In autumn, students wanted to take out more student loans than last year. Swedbank and LHV issued significantly more loans.
Swedbank's CEO Eneli Nairis said that loan applications are twice as many as last year. LHV's CEO Catlin Vatsel also stated that they have issued three times more loans.
It is now easier to take out loans. There is no need for a guarantor or collateral. The interest rate is lower, and the repayment period is longer. This makes students' lives easier.
Already last autumn, it was possible to borrow up to 6000 euros. However, many do not take that much. The average loan at Swedbank is 5155 euros, at LHV it is 5400 euros.
Now, students studying abroad are also applying for loans. About 20% of applicants are over 35 years old. Studying is no longer just an activity for the young.
Some do not receive loans. LHV rejected 12% of applicants. Reasons include academic leave or poor credit history. SEB, Coop Pank, Luminor, and Bigbank do not offer student loans.