Non-UK Student Finance - Student Financial Support

When does the loan process begin?

The loan process begins in January, when students complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). After completing the FAFSA, applicants should inform the Financial Support Team, who will send the financial aid package to students.

How long it generally takes to receive a financial aid package from the school?

You should receive the financial aid package within three weeks of completing the FAFSA.

Do I have to take out the full loan amounts?

No. Your loan amounts are based on your cost of attendance, but if you have other sources of income, you have the right to ask for your loan to be reduced.

Can I borrow more than my cost of attendance?

It may be possible to increase your cost of attendance to allow for special circumstances or include exceptional expenses, such as dependent care, disability-related expenses or costs for compulsory field trips.

Is it possible to receive an advance payment (for flights, to pay for UK visa) before arrival in Newcastle?

No, you must be registered at the University and must confirm your attendance by scanning your SmartCard on campus. The earliest funds can be disbursed is ten days before the first day of classes.

Am I able to use my student loans to pay for the deposit on student accommodation?

It is not possible to use any of your funds to pay for deposits before registration (enrolment).

Your first payment will be released five to seven days after you have registered. Collecting and using your University SmartCard on campus will confirm your registration. It is your responsibility to cover your living expenses until your first disbursement is released. We advise students to bring enough money with them when they first arrive to cover their expenses for this period. We would recommend around £400–£500.

When will I receive my visa letter?

We will send your visa letter to you after your loan has been approved and processed. Your visa letter includes your loan details and disbursement dates and amounts. It provides proof to the UK Border Agency of the loan money you are going to receive.

Can I bring dependants with me?

For a student with dependants (children), an allowance for costs expected to be incurred for dependent care is included in the student’s cost of attendance. This covers care during periods that include, but are not limited to, class time, study time, field work, and commuting time. The amount of the allowance is based on the number and age of your dependants. It does not exceed reasonable cost for the type of care provided.

Will the funds be disbursed to me or to Newcastle University?

The University will request your Direct Loan funds from the US Department of Education. We will then first disburse the funds by crediting the University account to pay your tuition fees. If the amount of aid is greater than the tuition fee charges, we will pay the balance to you for living expenses.

When will I know how much funding I will receive and when will I be able to receive the funding?

You will receive a notification in writing of the date and amount of each disbursement. This will be sent to you as an email 30 days before the disbursement. Your loan will be disbursed in three equal instalments: in September, January and April.

How much will be deducted for tuition fees from my disbursement?

The University will deduct a third of your tuition fees from each disbursement.

Will I receive my payment in pound sterling or US dollars?

Payments will be made in pound sterling.

How do I set up a repayment plan with my loan servicer?

The following website lists the different repayment plans, that you may chose: 

You can also contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). If you currently have a Direct Loan and would like the exact payment amount on your loan, you can find it out by contacting your loan servicer.

When do I start paying interest on my loans?

For subsidized and unsubsidized loans, the repayment period begins the day after the grace period ends. The first payment will be due within 45 days after the repayment period begins.

PLUS loans don’t have a grace period and the repayment period begins on the day after the final loan disbursement is made. However, you can defer repayment of a PLUS loan while you are enrolled on at least a half-time basis. The first payment will be due within 45 days after the deferment ends.

Find out more about repaying your loan.