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 a USA 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.
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 2022/23 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)
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:
- sign a Subsidised or Unsubsidised MPN for your loan
- sign a PLUS MPN if you wish to take out a Parent PLUS loan.
If you want to take out a Parent PLUS Loan your parent must complete a credit check via the US Department of Education. Credit checks are valid for 180 days. If you completed a credit check before April 2022, you will need to complete another one.
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 when you request a loan to study with us. You can do this on the U.S. Department of Education website.
Once you've completed steps 1 to 4 and you have all the relevant documents to hand you're ready to complete our Direct Loan online application form.
Documents you will need
Subsidised or Unsubsidised Loans:
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.
Parent PLUS Loans (if applicable)
- Parent Authority to Proceed with Parent Plus Loan (PDF
, 129kb), signed by your parent
Applications open 16 May 2022.
What next?
Once we've received your application
We will acknowledge receipt of your application and supporting documents. We'll raise any queries with you before your loan is finalised.
We'll then calculate your personal maximum cost of attendance and ask you to confirm how much you want to borrow.
We'll contact you if we have any difficulties when processing your loan. Otherwise we'll let you know when your loan application has been approved.
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 US 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 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.