Target participants
Current STEM students (undergraduate and postgraduate) in Indian universities or institutes, and recent STEM graduates (within the last 1-3 years) who sought or obtained education loans.
The problem
STEM students in India often experience significant anxiety when considering education loans. This stress primarily stems from a lack of clarity around the total costs involved, including tuition fees, living expenses, varying interest rates, and hidden charges. This financial uncertainty can lead to students making uninformed decisions, potentially pursuing less ambitious academic paths, or even foregoing higher education altogether.
The challenge persists because information regarding education loans is fragmented and complex. Banks and educational institutions provide details that are often difficult to compare or understand without extensive effort. There isn't a single, transparent source that consolidates all potential costs and long-term financial implications, leaving students and their families struggling to piece together a complete financial picture.
Research question
What are the specific factors contributing to education loan anxiety among STEM students in India, particularly those related to unclear educational and living costs, and how do they currently attempt to navigate this complexity?


