# U.S. Direct Loans (FAFSA)

**Source**: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/study/admission-enrolment/financing-your-studies/country-based-financial-aid-international-1
**Parent**: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/study/admission-enrolment/financing-your-studies/country-based-financial-aid-international-students

Maastricht University (UM) is a registered participant in the U.S. Direct Loans Program. Offered by the U.S. government, the loans are only available to American nationals or permanent residents.

## UM Federal School Code

The Federal School Code of Maastricht University is: **042571**. This needs to be included on your loan application (FAFSA).\

## Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for the U.S. Direct Loans Program if you are: 

- a U.S. passport holder or permanent U.S. resident
- enrolled in a full-time [bachelor's](https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/education/bachelor), [master's](https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/education/master) or [PhD training programme](https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/phd/phd-training-programmes) at Maastricht University
- paying tuition fees to Maastricht University

Please note that you are not eligible to receive a loan if you are registered for a joint study programme or the Medicine programme.

If you are not eligible to apply for a U.S. Direct Loan, you can apply for a private loan through [SallieMae](https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/support/your-studies-begin/international-students-coming-maastricht/financial-aid/salliemae-student). Keep in mind that private loans usually have higher interest rates and fewer benefits.

The loan amount awarded is based on your financial and family situation, which you provide in your [Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)](https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa).

### **UM Financial Aid Officer**

If you have any questions about the FAFSA, you can contact the UM Financial Aid Team:\
  [us-financial-aid-ssc@maastrichtuniversity.nl](mailto:us-financial-aid-ssc@maastrichtuniversity.nl)

## Types of loans

If you are eligible, you can apply for the following types of federal student loans: 

- [Direct Subsidised Loans](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized): the U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while you are in school at least half time, during grace periods (if offered) and during authorised deferment periods
- [Direct Unsubsidised Loans](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized#am-i-eligible-for-a-direct-subsidized-loan-or-a-direct-unsubsidized-loan): you are responsible for paying interest while you are in school, during grace periods and during post-education deferment periods
- [Direct Graduate PLUS Loans for master’s or PhD students](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus) (or their parents): PLUS loans can help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid

## Application procedure

Please take the following steps to apply for a U.S. Direct Loan:

1. Familiarise yourself with the documents outlining the conditions for accepting and studying with a U.S. Direct Loan at Maastricht University below.
2. Complete the [Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form](https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa). Remember to use the Federal School Code of Maastricht University: **042571**.
3. Fill out the [UM questionnaire](https://intranet.maastrichtuniversity.nl/en/us-direct-loans-application) (log in with your UM account).
4. Contact [us-financial-aid-ssc@maastrichtuniversity.nl](mailto:us-financial-aid-ssc@maastrichtuniversity.nl) informing the financial aid department that the previous two steps have been completed. \
   **Important!:** our institution does not receive a notification stating a student has completed a FAFSA form.

\
Once we receive your completed UM questionnaire, the UM Financial Aid Team will determine if you qualify for a loan. We will then send you further instructions and the calculation of your eligible amount.

## Conditions for studying with a U.S. Direct Loan at Maastricht University

[Cost of attendance at UM](https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/file/cost-attendance-maastricht-university-fafsa2026-2027pdf "Cost of Attendance Maastricht University FAFSA_2026-2027")

  [Return to Title IV (R2T4)](https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/file/ssc-return-title-iv-r2t4-2017-2018)

  [Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)](https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/file/ssc-satisfactory-academic-progress-sap-policy-maastricht-university-2017-2018) 

  [Student guide U.S. Direct Loans](https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/file/student-guide-us-direct-loans-2026-2027pdf "Student Guide US Direct Loans 2026-2027")

  [UM refund policy](https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/file/ssc-um-refund-policy-2017-2018)

  [UM Student Charter](https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/node/49910)

[Exit Counselling](https://studentaid.gov/exit-counseling/) after completing (or withdrawing) from your study programme