US Loans

21st June 2024 We have experienced issues with accessing the system required for us to process FAFSAs. We have and will continue to prioritise supporting and processing FAFSAs for the 24/25 academic year. Will provide regular updates here as soon as possible. 

2nd July 2024 We have started to process FAFSAs and generate Cost of Attendance forms for 2024/25 for students.  The US Department for Education are still working through a number of issues and challenges with the newly launched FAFSA portal but we hope those issues will be fully resolved this week.  Thanks for your continued patience.  We would also like to make you aware that the issues and challenges experienced are not unique to the University of Edinburgh, and are affecting all Higher Education Institutes who administer federal loans for their students.

9th July 2024 We are continuing to experience issues with Department of Education systems used to process US Federal Loans.  The issues and challenges experienced are not unique to the University of Edinburgh, and continue to affect all Higher Education Institutes who administer federal loans for their students.  We are working with our partners and contacts to continue to move this process along and there will be a concentrated focus on getting further answers and assurances in the coming 48 hours.  Thanks for your patience.

18th July 2024 - We have started processing US Federal Loan Applications.  Please note that because we are still experiencing some systems problems, and this means the processes are taking slightly longer than usual.  We anticipate that loans will however be disbursed and you will have access to funds shortly before or after your program starts.  If you can, it's a good idea to have access to a couple of weeks worth of money when you relocate to Scotland and until you open a bank account.  For the initial purchase of groceries and other services, and until you get open a UK bank account, a credit card or a small amount of cash may be helpful in supporting your transition.

Pell Grants - Applicants should note that as a foreign school, the University is NOT authorised to administer Federal grants, only Direct Loans.

9th August 2024 – We continue to process FAFSAs, originate loans and distribute award letters to our students.  Please note that as per our previous updates this process has been compromised this year because of the troubles we are experiencing with the new FAFSA systems not working as they should.  All HEIs are experiencing similar problems and they are not unique to The University of Edinburgh.  We understand the angst and distress this is causing some students who are awaiting award letters for visa applications so they can travel.  These matters continue to be escalated to the senior leadership team in Academic Registry.

21st August 2024 – Staff continue to process FAFSAs, originate loans and distribute award letters to our students.  Please note that as per our previous updates this process has been compromised this year because of the troubles we are experiencing with the new FAFSA systems not working as they should.  All HEIs are experiencing similar problems and they are not unique to The University of Edinburgh.  We understand the angst and distress this is causing some students who are awaiting award letters for visa applications so they can travel.  These matters continue to be escalated to the senior leadership team in Academic Registry.

We are receiving a very high volume of queries at present but our laser focus is on processing FAFSAs and originating loans.  Please remain patient as the team continue to take forward the processes required to support you with your loans.  Thank you.

16th September 2024 - We are aware that the delay in processing loans this year is causing a lot of confusion and anxiety, and we do apologise for this. This is not the level of service we aim to provide for students. The team are working through the backlog as fast as possible.

We understand you will have received an invoice for your tuition fees, indicating 30-day payment or to set up a payment plan. Please be aware we have contacted our Finance colleagues to extend the payment deadline to 3rd November 2024 - ensuring ample time to receive your disbursement. Once you receive your loan, your tuition fee will be recovered across the disbursements you will receive. 

Again, please accept our apologies for the service disruption. We are issuing award letters, confirming the disbursement of funds, as fast as we can.