US Direct Loans

If you wish to take out a Direct Loan, visit Studentloans.gov and follow the instructions to complete your entrance counselling, appropriate MPN’s and credit check if you are taking out a PLUS loan.

How do I apply for a Direct Loans?

You need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Federal Renewal FAFSA if you have already taken a Direct Loan. You can do this on-line at the FAFSA website of the US Department of Education.

The application determines your eligibility for aid. This is recorded on a Student Aid Report (SAR) which you will be sent 2 to 4 weeks after submitting your application.

Please note that you will need the following documents to complete the FAFSA:

• Social Security Card and Driver's Licence
• Parents Social Security Number (if dependent)
• Income Tax Return
• Parents Income Tax Return (if dependent)

Am I dependent or independent?

If you can answer "yes" to any one of these questions, then you are deemed INDEPENDENT.

• Will you be at least 24 years old by December 31 of the award year?
• Will you be working on a master's or doctorate program?
• Are you married (students who are separated but not divorced should answer "yes")?
• Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
• Do you have dependents (other than you children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you now and through the award year?
• Are you an orphan or ward of the court or were you a ward of the court until age 18?
• Are you a veteran of the US Armed Forces?