Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements
Students receiving US Federal Aid are governed by stringent US Department of Education regulations. Borrowing is intended for on campus study only.
Students require to be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible programme at the University of Edinburgh.
Please note that Undergraduate Bachelor of Nursing, all Certificate, Diploma and e-learning/Distance Learning students are not eligible for Federal loans at the University of Edinburgh
Study Abroad
If you study outwith the University of Edinburgh during your degree programme, then your study abroad institution must also be a participating and approved Federal Aid (Title IV) School.
To check if your institution participates in this scheme, please refer to the FAFSA website and click on School Code Search.
Within the regulations there is an exemption for those who wish to study in the US. Please note that this is not an automatic entitlement and also includes strict criteria to satisfy. Please contact Scholarships and Financial Aid staff with details of the dates of your study abroad, as well as the educational institution where you will be based. Scholarships and Financial Aid staff will check your eligibility and inform you whether you are entitled to receive federal aid during your period in the US. Please note that your request must be supported by your principal supervisor in writing.
Part-time study
If you are studying part time at the University of Edinburgh this may affect your entitlement for Federal Aid.
Should you enter the UK on a visitor visa then would not be eligible to receive Federal Financial Aid as stated in the US Department of Education regulations.
General eligibility conditions for financial aid
To receive aid, including Federal Direct Stafford and PLUS Loans, a student must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Must be a student enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible programme at an eligible institution. Undergraduate Bachelor of Nursing, all Certificate, Diploma and e-learning/Distance Learning students are not eligible for loans at the University of Edinburgh
- Must have a high school diploma
- Must be enrolled at least half-time for the period for which the loan is originated
- Must comply with the University's satisfactory academic progress policy
- Must not be convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs while receiving financial aid
- Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen with a valid Social Security number
- Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year
- If male and age 18-25, must be registered for Selective Service
- Must not be in default on an educational loan and must not owe a repayment on an adjusted federal grant
This article was published on Sep 12, 2012