans through the portal? Yes, you can apply to multiple banks using the Common Education Loan Application Form (CELAF). Does Lorien Finance assist with scholarship applications? While our primary focus is on education loans, we can provide guidance on available scholarships and how to apply for them. What documents are required for an education loan application? Typically, you’ll need academic records, proof of admission, identification documents, and financial statements. Specific requirements may vary by bank.
Banks vs NBFCs: Choosing the Right Education Loan for Your Study Abroad Journey
So, you’ve done the hard part—aced your entrance exams, secured admission to your dream university, and even started planning your farewell party. But wait… there’s one last (and BIG) challenge—how to fund your education without selling a kidney? Education abroad comes with a hefty price tag, and unless you have a hidden stash of gold lying around, chances are you’ll need an education loan. Now, as you dive into the world of financing options, you’ll hear two words being thrown around a lot—Banks and NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies). But which one is better? Who can help me score lower interest rates? Who approves loans faster? And most importantly—who is less likely to drown you in paperwork? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This detailed breakdown will help you understand the key differences between Banks and NBFCs so that you can make the smartest financial decision for your study abroad journey. Let’s get started! Understanding Banks and NBFCs: Who’s Who? Before we compare them, let’s quickly break down what banks and NBFCs actually do. Banks are government-authorised financial institutions that provide loans, savings accounts, fixed deposits, credit cards, and more. They are strictly regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and follow the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. Examples of Banks Providing Education Loans: NBFCs also provide education loans, but they operate differently from banks. They do not have a banking license and cannot accept public deposits, but they can lend money with more flexibility than traditional banks. NBFCs are regulated by the RBI under the Companies Act, 1956. Examples of NBFCs Offering Education Loans: Key Differences Between Banks and NBFCs for Education Loans Features Banks NBFCs Regulations Regulated under Banking Regulation Act, 1949 Regulated under Companies Act, 1956 Interest Rates Lower interest rates, but stricter eligibility criteria Slightly higher interest rates, but more flexible approvals Loan Processing Time Longer processing time (2-3 weeks) Faster processing time (as quick as 3-5 days) Loan Amount Typically cover up to 100% of the cost of education (higher amounts require collateral) Can provide 100% cost of education without collateral Repayment Tenure Longer repayment tenure (up to 15 years) Flexible repayment with structured EMI plans Moratorium Period Usually course duration + 6 months to 1 year Can offer longer moratorium periods Processing Fees Flat fees (₹10,000 – ₹20,000) Percentage-based (1-2% of loan amount) Collateral Requirements Required for higher loan amounts More collateral-free loan options available Which One is Better for Your Study Abroad Loan? Choose a Bank If… Choose an NBFC If… The Hidden Costs: What Students Often Overlook! Before signing any loan agreement, make sure you check: Student Loan Pro Tips from Study Abroad Experts Final Verdict: Bank vs NBFC – Who Wins? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you want lower interest rates and are okay with waiting, go for a bank. But if you need quick approval, higher loan amounts, and flexibility, an NBFC might be a better option. At Lorien Finance, we help students find the best education loan options tailored to their needs. Whether you prefer a bank or an NBFC, we simplify the process so you can focus on your dreams! FAQs Can I apply for an education loan from both a bank and an NBFC at the same time? Yes, but you can only accept one loan. Applying to multiple lenders can increase your chances of approval, but once sanctioned, you’ll need to choose one lender and cancel the other applications. What if my visa gets rejected after taking an education loan? Most banks and NBFCs allow you to cancel the loan without heavy penalties if your visa is denied. However, some may deduct processing fees. Always check the refund policy before signing! Do NBFCs charge interest during the moratorium period? Yes, unlike banks (which sometimes offer a zero-interest moratorium), most NBFCs charge simple interest during your study period. This means your loan balance will grow even before you start repaying. If I take a loan from an Indian bank, can I repay it from abroad? Yes, but some banks may require you to open an NRE/NRO account to send EMI payments from abroad. Check forex conversion fees before deciding! Can I transfer my loan from an NBFC to a bank later? Yes! This is called loan refinancing. Many students start with NBFCs for quick approval and later transfer to a bank for lower interest rates after improving their credit score. Do NBFCs offer tax benefits like banks? No, only banks qualify for Section 80E tax benefits, which allow you to deduct interest paid on education loans from taxable income. NBFC loans do not offer this benefit.