United States Department of Education - Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans

What you get

You will receive a US federal student loan to fund your studies at University of Edinburgh in Scotland. This is a loan that you must take out and repay with interest; it is not a grant that you keep. The loans are provided by the US Department of Education, and the University of Edinburgh is authorised to issue them to US students studying in the UK.

How much you can borrow depends on your level:

• Dependent undergraduates: $5,500 in the year 1, $6,500 in the year 2, $7,500 from the year 3 onwards, totalling $31,000 during your studies.
• Independent undergraduates: $9,500 in the year 1, $10,500 in the year 2, $12,500 from the year 3 onwards, a total of $57,500.
• Postgraduates: to $20,500 per year (only without state funding). For certain vocational degree programmes, such as the 4-year veterinary medicine programme for university graduates or the law programme for university graduates, 2026 to up to $50,000 per year are permitted from July onwards.

Subsidised loans are intended exclusively for undergraduate students facing financial hardship. They are interest-free during the course of study, during the 6-month grace period following graduation, and during approved breaks from study. For unsubsidised loans, interest accrues from the date of disbursement. Interest rates and a small administration fee change each year and are published on studentaid.gov. Your total loan amount, plus any private loans and scholarships, must not exceed the cost of studying as determined for you by the University of Edinburgh.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen with a valid Social Security number.
• Where you study: You are studying at least part-time on the University of Edinburgh campus and are duly enrolled.
• Prior education: You have a secondary school leaving certificate or an equivalent qualification.
• Field of study: All subjects are eligible for funding, provided that your degree programme is included on the list of eligible degree programmes. Online, distance learning, diploma and certificate programmes are not eligible. Certain specifically named qualifications are also excluded, including the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB), the Bachelor of Nursing, the Master of Social Work, the MSc in Chinese Studies and the EdD.
• Progress: You will continue to complete your modules at the pace required by the university.
• No default: You have not previously fallen behind with repayments on any previous student loan.

How to apply

First, complete the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov, ensuring you enter Edinburgh’s school code G06839. Next, attend the loan orientation session and sign a master promissory note for each type of loan. Finally, submit Edinburgh’s US loan request form so that the university can confirm your loan. You will need to repeat this process every academic year.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a loan and not a competitive award, so no panel will assess your application in comparison with those of other applicants. If you are a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen, are enrolled on an eligible degree programme in Edinburgh and meet the basic criteria, you can take out a loan up to the specified maximum amounts. In particular, please ensure that your specific degree programme is on the list of eligible programmes, as some programmes are excluded.