American student loans and federal aid - American student loans and federal aid

What you get

Under this programme, you can use US federal student loans to finance your studies at the University of Nottingham in the UK. Nottingham is registered with the US Department of Education as a foreign higher education institution (institution code G08920) and can therefore confirm your loan application. The loan covers your total study costs. This includes tuition fees, as well as living costs, personal expenses, books and equipment, and travel costs between the US and the UK. Living costs are set at approximately 767 euros per month (£1,171). This applies to 12 months per year for a Master’s degree and 9 months for a Bachelor’s degree. The lender is US Federal Student Aid, and the University of Nottingham is responsible for issuing the certificate.

Various types of loans may be accepted: subsidised and unsubsidised Stafford loans, Graduate PLUS loans for postgraduate students, Parent PLUS loans for dependent undergraduate students, and certain private loans (currently Sallie Mae and Earnest). Please note that Pell Grants and Perkins Loans cannot be used for study outside the USA.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen who is entitled to US federal student financial aid.
• Where you study: You are studying at a UK campus of the University of Nottingham. The campuses in China and Malaysia cannot issue these loans.
• Field of study: Most degree programmes are eligible for funding. Exceptions include degree programmes in Medicine (BMedSci, BMBS), Nursing, the PGCE, postgraduate diplomas, preparatory courses, distance-learning programmes, and all degree programmes that include a compulsory year abroad or a compulsory work placement.
• Enrolment: You are enrolled on at least a half-time basis.
• Financial need: Only the subsidised Stafford loan is means-tested (based on your Student Aid Index). For the other types of loan, there is no means test. For PLUS loans, a credit check is carried out instead.

How to apply

First, complete the FAFSA form online at studentaid.gov, entering Nottingham’s school code, G08920. The FAFSA application period opens on 1 October each year. There is no fixed deadline, but Nottingham recommends that you complete the FAFSA and the Master Promissory Note (your signed loan agreement) by the end of June. Once you have accepted your place at university, the university will confirm your tuition fees and certify the loan. Please allow at least 15 working days for processing.

How realistic are your chances?

As this is not a means-tested scholarship, your eligibility will not be assessed. If you are a US student who is eligible for federal financial aid and enrol on an eligible course at Nottingham, you can apply for these loans. Your eligibility depends on whether you meet the FAFSA requirements as well as the loan or credit conditions. The most important thing is timing: start your FAFSA application early and complete the formalities by June so that the confirmation is available before the start of the term.