We advise you to read all the documents provided on this webpage before you start your loan application, since they hold important information before, during and after your loan period.
How long does it take to apply for a US Direct Loan?
A regular application takes about four weeks to complete. To guarantee that you will receive the loan funds on time for your visa or tuition fee (see below), please consider the following deadlines:
Deadlines for finalized applications 1st semester:
- 1 August 2024 - Access to Financial Aid in September
- 1 September 2024 - Access to Financial Aid in October
- 1 November 2024 - Access to Financial Aid in December
Deadlines for finalized applications 2nd semester:
- 1 January 2025 - Access to Financial Aid in February
- 1 February 2025 - Access to Financial Aid in March
- 1 April 2025 - Access to Financial Aid in May
Using your loan to pay for tuition fee
If you take out a Federal Direct Loan, you should not pay tuition fee yourself, as the UvA will deduct your tuition fee from your loan amount. To do so, you need to complete both your loan application and your enrolment with UvA before 20 August.
To complete the payment section of your enrolment:
- If you have an IBAN: complete your enrolment with the UvA by authorizing the payment option of "Digital Authorisation" in Studielink.
- If you do not have your IBAN yet: complete your enrolment with the UvA by selecting the option "Other method of payment" in Studielink and contacting the Financial Aid Office for further instructions, before 10 August.
A completed loan application will override the option you have selected in Studielink.
Using your loan to prove financial means during your visa application
You can use your loan to demonstrate sufficient financial means during the application for your via / residence permit. Once you have completed your loan application with UvA, you will receive a letter that you can use for your visa application. We are aware of the deadline for your dossier and in good contact with the Immigration Office.
How do I start my loan application?
Before you can start your application, you need to complete your FAFSA form. Your US Direct Loan application with UvA starts by sending us a completed version of your US Direct Loan questionnaire. Please note that we are unable to receive any notifications after you've completed your FAFSA form.