What Financial Aid is Available?

Students studying in Foreign Schools are not eligible for grants from the US Federal government, but may apply for loans. There are three main types of loan:

• Direct Subsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need to help cover the costs of higher education at a college or career school.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, but eligibility is not based on financial need.

• Direct PLUS Loans are loans made to graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. Eligibility is not based on financial need, but a credit check is required. Borrowers who have an adverse credit history must meet additional requirements to qualify.

  Important notice: New graduate students starting on or after 1st July 2026 will not be eligible for a GradPLUS loan. (this includes existing students who change programme on or after 1st July 2026)

In addition some private commercial lenders may be willing to offer private loans at commercial rates subject to credit rating and often requiring a co-signer.

Education Loans (Direct, PLUS and any private loans) are to cover the primary costs of education (tuition, student accommodation, books/supplies, commuter travel), and are not intended to cover other expenses, not directly related to study. You should plan a budget and make sure you have enough money for your time of study.

If you are eligible for VA educational assistance, you may also be able to use your Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) or Survivors and Dependents Education Assistance (Chapter 35) benefits at the University of Manchester.