For many international students, private loans can be a game-changer when it comes to financing a postgraduate education in the U.S. or Canada. However, most traditional lenders require borrowers to have a strong credit history or a steady income – two things students typically don’t have. On top of that, many private lenders ask for collateral, like a house or valuable asset, as a guarantee. But for international students, providing collateral isn’t always possible. That’s where study loans without collateral come in – they offer a way to fund your education without the usual financial barriers.
Why international students need no-collateral loans
Studying in the U.S. or Canada can be a life-changing opportunity for international postgraduate students, but it can come with a hefty price tag. Tuition fees for international students are often higher than for domestic students. On top of that, there are housing costs, textbooks, health insurance and everyday expenses to consider. Unlike domestic students, international students don’t qualify for federal financial aid, such as government-backed student loans, leaving fewer options to fund their education. Scholarships and grants can help, but they’re limited, highly competitive and rarely cover all expenses. This makes private student loans a valuable financial tool for many international students.
However, most private lenders require students to offer collateral – such as property, savings or other assets – as a safety net in case the borrower can’t repay the loan. But for international students, providing collateral isn’t always possible. Many don’t have valuable assets they can pledge, and even if their families do, differences in banking systems and regulations can make it difficult to use them. Some lenders offer loans with a cosigner instead of collateral, but this comes with its own challenges. A cosigner needs to be a permanent resident or citizen with strong credit who’s willing to repay the loan if the student can’t. Many international students simply don’t have friends or family in the U.S. or Canada they can ask to do this. That’s why no-collateral, no–cosigner student loans are such a valuable option, offering a way for students to fund their education.
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How study loans without collateral work
No-collateral student loans offer a way for international students to finance their education without putting up valuable assets like property or savings as security. Unlike traditional loans that require collateral, these loans focus on factors like your academic performance and potential for future success. To qualify for study loans without collateral, you typically need to be enrolled in an eligible institution, maintain a solid academic record and have a plan for employment after graduation.
Here’s why study loans without collateral make sense for many international students:
How to compare study loans without collateral
Choosing the right study loan without collateral requires a bit of research. Here’s what to look for when evaluating your options:
MPOWER Financing: No-cosigner study loans without collateral
MPOWER Financing is a leading education loan company founded to help international students achieve their dreams of studying in the U.S. and Canada. MPOWER offers no-cosigner, no-collateral loans for international postgraduate students studying at 500+ schools in the U.S. and Canada, as well as loans for DACA students and refugees and asylum seekers.
When choosing MPOWER, students can count on:
MPOWER Financing student loan
A loan based on your future earnings
FAQs
Yes, many lenders offer no-collateral student loans for postgraduate degrees, including Ph.D. and master’s program loans. Eligibility depends on factors like your chosen field of study, future earning potential and the institution you’re attending.
Some lenders allow students to take out additional loans even if they have existing student debt. However, they may assess your ability to manage multiple loans before approving your application.
The approval process varies by lender, but many offer prequalification within minutes and full approval within a few weeks. Digital application processes have made it faster to secure loan funding.
Yes, most no-collateral student loans can also be used for housing, books, health insurance and other essential living expenses while studying in the U.S. In Canada, loans typically cover tuition and other university-invoiced expenses.
Some lenders prioritize students in high-demand fields like STEM, business or health care, as these professions tend to have strong job placement rates and earning potential.
DISCLAIMER – Subject to credit approval, loans are made by Bank of Lake Mills or MPOWER Financing, PBC. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in MPOWER Financing. Neither MPOWER Financing nor Bank of Lake Mills is affiliated with the school you attended or are attending. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. None of the information contained in this website constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by MPOWER Financing or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments or other assets or provide any investment advice or service.
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