Federal Direct Loans
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program; this is the only US Federal funding available to US students in the UK. Graduate students studying at schools outside of the USA are eligible to apply for Direct Unsubsidised and Direct PLUS loans only.
What federal loans are available for study at LSHTM?
LSHTM can certify applications for both US Federal Direct Loans and Alternative Education (‘private’) loans for research degrees and London-based MSc programmes. The US Department of Education suggests that students apply for Federal Loans first before applying for private loans. Students should review all potential loans carefully, including the Direct Loan details and repayment obligations for each, before choosing which loan(s) would be best suit their situation and requirements. Eligible students may borrow up to the Cost of Attendance (CoA), as set by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, each year.
Students registered on the following programmes of study are not eligible for Direct Loan funding:
- Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip programmes)
- Distance learning programmes
- Online intensive programmes
- London‑based programmes where the primary location of research and study is in the US
- LSHTM and Nagasaki University Joint PhD Programme for Global Health.
Types of loans: Detailed information about the different types of Direct Loans is available via StudentAid.gov. Students due to study at LSHTM should read the information for graduate students.
Important: Significant Reforms to Federal Student Aid
Following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025, substantial reforms to Federal Student Aid will apply to students commencing their studies on or after 1 July 2026.
Detailed information on the nature and implications of these changes is available on the studentaid.gov website.
Students who are already enrolled and receiving US Federal Student Loans during the 2025/26 academic year may continue to access funding under the previous regulations for up to three years or for the remainder of their programme, provided they maintain continuous enrolment.
Students are strongly advised to consult the studentaid.gov website regularly for the most up‑to‑date information and to continue monitoring this page for institution‑specific updates.
Calculating your Cost of Attendance
Please read the Cost of Attendance information before applying for your loans, as this will assist you in deciding the amounts that you wish to request.
How to apply for your loans
The following page provides guidance on applying for your loans. It is important that these steps are followed in full. If the necessary steps are not completed, including submitting an LSHTM cover sheet, your federal loan/s cannot be certified.
General loan information
The following pages include information on loan disbursements, deferments and repayments; terms and conditions; and consumer information.
Private loans
Currently, Sallie Mae is the only private education loan provider that we are aware of issuing loans to US students studying at foreign schools. For further information, see the private loans page.
For any further details please contact the Tuition Fees Team via [email protected] and include ‘US loans’, your name and student number in the subject.