U.S. Direct Loans (FAFSA)
Maastricht University (UM) is a registered participant in the U.S. Direct Loans Program. Offered by the U.S. government, the loans are only available to American nationals or permanent residents.
UM Federal School Code
The Federal School Code of Maastricht University is: 042571. This needs to be included on your loan application (FAFSA).
Eligibility
You are eligible to apply for the U.S. Direct Loans Program if you are:
- a U.S. passport holder or permanent U.S. resident
- enrolled in a full-time bachelor's, master's or PhD training programme at Maastricht University
- paying tuition fees to Maastricht University
Please note that you are not eligible to receive a loan if you are registered for a joint study programme or the Medicine programme.
If you are not eligible to apply for a U.S. Direct Loan, you can apply for a private loan through SallieMae. Keep in mind that private loans usually have higher interest rates and fewer benefits.
The loan amount awarded is based on your financial and family situation, which you provide in your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
UM Financial Aid Officer
If you have any questions about the FAFSA, you can contact UM Financial Aid Officer Luc van den Akker:
us-financial-aid-ssc@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Types of loans
If you are eligible, you can apply for the following types of federal student loans:
- Direct Subsidised Loans: the U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while you are in school at least half time, during grace periods (if offered) and during authorised deferment periods
- Direct Unsubsidised Loans: you are responsible for paying interest while you are in school, during grace periods and during post-education deferment periods
- Direct Graduate PLUS Loans for master’s or PhD students (or their parents): PLUS loans can help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid
Application procedure
Please take the following steps to apply for a U.S. Direct Loan:
- Familiarise yourself with the documents outlining the conditions for accepting and studying with a U.S. Direct Loan at Maastricht University below.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Remember to use the Federal School Code of Maastricht University: 042571.
- Fill out the UM questionnaire (log in with your UM account).
Once we receive your completed UM questionnaire and determine that you qualify for a loan, Luc van den Akker, the UM Financial Aid Officer and U.S. Direct Loans Primary Destination Point Administrator, will send you further instructions and the calculation of your eligible amount.