Am I eligible?

To be able to eligible to receive US Direct Loans, students must meet the following criteria:

• be a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen of the US

• or a permanent resident of the US

• have a valid US Social Security Number

• and be within the borrowing limits for US Direct Loans

And must also:

• be enrolled and continue to be enrolled at least half-time at Brunel University London,

• be studying on an eligible course,

• maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) during your course; and

• undertake your study or research within the UK.

• Have a UK bank account in their own name

For information on eligibility for US Direct Loans please refer to the Federal Student Aid Website. New and continuing students may also find this information on eligibility useful. 

Maintaining Eligibility

In order to continue to maintain your US Direct Loan, students must maintain eligibility.

Please refer to the information on Staying Eligible.

Is your programme eligible?

Most degree programmes at Brunel University London are eligible for US Direct Loans, however some are not. Please note that the following students will NOT be entitled to US Direct loans:

• Students whose programme includes study or research for any length of time in the United States.

• Students who are registered on a programme intended for delivery by distance or online learning.

• Students on a study abroad programme or any other exchange programme at an institution which is not certified to receive US Direct Loans.*

• Programmes in the Brunel Medical School are not eligible for Direct Loan Funding at present.

*If you are planning to have a study period abroad funded with a US Direct Loan, please contact the University Funding Team to ensure that you select an eligible overseas institution. It is important that you contact us before your plans are finalised.

Making Changes to Your Course or Location of Study

Please note that if you consider withdrawing from your course, taking a leave of absence, submitting your thesis early or going abroad to study or back to the USA, it is important that you tell us before your plans are finalised.

Any of these actions may have an impact on your loan(s) and could result in loan(s) for your course being withdrawn.  It is therefore imperative that you notify your department and the Funding Team before you request any changes to your course or location of study. 

We recommend that you do not proceed with any such changes until you have been made aware of any funding implications for your Direct Loans or other University Funding.