U.S. Financial Aid

Aberystwyth University is an approved Title IV institution and can administer U.S. Federal Loans (Title IV) as well as some other U.S. Loans to eligible students on eligible programmes of study.

U.S. Loans provide funding to students from the USA to cover tuition fees and living expenses. We know how complicated finding funding can be, which is why we are dedicated to guiding students through the process of application, calculating and approving the loan amount, and disbursing the funds.

The following information tells you how to secure a loan for study at Aberystwyth University as well as explaining all our policies and procedures regarding U.S. Federal Loans. Once you have read through, please fill out the Financial Package Request form.

Types of Funding for U.S. Students

There are a number of different funding schemes available. For studies in the UK, students are only eligible for some of these. Those we accept are listed below. Please note that Pell Grants and Work Study are not accepted.

U.S. Federal Loans: Unsubsidised Direct Loan (for Bachelors, Masters and PhD)
U.S. Federal Loans: Subsidised Direct Loan (for Bachelors only)
U.S. Federal Loans: Parental Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) (for Bachelors)
U.S. Federal Loans: Grad Plus (for Masters and PhD)
Private Loans: Sallie Mae
U.S. Veteran Affairs Education Benefits: GI Bill and others

Terminology

‘Originate a loan’: This is when the University creates the loan on behalf of the student after the student and parent (if applicable) have completed all the steps and confirmed the desired amount. This is done once a student receives a Financial Package (containing a Loan Request Form) from the University.

‘Disburse a loan’: This is when the University takes the required funds for tuition fees and accommodation (if applicable) from your loan amount received from the U.S. The remaining funds will then be sent to you within 3 working days (please allow 5 working days for funds to arrive to your Bank Account).

Federal Direct Loan Application Process

You will need to complete a new FAFSA for every year of your studies where you will require a loan.

Study Application: First make your application to Aberystwyth University to study your chosen degree programme (Bachelor’s Master’s or PhD). How to Apply  : Study With Us , Aberystwyth University.
Offer Letter: Provided your application is successful, you will receive an Offer Letter confirming your place of study on that programme.
Contact from Aberystwyth: At this point, we will get in touch with you to discuss your Financial Aid requirements. You are welcome to get in touch with us before then by emailing internationalfunding@aber.ac.uk.
Financial Aid Application: Now you can begin to apply for U.S. Financial Aid by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To apply electronically, you must first create an account to get an FSA ID.
- Aberystwyth’s School Code is G08452 (please note, although Aberystwyth is in the UK, we are in Wales, not England. This is reflected in the School Code list).
- Our OPEID is 00845200
- Please note, that as a Foreign School the only type of Financial Aid we are able to offer are U.S. Federal Loans.
Eligibility: Once your FAFSA is complete, and has been processed, a Student Aid Report (SAR) will be created along with an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR). Aberystwyth will use the ISIR to determine whether you are eligible for a loan according to the regulations of the U.S. Federal Government.
Cost of Attendance: Using your SAR and ISIR, we will determine how much funding you are eligible for, and email you a Financial Package which includes your Cost of Attendance, Next Steps Checklist and Loan Request Form.
Next Steps: Complete the relevant steps in the Next Steps Checklist.
Confirm Funding Amount: You must read the Financial Package in full and confirm the amount you wish to borrow by completing the Loan Request Form and emailing it back to us.
Master Promissory Note: Now you should complete the relevant Master Promissory Note (MPN) (though it should be clear on the website which MPN you should complete, please read the information carefully). You will need to complete a separate MPN for each different type of loan you are applying for. For example, one for the Direct Loan and one for the PLUS (signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s)) or Grad Plus Loan). Each MPN is a legal document which explains the terms and conditions of your loan, and confirms that you agree to repay your loans and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Federal Government upon completion of your degree programme. Make sure you carefully read and save the MPN, as it is a legally binding document to which you will need to refer later, if you need more information about the conditions of the loan, and when you start repaying your loan.
Entrance Counselling: If you are taking out a loan for study at Aberystwyth University for the first time, you must complete online Entrance Counselling before we can make the first disbursement to you.
Loan Notification: Once all the documents and processes listed above have been completed correctly, your loan will be originated and a Loan Notification will be emailed to you to confirm the dates and amounts of disbursement.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies: To get your Student Route Visa, you will need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter from Aberystwyth University. If you are planning to take out U.S. Financial Aid, we cannot issue your CAS until your U.S. federal loans documentation is complete.
Arrive and Register: You will need to arrange your visa to study in the UK, book your accommodation, arrange your travel, arrive to Aberystwyth and fully register with us before we can disburse your loan. Although the cost of travel and your visa can be factored in to the amount you borrow in your loan, the loan cannot be disbursed until after you have fully registered. Make sure you factor this into your financial planning.
Bank Account: You can either use your existing Bank Account, or open a bank account in the UK before we disburse your loan (find more information about opening a bank account in the UK). We will send a link by Convera for you to complete the relevant bank details before disbursement.
Disbursement Confirmation: Before disbursement, you will be emailed a Loan Disbursement Notification. If you decide to cancel or amend the loan you must email us by the deadline in the Loan Disbursement Notification.
Disbursement: Once we receive your loan, Aberystwyth University will deduct the correct amount to cover your tuition fees for that period (e.g. one semester), and any applicable accommodation fees, before the excess balance is forwarded to your bank account, via Convera, to contribute towards your living costs.
Disbursement Dates: The dates of disbursement will be listed in your Loan Notification. Ordinarily, they will be a few weeks after the beginning of each semester:
- For undergraduate (Bachelors) students, there are two semesters, beginning at the end of September, and the end of January.
- For postgraduate (Masters or PhD) students, there are three semesters, beginning at the end of September, end of January and in May
Monitoring Satisfactory Academic Progress: Aberystwyth University will monitor your attendance and academic progress on a regular basis and report it onto the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). See our Satisfactory Academic Progress policy for more information about what is monitored.
Fees, Exchange and Interest: The U.S. Department of Education will charge an origination fee to cover the administrative costs related to your loan. Aberystwyth University does not charge any fees for administering your loan. Your loan in US$ will be converted to GBP£ according to the most up to date exchange rate. Fluctuations in exchange rates cannot be factored into the Cost of Attendance. For more information on the interest rates for Direct Loans, visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Exit Counselling: Before you graduate, or if you plan to withdraw from your studies (regardless of whether you plan to transfer to another school), you must complete an exit counselling session for your Direct Subsidised and Unsubsidised Loans. The counselling session provides information about how to manage your student loans.
Early Withdrawal: If you are thinking about withdrawing from your studies, pleas see our Withdrawal and Return of Title IV Loans (R2T4) policy.

Other Non-U.S. Department of Education Funding

Sallie Mae Loans

To receive these funds, the University must ‘certify’ the loans for each student.

These may be used to supplement your Federal Loans but only up to your maximum Cost of Attendance value, and will be subject to credit rating. You will probably be required to have a co-signer.

If you are interested in applying for a Sallie Mae loan, please let us know: internationalfunding@aber.ac.uk.

Sallie Mae | Education Loans, College Planning & Online Banking

GI Bill

Aberystwyth University accepts funding through the U.S. Veteran Affairs Education Benefits programme. However, the University needs to seek approval for each degree programme to eligible. The currently approved programmes are listed below, if your desired degree is not mentioned, please email us: internationalfunding@aber.ac.uk.

VA / GI Bill – APPROVED PROGRAMS:

Consumer Disclosure Information

The University’s general Terms and Conditions in respect of an offer of a place on a degree program also apply.

Institutional Information

The following information is provided for review to any student wishing to receive a Federal U.S. Loan while studying at Aberystwyth University. Loans at the University are administered by the International Sponsor Relations Manager in conjunction with the Finance Team.

The University can signpost students to further information on policies and procedures published by the Department of Education, including the rights and responsibilities we have as a school under the Title IV Higher Education Act. 

If you require any further information, please contact: internationalfunding@aber.ac.uk.  

Academic Programme Information

Further information about the current study programs offered at Aberystwyth University can be found on our Course Pages.

Program Eligibility

Aberystwyth University cannot originate U.S. Federal Loans for the following degree-level programmes:

BSc Nursing (Adult)
BSc Nursing (Mental Health)
BVSc Veterinary Science
MBA Executive Masters of Business Administration
MMgt Executive Masters of Management
Any program studied via Distance Learning (off-campus) 
Where students undertake, or plan to undertake any amount of study or research in the U.S. during part of their programme.
Any programs delivered with a 'Joint Institution' - where the 'Joint Institution' is not eligible to disburse Title IV funds.

Aberystwyth University cannot originate U.S. Federal Loans for the following levels of programme:

University Certificate
University Diploma
Certificate of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Postgraduate Certificate
Postgraduate Diploma
International Foundation Certificate
FDSc Foundation in Agriculture
Pre-Sessional English Language programmes

Intercollegiate Athletic Programme Participation Rates & Financial Support Data

Aberystwyth University does not have an 'intercollegiate athletic programme' similar to U.S. schools. However, information about the University's Sport Centre can be found  here.

Student Life in the UK

Prospective students are encouraged to read about student life in the UK here.

Cost of Living, Tuition Fees & Scholarships

Information on the cost of living in Aberystwyth, as well as our tuition fees and available scholarship, can be found here .

Information about the typical costs of living in Aberystwyth can be found  here.

Cost of Attendance 

We conduct a review of the annual living costs of international students (both undergraduate (9 months study) and postgraduate (12 months study)) at the start of our U.S. Federal Loans processing cycle in May/June each year, and before any Cost of Attendance calculations for the forthcoming academic year are made. We determine the reasonable average living costs, including those for supplies, IT/books/photocopying, transportation and utilities.

Textbook Information

Information about any required and recommended textbooks for your course will be provided to you by your academic department. Should you require specific information about textbooks, please contact your academic department for advice. You are not required to buy books from a specific book shop.

Exchange Rates

We set our exchange rate at the start of our U.S. Federal Loans processing cycle in May/June each year, and before any Cost of Attendance calculations for the forthcoming academic year are made. Our exchange rate is based on an average of the UK Consumer Prices Index (CPIH) from the previous 12 months.

Please note that this may not be the actual exchange rate you received when you received your loan monies.  However, it provides a guide to convert the costs of studying at Aberystwyth from Pound Sterling (GBP) to U.S. Dollars (USD) for the purposes of applying for your loan.  The actual exchange rate use will be that on the day when the University receives your loan into the University's bank account from the U.S. Treasury.

Accommodation

Further information about accommodation at Aberystwyth can be found here .

Equality and Diversity

The University treats matters related to Equality and Diversity very seriously. Further information can be found here.

Support and Facilities for Students

The University’s Student Support Services provide advice and support for all our students here.

Student Support can provide information about potential disability support which may be available at the University, and student should be aware that that any related additional costs can be included in their Cost of Attendance when applying for Federal or private loans.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

Information and Policies on Alcohol and Substance Abuse is provided here.

Vaccinations Policy

Further information about health and vaccinations can be found at here.

Missing Student Reporting

Information about the University's procedures in response to a report of a missing student can be found  here .

Privacy of Students Records

Your rights under the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) are outlined on the University’s website.

Should you have a complaint about the processing of your U.S. Federal Loan, you have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education, although it would be preferable that you contact us first so that we can try to resolve the problem with you.

Satisfactory Academic Progress and the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)

Aberystwyth University will submit details of your loan to NSLDS if you received Federal Aid while studying with us. Your enrolment information and Satisfactory Academic Progress will be updated every 60 days and will be accessible to guarantee agencies, lenders and Schools who are authorised users of the NSLDS system.

Return to Title IV Funds

Students can only access U.S. Federal Loan funds if they are "earning" them by being enrolled on an eligible program. If full-time enrolment status changes, students are legally required to inform the University so that disbursements can be amended and subsequent disbursements cancelled where necessary.

Further information can be found in our Withdrawal and Return of Title IV (R2T4) Policy.

FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act)

The University’s policy on Freedom of Information is available  here.

The University's Copyright Policy is also available here.

Students should also note that in terms of academic practice, they are subject to the Rules & Regulations of the University.

Federal Tax Forms – 1089-T Tax Form

As a non-U.S. institution, Aberystwyth University is not a U.S. IRS tax deducting organisation, and has no authority to complete a 1098-T Form.  A tuition fee statement can be requested from the University to assist with the completion of this form. You can contact the Fees Office by email (fees@aber.ac.uk) to obtain a tuition fee statement. 

Direct Loan Quality Assurance Policy and Procedures

2025/2026 Direct Loan Quality Assurance Policy and Procedures Summary.

Following published guidance by the Department of Education Aberystwyth University established this Direct Loan Quality Assurance Policy and Procedures Summary.

All policies and procedures concerning Title IV funding are designed with these Quality Assurance principles in mind, these include but are not limited to all financial aid policies in the student handbook, all polices in the internal Financial Aid Policy and Procedures manual.

Direct Loan Quality Assurance Requirement Overview

The Direct Loan Program regulations at 34 CFR 685.300(b) (9) require schools to implement and document a quality assurance process to ensure that they are complying with program requirements and meeting program objectives.

A school should have a quality assurance process in place that documents that the school is:

Reporting loan records, disbursements, and adjustments to disbursements correctly to the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) System
Disbursing and returning loan funds in accordance with regulatory requirements
Disbursing the correct loan amount to the correct student
Completing monthly reconciliation and Program Year Closeout

To be effective, the steps for implementing a Direct Loan quality assurance process will be unique to each school and need to take into account the characteristics of a school’s academic policies and programs and its borrower population. Schools are encouraged to use self-assessments to examine their procedures and take action on an ongoing basis to strengthen areas of risk.

Options for Meeting the Direct Loan Quality Assurance Requirement

The Department of Education (the Department) does not mandate the method by which schools meet the quality assurance requirement. Schools may have institutional-designed assessments and quality assurance processes in place to ensure that the Direct Loan quality assurance requirement is met.

Click here for source.

Reporting loan records, disbursements, and adjustments to disbursements correctly to the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) System

Description of Process

The Financial Aid Administrator (FAA) utilizes the University’s student system and password protected spreadsheets to record and originate all Federal Direct Loans. The spreadsheets provide a disbursement roster available to the FAA and relevant staff members. Using information from the University student system, enrolment of students on the list is verified and provides details of anticipated disbursements to the end user. The end user draws down the funds, posts the credits to the student accounts, and refunds any excess payments within three days, meeting the Federal requirements to post the credits within three days and disburse refunds within 14 days. We aim to exceed the requirement by completing the process within three days total.

Measurable Assessment

Ensuring all loan records maintain “Registered” status within our Student System until the end of the year closeout
Responding in timely manner to COD School Monitoring Reports, COD 30 Day Warning Reports
Comparing the COD Pending Disbursement Reports and Actual Disbursement Reports with the Student System records

Disbursing and returning loan funds in accordance with regulatory requirements

Description of Process

For any student requesting FSA, before any loan is initiated, Aberystwyth University require an ISIR (from the FAFSA) obtained via EdConnect, formal confirmation of the loan request from the student (which specifies the loan amount the student is requesting), Entrance Counselling, and a signed Master Promissory Note. Any comment codes on the ISIR must be resolved. The FAA independently verifies the aggregate loan limit in NSLDS for each student. If any of these items are not received or if any of these items are flagged by either the University systems or COD, we do not initiate loans or disburse funds to the student.

Aberystwyth University uses the advance payment method. Prior to loan disbursements the FAA requires Satisfactory Academic Progress reports from relevant academic departments in respect of each student. Once confirmed, the FAA requests the disbursements via COD, and initiates the drawdown of funds in G5. Funds are received via a third party (Convera), and instructions are provided by the University detailing the value of credits to the University in respect of fees, and details relating to the refund of any excess payments to students. Our aim is to ensure funds are fully processed within three working days, thereby meeting the Federal requirements.

Regular monthly reports from the University’s student system identify any changes in students’ enrolment status, thus indicating any potential change in students eligibility to continue to receive FSA funds. The student may also report any such changes to the FAA.

Where a student withdraws or interrupts the FAA undertakes a return of Title IV funds calculation to determine if funds need to be returned and notifies the student accordingly. Where necessary funds are returned within the required timeframe and loans are adjusted as required on COD.

Measurable Assessment

Ensuring all loan records maintain “Registered” status within our Student System until the end of the year closeout
Monitoring the enrolment, SAP, and eligibility alerts within the University records and responding appropriately
Responding in a timely manner to COD School Monitoring Reports, COD 30 Day Warning Reports
Comparing the COD Pending Disbursement Reports and Actual Disbursement Reports with the Student System records

Disbursing the correct loan amount to the correct student

Description of Process

The FAA schedules disbursement dates for approved funds to draw down funds. This occurs at least once per academic term.

Direct Loan funds are drawn down based upon the disbursement schedule and received via a third party (Convera). Instructions are provided by the University to Convera detailing the value of credits to the University in respect of fees, and details relating to the refund of any excess payments to students. Funds received by the University in respect of fees are immediately applied to student accounts once funds are received from Convera.

Measurable Assessment

Ensuring all loan records maintain “Registered” status within our SIS until the end of the year closeout
Monitoring the enrolment, SAP, and eligibility alerts within the SIS and responding appropriately
Responding in a timely manner to COD School Monitoring Reports, COD 30 Day Warning Reports
Comparing the COD Pending Disbursement Reports and Actual Disbursement Reports with the SIS records

Completing monthly reconciliation and Program Year Closeout

Description of Process

Aberystwyth University creates a spreadsheet that monitors and reconciles the disbursement of funds in COD, to the funds requested via G5, and the amounts received via Convera and how they are applied to students’ records or the refund of excess payments to students.

Measurable Assessment

Maintaining timely and accurate monthly reconciliation records
Maintaining timely and accurate year-end closeout documentation

If you have any questions about your U.S. Financial Aid, contact us: internationalfunding@aber.ac.uk