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 enrolment in an eligible programme at UWS on either a full-time or at least half-time basis.
Also, students who partake in an internship or externship will still be eligible for funds provided that the placement carries credit hours towards your degree.
Ineligible Study options
Most programs of study at the University - including Bachelors, Masters and PhD programs - do qualify for funding, but there are exceptions. You cannot receive U.S. government loans if you attend any of the following named degrees:
- BSc & MSc Adult Nursing
- MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner
- BSc & MSc Mental Health Nursing
- BSc & MSc Midwifery
- BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies
- MSc Nursing
In fact, UWS may not provide funding for any medical related programme at BSc or MSc regardless of title or award.
In addition, you cannot receive U.S. government loans if you attend any of the following named degrees which are offered in partnership with University of Angers, France:
- MSc Project Management
- MSc Project Management (International)
- MSc Quality Management
- MSc Quality Management (International)
Further, you cannot receive U.S. government loans if you attend any qualification of the following types:
- Non-Degree and Distance Learning versions of Programmes, including the MBA and Career-Long Professional Learning (MEd, MSc and Postgraduate Certificate) options for Teachers
- All UWS degree programmes that are delivered in partnership through external organisations (including our local college partners in Scotland: South Lanarkshire College, New College Lanarkshire, Ayrshire College, and University of Angers, France)
- All Diploma Programmes (either undergraduate or postgraduate level)
- All Certificate Programmes (either undergraduate or postgraduate level)
You should also be aware that in order to receive financial assistance, mature students must possess a secondary school credential, or equivalent.
Finally, in most cases, you will not be eligible for financial assistance where your programme of study includes a period of study in the US.
Students wishing to arrange funding for ineligible programmes or for ineligible periods of study have the option of arranging a Private Alternative Loan (see the US Loans - Types webpage).
General eligibility conditions
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 enrolment in an eligible programme at an eligible institution (see above for the list of ineligible programmes of study)
- Must have a high school diploma
- Must be enrolled at least half-time for the period for which the loan is originated (PhD students who have submitted their thesis for examination do not meet this requirement)
- 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
Study Abroad
Part-time study
Visiting Students
More Information & How to Apply
There is a lot of information regarding US federal loans and The following links will take you to the relevant webpages for more information and further links to external sites.
Last updated: 29/04/2020