USA financial support

American direct student loans - Undergraduate & Postgraduate level

University College Falmouth is pleased to confirm that we are participating in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, which commenced on 1 July 2010.

Our school code is G38594.

The loans available are low-interest and aimed to help eligible USA students cover the cost of Higher Education. To find out more about Student Aid visit: www.studentaid.ed.gov

Types of Federal direct loan

Direct Subsidised Loan - Fixed amount available. No interest is charged whilst studying.
Direct Unsubsidised Loan - Fixed amount available. Interest is charged whilst studying.
Direct PLUS Loans - For graduate students and parents of undergraduate students. Interest is charged whilst studying.

Overview of the process

Complete the ‘Free Application for Federal Aid' (FAFSA). Apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Once you have completed the FAFSA we will download the details to determine if you are eligible for the Direct Loan program and how much you can borrow.
We decide how much you can borrow. This cannot exceed your cost of attendance or the maximum amount of the direct loans available. It will depend upon a range of factors, including your financial need, estimated family contribution and whether you are a graduate or undergraduate.
Applicants complete ‘Direct loan entrance counselling'. This can be completed online at: studentloans.gov. You will need a Federal Student Aid PIN. If you do not already have this please visit: www.pin.ed.gov to make an application.
Applicant completes a ‘Direct loan Master Promissory Note' (MPN): To complete the MPN please visit: studentloans.gov. This covers all the terms & conditions of your agreement.
Disbursement of funds. Your loan will be paid by three termly disbursements. When we receive your funding it will be converted to pounds sterling and your tuition fees and rent, if applicable, will be allocated. Any excess will be paid to you by cheque or directly into your bank account.

Private loans

Once you have borrowed the maximum amount of direct loan you are eligible for, you can apply to borrow further funds by means of a private loan. The sum of your direct loans and any private loans cannot exceed the cost of attendance.

To find out more about private loans whilst studying at a foreign school please visit: www.studentaid.ed.gov

Fulbright Commission - Postgraduate level only

The Fulbright Programme aims to promote mutual understanding between the US and other countries. It provides scholarships for postgraduate study, and scholarships and fellowships for lecturing and/or research. The programme allows US citizens to study in the UK, and covers maintenance and tuition for the first year.

To find out more visit: www.fulbright.co.uk

The UK 9/11 Scholarships Fund - Undergraduate or Postgraduate level

The fund seeks to award scholarships to children or dependants of victims of the September 11 attacks on the USA (or other subsequent terrorist tragedies), for study at higher or further education institutions in the UK.

To find out more visit: www.britishcouncil.org

Marshall Scholarships - Undergraduate level only

Open only to United States citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.7, who hold a first degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States. Therefore, to qualify for awards tenable from any given October, candidates must have graduated from their undergraduate college or university in the previous calender year.

Note: Persons already studying for or holding a British degree or degree-equivalent qualification are not eligible to apply for a Marshall Scholarship.

Value: University fees, cost of living expenses, annual book grant, thesis grant, research and daily travel grants, fares to and from the United States and, where applicable, a contribution towards the support of a dependent spouse.
Tenure: The traditional Marshall Scholarship is tenable for two academic years (ie 22 months), but may be extended by the Commission, though not beyond the end of a third academic year.
Number of Awards: Up to 40 Scholarships awarded annually.

To find out more visit: www.marshallscholarship.org