Budgeting for your international masters degree is only the beginning of your post-grad study financing journey. You’ll also need to budget for your student loan repayments after graduation.
And, preparing for the eventuality of student loan repayments while applying for financing will make it easier for your budget in the long run.
With a Prodigy Finance loan, repayment begins after a grace period which typically includes the period of your study as well as a few additional months (so you can focus on getting a new job and relocation).**
Prodigy Finance works with 1128 schools, 356 universities in 20 countries.
- Clark University: School of Professional Studies
- Saint Louis University: School of Medicine
- University Of Bridgeport: School of Engineering
- University Of Cincinnati: College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services and IT
- University Of Rochester: Simon Business School
- University Of South Florida: College of Engineering
Prodigy Finance grace periods:
- Full-time students: 6 months from the class end date.
- Part-time students: 3 months from the final disbursement date.
How to budget student loan repayments
The student financing you accept (family loans, a Prodigy Finance loan, etc) will, in large part, steer the budget for your student loan repayments as each provider will set aside different terms, amounts, and timings based on their specific offering.
Whether you’re accepting a personal loan or one from a private international lender, it’s critical to set out and understand the loan repayment terms before finalising the transaction so you can accurately consider your student loan repayment options.
Setting up your student loan repayment budget
A rule of thumb to gauge the number of repayments your future budget can handle is the 8% rule (as used by institutions like Penn State to guide their students). The idea is that your loan repayments shouldn’t exceed 8% of your post-grad salary.
But, unless you’re returning to a position or have one lined up before your studies even begin, it can be difficult to determine your future salary - and, subsequently, your student loan repayment budget. It’s necessary to do your research on potential earnings.
If your post grad salary allows for greater loan repayments than the minimum amounts provided by your loan provider, it’s beneficial to work your budget on this figure.
But, unless you’re returning to a position or have one lined up before your studies even begin, it can be difficult to determine your future salary - and, subsequently, your student loan repayment budget. It’s necessary to do your research on potential earnings.
Dealing with variable interest loan repayment amounts
International student loans are typically offered with variable interest rates (rather than fixed interest rates) which means that monthly repayment amounts will vary - and means that adding a little padding in your repayment budget is advisable. (This is where the 8% rule can become useful - as long as your average repayment doesn’t exceed 6% of your annual salary.)
However, reputable post-grad loan providers will provide you with all the details you need to work out your student loan repayment amount; you’ll simply need to understand what goes into your variable interest rate.
Prodigy Finance provides loans based on the 3-month LIBOR rate with your personal interest rate added on top of that. When you receive your conditional loan offer, you will be able to see your personal interest rate and will have a chance to ask any questions you may have regarding the relevant LIBOR rate or APR for your loan.
One reason Prodigy Finance uses LIBOR is that this rate is public and updated independently; borrowers can check the changes in the rate as they like, giving them the tools to calculate repayment amounts at any point. Additionally, representative examples provide you with an idea of monthly student loan repayment amount.
And, don’t forget, you’ll receive monthly statements with the exact student loan repayment amount (though it’s still advisable to repay more if you’ve already budgeted for it).
Other expenses for student loan repayments
In addition to your monthly student loan repayment amount, it’s important to look at other factors that may impact your budget. Depending on the currency of your loan and the country in which it was issued, you may need to deal with forex and transfer costs.
When assessing your loan options, you should consider your post-graduation employment plans as these will affect your repayment budget.
Prodigy Finance offers several loan repayment options aimed at reducing the cost of repayment. These options may not be available through all lenders, but every loan provider should be able to provide you with the methods for repayment that they’ll accept.
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Faster repayment of student loans
The best way to cut the total amount of interest that you’ll pay (on any loan) is to make larger payments any time you can. Keep in mind that some loan providers charge additional fees for early loan repayments, and you need to be aware of these before planning your student loan repayment budget.
Prodigy Finance does not charge any additional fees for larger repayment amounts or early settlement of your loan, so you can pay as much as you like, as quickly as you like.
DO I HAVE TO MAKE A PAYMENT EVERY MONTH?
CAN I MAKE BULK PAYMENTS TOWARDS MY LOAN?
Ready to see the loan terms Prodigy Finance can offer you?
Prodigy Finance offers international student loans for masters-level education at top universities across the globe. And, we’re always clear on our terms - every step of the way.
APPLY FOR A PRODIGY FINANCE LOAN NOW
Prodigy Finance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
What next? Find out more about Prodigy Finance’s education loans or check out the list of schools we support.
For any other information about Prodigy Finance, or our international student loan process, feel free to check out or browse our site, or register for a webinar to have your questions answered by one of our team.