Private loans

You will need to make a separate application for each academic year you need a loan. Applications for each academic year usually open in May.

1. Complete our online US Loan Application Form for 2025/26, from 6 May 2025. For loans for the 2024/25 academic year, please contact Student Financial Support at sfsu@york.ac.uk, including your nine-digit student number in the email.
2. Apply to your chosen private lender via their website online.
3. Send us a copy of your loan agreement/MPN when received from your loan company.

For on campus courses

Your cost of attendance is calculated to cover your costs, including:

• accommodation and college fees
• insurance for your possessions
• food, toiletries and laundry costs
• course-related costs such as field trips, textbooks, printing
• social and sporting activities
• mobile phone and TV licence
• travel to and from the UK and travel while at university
• visa costs and NHS surcharge (first year only)
• a computer and printer (first year only)
• tuition fees

Example cost of attendance calculations can be found on Undergraduate: Direct Loans for Americans.

For online/distance learning courses

For online or distance learning courses, your cost of attendance covers your tuition fees only.

Exchange rate

We determine a fixed exchange rate once a year and apply it to all cost of attendance calculations. We don't revise our calculations throughout the academic year to account for small fluctuations in the commercial exchange rate.

We can only certify private loans to be released after your academic year has started. 

If you are studying on campus, your loan can't be paid until we've confirmed you have arrived on campus at the University of York. Once we have confirmation from your department, we'll request your funds from your loan provider. You must ensure you have enough money to cover your start-up costs and living expenses while you are waiting for your loan. Students who apply prior to the start of Semester 1 receive their loan approximately three weeks after the start of the academic year. 

We receive your funds from your private loan provider in one instalment. The University will receive your loan in dollars (USD). These funds are then converted into pounds sterling (GBP) using the exchange rate that the University obtains from its bank. We'll deduct your fees and pass any remaining balance on to you as a personal disbursement.

If your loan does not cover your fees, you will need to pay the balance. Because exchange rates fluctuate, we will not know the exact balance owing until after your loan has been received. 

If you are considering withdrawing from your studies or taking a leave of absence, please contact Student Financial Support (sfsu@york.ac.uk).

You will also need to contact an Immigration Advisor for advice before making a change. Please visit the University’s Support for international students web page. 

Do I need a UK bank account?

A UK bank account is preferable if you are expecting to receive a personal disbursement, as it reduces the number of times your money will be subject to exchange rates.

Can I increase the amount I want to borrow later in the year?

Yes, provided your borrower will allow you to increase the amount you are borrowing, the University can certify an amount up to your maximum cost of attendance (this includes any federal loans if you are borrowing a combination of federal and private loans).

If you wish to increase the amount you are borrowing, please contact Student Financial Support with full details of the changes you wish to make.