Over 10,000 Siberians Become Students via Sber Loans
Over 10,000 residents of Siberian regions gained access to higher and secondary vocational education through government-supported loans from Sber in 2025. This is nearly 30% more than a year earlier.
The most frequent users of this financial tool for education are in Novosibirsk Oblast, which accounts for a quarter of all educational loans issued in 2025. The highest average loan amount in Siberia—151,000 rubles (approximately 1,700 USD at current rates)—is in Tomsk. The lowest average loan amount was recorded in Abakan at 97,000 rubles (approximately 1,100 USD).
The main users of educational loans in Siberian regions are young people aged 25 or younger, accounting for 85% of all loans issued in 2025. Future female students are more likely to use this financial tool (62%).
After a government-supported educational loan is issued, the bank first deposits the amount into the client«s account and then transfers it to the educational institution—these funds cannot be withdrawn or spent. The total interest rate under the agreement is 21.95%, of which the state compensates 18.95%. Thus, the borrower»s rate, with a full cost of credit ranging from 2.950% to 3.000%, is only 3% per annum.* Additionally, under the program«s terms, during studies and for nine months after graduation, only the interest on the loan is payable—the principal is repaid over a period of up to 15 years.
A specially created chatbot from Sber will help you learn the full terms of the government-supported education loan, what documents are required to apply, calculate payments, and check whether your university or college qualifies for the program.
