What is the minimum monthly payment, and how much time do I have to repay?

The minimum payment is S$100 per month. You can repay the loan in one lump sum or through equal monthly instalments. The maximum repayment period is 20 years for university loans and 10 years for polytechnic loans, counted from your first payment.

Can I request for deferment or request more time to make repayments or pay interest?

You can submit a deferment request here . Request is subjected to Approving Authority’s approval. Please allow up to 3 months for Approving Authority’s review. The outcome will be notified to you via mail. While your request is being reviewed, please continue making repayments. Interest will also continue to accrue if it applies to your loan.

What happens to my loan if I withdraw from my course?

Once your institution notifies us that you have withdrawn, the full outstanding loan amount becomes payable immediately. We’ll mail you a letter confirming the amount to repay.

What can I do if I am unable to repay the full amount after withdrawing?

You may appeal to repay the amount through monthly instalments. Please include all required supporting documents with your request. We will mail you the outcome. While your appeal is being reviewed, payment remains due, and a late fee will apply if no payment is received.

Will I receive a monthly loan statement?

You will receive an annual loan statement showing how much you have borrowed and repaid. You can also check your current outstanding balance in digibank.

Fund your education goals with DBS

Overview

Notice

Benefits

FAQ

Higher Education Student Loan Scheme from 29 Jul 2026

From 29 Jul 2026, the new Higher Education Student Loan (HESL) scheme will replace the existing Tuition Fee Loan, Study Loan and Overseas Student Programme Loan schemes.

Applications for the existing loan schemes ceased on 30 Jun 2026. The Study Loan will also no longer be available after the application cut-off dates set by the respective institutions.
Eligible students who wish to apply for a loan after the cut-off date may submit an application for the HESL through the StudentLoanSG portal from 29 Jul 2026.
If you already have a Tuition Fee Loan, Study Loan and/or Overseas Student Programme Loan, no action is required. If you require a new loan or additional financing under the HESL scheme, please approach your institution for advice and a needs assessment.

For more information on the new HESL scheme, kindly refer to MOE website.

Fund your education goals with DBS

Our loans cover your course or tuition fees in an MOE recognised tertiary institution.

Low Monthly Repayments

Start with the minimum repayment amount as low as S$100 a month and increase as your finances allow.

Flexible Repayment Options

Interest (for interest bearing loans) will only start accruing after your graduation.

Study-First Benefits

Deferment applicable for male polytechnic/university students who have to serve National Service after graduation.

Interest Rate

The HESL is interest-free during course of study, and interest will start upon your graduation or when you leave the institution.

Standard interest

3-month compounded Singapore Overnight Rate Average (3M SORA) plus 1.5 percentage points or such other rates as may be determined from time to time by the bank

Late payment interest for overdue and unpaid loans/loan instalment

3M SORA plus 4.5 percentage points or such other rates as may be determined from time to time by the bank

Important Notes

Government loans interest rate change from 1 Apr 2026 will be applicable to all new Government education loan (i.e. Tuition Fee Loan, Study Loan, Overseas Student Programme Loan) agreements signed on and after 1 Apr 2026.

The interest rates are revised on a half-yearly basis based on the 3M SORA published on the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) website on:

1 Mar for the period 1 Apr to 30 Sep
1 Sep for the period 1 Oct to 31 Mar of the following calendar year

For instances where 1 Mar and/or 1 Sep falls on a weekend and/or a public holiday and rates are not published by MAS, the interest rate will take reference from the 3M SORA published on the Singapore business day before.

You may click here for the historical applicable interest rates on every 1 Apr and 1 Oct.

SORA is the volume-weighted average rate of borrowing transactions in the unsecured overnight interbank SGD cash market in Singapore between 8am and 6.15pm. The 3-month compounded SORA is the rolling compounded average of daily SORA over the past respective period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Once you graduate, we will send you a letter confirming your repayment start date. Please click here for repayment modes and options.

Your loan remains interest-free while you study, and you’re welcome to make partial payments at any time to reduce the outstanding balance. If you would like to repay the loan in full, your institution will first need to confirm the final amount. Monthly GIRO instalments are available after you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Yes. You can apply to MOE to use your PSEA funds for repayment. Please visit the MOE PSEA page for eligibility details, application steps, and FAQs. Please note that interest, where applicable, will continue to build up while MOE processes your application. PSEA funds cannot be used for amounts already paid. If you would prefer to avoid further interest, you may wish to use another immediate repayment method.

Fund your education goals with DBS

Higher Education Student Loan Scheme from 29 Jul 2026

Fund your education goals with DBS

Interest Rate

Important Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

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