How to apply

There are some key differences to the process of applying for Direct Loans to fund your study at York compared to applying for funding at an American institution.

Read this page in full before starting your application.

If your course is longer than one year, you will need to follow this process for every year of your course.

Contact us

Student Financial Support

sfsu@york.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1904 32 4043

Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. This will determine your eligibility for a loan.

Our School Code is G06700 or 00670000 depending on the form you are filling in.

FAFSA applications for 2023/24 are open. You should complete your FAFSA as early as possible.

Once your FAFSA application has been processed you will receive a summary Student Aid Report (SAR). We'll be notified of your application and will be able to obtain a copy of your full SAR.

Information and help (studentaid.ed.gov)

Once you’ve completed your FAFSA, you should complete our University of York American Loans online application form on or after 9th May 2023.

Documents you will need

Subsidised or Unsubsidised Loans:

Evidence of any additional funding from scholarships, other financial aid or sponsorship (including from the University of York, as well as other organisations). Please upload any award letter you have received or other documentary evidence of your additional funding that includes the amount you will receive.

What next?

Once we've received your application

We will acknowledge receipt of your application and supporting documents, if any. We'll raise any queries with you before your loan package is finalised.

We'll then package your personal maximum cost of attendance and ask you to confirm how much you want to borrow. We will also ask you to complete the following documentation (depending on the type and amount of loan you wish to borrow).

The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you commit to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees.

All Direct Loan applicants must sign a MPN with the U.S. Department of Education. You will need to:

It's a legal requirement to complete entrance counselling if you take out a Direct Loan. This isn't anything to worry about, it's just a process to make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your loan.

You must complete entrance counselling for each academic year that you request a loan to study with us. You can do this on the U.S. Department of Education website.

If you want to take out a Graduate PLUS Loan you must complete a credit check via the U.S. Department of Education. Credit checks are valid for 180 days. If you completed a credit check before April 2023, you will need to complete another one.

How long will it take?

We aim to process Direct Loan applications within three weeks of receipt. During the core processing months of July to September, this may take slightly longer.

Once the U.S. Department of Education has approved your loan(s) we will email your Direct Loan confirmation letter to you.

You should apply as soon as you can, once applications have opened, as we process applications on a first come, first served basis.

Applying for a visa

UK Visas and Immigration will accept your Direct Loan confirmation letter as proof of funding for visa applications.

You should not book your appointment for your student visa until you have received your official confirmation letter. Unless you have proof of sufficient funds from other sources you will need to have received your letter before booking an appointment.

Contact us

Student Financial Support

sfsu@york.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1904 32 4043