Newcastle University is approved by the US Department of Education to participate in the William D Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, enabling eligible American students to access financial support.

US Federal student loans are administered centrally by the Student Financial Support Team. Please read through the following information pages before starting the application process. You may find that the process is very different to previous applications made at US Universities.

 

 

Latest News

  • If you need to apply for a visa and are dependent on Federal Aid for proof of funds it is advisable NOT to apply for the visa until you have received a letter confirming your loans and disbursement amounts and dates.
  • From 1st July 2012 graduates are not entitled to a Direct Subsidized Loan but may apply for up to $20,500 from the Direct Unsubsidized Loan (subject to approval by staff within Student Financial Support).
  • The rebates previously applied to the origination fees charged by the US Dept of Education on Direct Loans has been withdrawn with effect from 1st July 2012.  This means that the full origination fee amounts of 1% on Stafford Loans and 4% on Plus Loans will now be applied.
  • The newly passed Consolidated Appropriations Act has temporarily eliminated the interest subsidy for Direct Loan (on subsidized loans) during the six month grace period defined as the time after the student leaves the University or falls below half-time status and before repayment begins. This change will be in effect for new loans on or after July 1, 2012 and before July 1, 2014. Because this appears to be temporary, there is hope for a reversal of this rule change given 2012 is an election year.