How to apply
Overview
For quick reference, follow the steps below.
Step 1
Complete FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Step 2
Email usloan@st-andrews.ac.uk with your social security number, date of birth and full name in order for the US Loan Team to download your SAR.
Step 3
University of St Andrews, US Loan team will advise you of the amount of loan you are eligible to apply for.
Step 4
Electronically sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN) at Student Loans
Step 5
Complete entrance counselling at Student Loans
Step 6
Arrive and register at the University of St Andrews.
Step 7
Funds received by University of St Andrews on your behalf.
Step 8
Tuition and/or Accommodations fees deducted and any shortfall or overpayment processed.
Please log into e-vision and enter your bank details in order for a refund to be processed.
Detailed information
Step 1: Complete FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid)
- Any U.S. student wishing to apply through the Direct Loan Program must first complete a FAFSA. The FAFSA must be completed for each year of study. To apply for funding for the next academic year we strongly recommend that you complete your FAFSA by 31st March as you will be expected to pay an instalment of your fees when you enrol in September.
- You should complete your FAFSA on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. To sign your application, you require a PIN number. Once complete you can access your application online.
- University of St Andrews school code is G08461. In order for us to complete your loan certification University of St Andrews must be identified on your FAFSA.
- If you have applied previously for a Loan through the Federal Family Education Loan Program, your personal information will be on file and you should therefore complete the Renewal FAFSA. You will be asked to update your personal details such as income and assets.
Step 2: Update University of St Andrews with information for SAR purposes
Once you have completed your application a Student Aid Report (SAR) will be produced by FAFSA. Please e-mail your social security number and date of birth to usloan@st-andrews.ac.uk in order for the University to download your SAR. Please note the University does not receive the SAR directly from FAFSA.
Step 3: University of St Andrews will notify you of your loan eligibility
- Once we receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) we need to record your details on our database and download your original SAR. We are then in a position to calculate the amount of loan that you are entitled to.
- We will email you let you know the amount of loan you are eligible to apply for.
Step 4: Complete your Master Promissory Note (MPN)
- All students must complete a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note to apply for the Direct Loan. Please click on the link Student Loans
Step 5: Complete entrance counselling
- The US Department of Education requires that all first time loan borrowers through the Direct Loan Program complete a loan counselling session before you receive your loan funds. If you have already completed Entrance Counselling through the Federal Family Education Loan Program you will not be required to complete the Entrance Counselling.
- To complete the entrance counselling please click on the link to the Student Loans
Step 6: Arrive and register at the University of St Andrews
- All US loan students who will be using these funds against tuition and/or accommodation fees should confirm they are to be in receipt of US loans on the tuition and/or accommodation element(s) of their online matriculation.
Step 7: Funds received by University of St Andrews on your behalf
- Postgraduate Disbursements:- Funds will be disbursed in September, January and May. Each loan disbursement will be applied towards the payment of your tuition and or accommodation fees. An instalment plan to pay a third of your fees will be set up to coincide with the loan disbursements. Any surplus received after your fees have been paid will be refunded to you at each disbursement. Any deficit due towards your fees must be paid immediately after each loan disbursement.
- Undergraduate Disbursements:- Funds will be disbursed in September and January. Each loan disbursement will be applied towards the payment of your tuition and or accommodation fees. An instalment plan to pay a half of your fees will be set up to coincide with the loan disbursements. Any surplus received after your fees have been paid will be refunded to you at each disbursement. Any deficit due towards fees must be paid immediately after each loan disbursement.
Step 8: Tuition and/or Accommodation Fees deducted and any shortfall or overpayment processed
- In order to receive any refund please log into e-vision to enter your UK bank details. Failure to update your details will delay the refund to your account.
Exit counselling (when leaving the University)
- The US Department of Education requires that all student loan borrowers complete an exit counselling session whenever you drop below half-time enrolment status, withdraw, or graduate.
- To complete exit counselling access the Student Loans website. We will send a reminder email to all students who need to complete the exit counselling session.