Application and renewal (US Direct Loans)

Find out how to submit a Direct Loan application to the University if you're a new student, or to renew your loan if you're a current student.

The US Direct Loan application process is slightly different if you are studying outside the United States. Foreign schools are not sent your FAFSA details automatically, you need to complete the  University  of Melbourne Direct Loan Application Form to  advise us that you intend to borrow US Direct Loan.

  • New students

    The University of Melbourne is currently in the process of applying for re-certification as an approved participant and therefore unable to accept loan applications from new students. Re-certification is at the discretion of the US Department of Education. The University hopes to hear an outcome in time for Semester 2, 2024. Please contact us for further information.

    Application checklist

    Foreign schools are not sent your FAFSA details automatically, you need to complete the  University  of Melbourne Direct Loan Application Form to  advise us that you intend to borrow US Direct Loans.

    1. Apply to study at the University of Melbourne
    2. Complete Entrance counselling
    3. Complete the University of Melbourne Direct Loan Application Form
    4. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form
      (University of Melbourne Federal School Code: G08505)
    5. Complete the Subsidised/Unsubsidised Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN)
      (Students studying at foreign schools are required to complete a new MPN for all new loans)

    If you are intending to apply for a Direct Parent or Graduate PLUS loan, you must also:

    1. Complete the Direct Parent Loan MPN or Graduate PLUS Loan MPN
    2. Complete the Online PLUS Application
      (This is a credit check which expires after 180 days)

    Further information

    After you have submitted the University of Melbourne Direct Loan Application Form, you can accept your course offer with a reduced tuition deposit of $1,500 plus the cost of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as stated in your course offer.

    Once we have verified your enrolment and loan eligibility, we will calculate your Cost of Attendance and send a loan estimate via email approximately one month before your classes start.  We cannot send it too early because of the exchange rate variances.  You are required to let us know the amount you wish to borrow by replying to the loan estimate email.  We will then finalise your Federal Student Aid loan(s), and you will receive a confirmation email/award letter detailing your Cost of Attendance and approved Federal Student Aid loan package.

    Your loan is disbursed approximately one week after the start of the semester. The upfront deposit and OSHC payment is reimbursed through your loan disbursements.

  • Current students

    Application checklist

    Foreign schools are not sent your FAFSA details automatically, you need to complete the  University  of Melbourne Direct Loan Application Form to  advise us that you intend to borrow US Direct Loan.

    1. Re-enrol in your course
    2. Complete the University of Melbourne Direct Loan Application Form
    3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form
      (University of Melbourne Federal School Code: G08505)
    4. Complete the Subsidised/Unsubsidised Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN)
      (Students studying at foreign schools are required to complete a new MPN for all new loans)

    If you are intending to apply for a Direct Parent or Graduate PLUS loan, you must also:

    1. Complete the Direct Parent Loan MPN or Graduate PLUS Loan MPN
    2. Complete the Online PLUS Application
      (This is a credit check which expires after 180 days)

    Further information

    Once we have verified your enrolment and loan eligibility, we will calculate your Cost of Attendance and send a loan estimate via email approximately one month before your classes start.  We cannot send it too early because of the exchange rate variances.  You are required to let us know the amount you wish to borrow by replying to the loan estimate email.  We will then finalise your Federal Student Aid loan(s), and you will receive a confirmation email/award letter detailing your Cost of Attendance and approved Federal Student Aid loan package.

    Your loan is disbursed approximately one week after the start of the semester.

    If you have failed subjects or are missing results, you may experience a delay in the processing of your loan renewals until Satisfactory Academic Progress can be confirmed.

Need help?

  • For further details on available financial assistance programs, contact the relevant government agency in your home country.
  • For information on how these programs work at the University of Melbourne, contact our International Financial Aid team.

Next: Loan disbursements