Funding for North Americans
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Fund your studies in the UK
Funding for North Americans
Federal Loans
Eligible UEL students who are US citizens can apply for Federal Direct Loans to help cover school expenses. The University of East London's Federal School Code is G30450.
- Application Process: For full details on the application process, loan types (including interest rates), and eligibility criteria, please refer to our Federal Loan Guidance.
- Loan Types: The types of loans available and borrowing limits are determined by the U.S. Department of Education and are subject to change.
Eligible Courses: Most UEL programmes are eligible. However, non-degree, medical, teacher training, and distance learning courses do not qualify. Programmes must be taught entirely at a UEL campus; those with placements or elements taught at partner institutions are not eligible.
Private Loans
There are a small number of lenders that provide loans to US students in the UK. The two companies we are aware of are Sallie Mae and Earnest (UEL do not endorse or receive any financial incentives from either). Please research the interest rates and repayment terms before moving forward with any lender.
Other Funding
We can also administer College Savings Plans, Canadian student loans and other ad hoc overseas scholarships and bursaries.
Consumer Information
Federal regulations require schools administering Federal Direct Loans to provide Consumer Information Disclosures to their students.
The University of East London also has a Default Management Plan, which is designed to help students who receive federal loan funds understand their repayment responsibilities and manage their loans effectively.
Admission Policies and Procedures
UEL’s Manual of General Regulations contains our Admissions policy. Students are recommended to check course page for individual course entry requirements.
Ineligible programmes for Federal Student Aid
Most UEL programmes are eligible for Direct Loans, but there are exceptions. Students on ineligible programmes may, however, be eligible for a private loan. The following types of programmes are not eligible for federal loans:
- Non-degree bearing
- Medical training
- Teacher training
- Distance learning
- Programmes not taught fully at a UEL designated campus (i.e. those with a placement, or elements fully or partly taught at partner institutions, are also not eligible for Direct Loans)
- Duration of programme less than half-time
Student Financial Aid Information
Information on funding and scholarship opportunities can be found on our International Fees and Funding pages.
Student Loan Information from the U.S. Department of Education
Upon request, the university can provide relevant resources from the U.S. Department of Education. These resources detail the rights and responsibilities of both students and institutions under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) loan programmes.
For more detailed information, visit the Federal Student Aid website, especially the sections relating to loan availability and types of loans offered.
Student support
Student support information can be found on our Student Support page, including details on campus life and welfare, finance and careers.
Students with disabilities
Our Disability and Dyslexia Service provides support and advice for students with disabilities and specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia. More in-depth information can be found on our Student Support page.
Refunds and return to Title IV
Please refer to UEL’s Tuition Fee Policy for general refund information. The US Department of Education specifies how UEL must determine the amount of Direct Loans that students earn if they withdraw from their programme. The requirements for Title IV program funds when students withdraw are therefore additional to the main institutional refund policy.
Refunds and return to title IV procedure
UEL is required to perform withdrawal calculations within 14 days from the withdrawal date, which is determined as the last date that the university’s resources were accessed. All ‘unearned’ funds must be returned to the US Government within 45 days of the official withdrawal date.
A pro rata schedule called a R2T4 calculation is used to determine the amount of Title IV funds the student has ‘earned’ at the time of withdrawal. The R2T4 calculation will be performed in the event of any withdrawal involving a student in receipt of Title IV funds. If a student attends more than 60 percent of the term prior to withdrawal, they are deeded to have ‘earned’ 100 percent of the funds received for the term. In this situation there are no ‘unearned’ funds, meaning there is no requirement to refund to the US Government. UEL will not return additional funds in such circumstances.
When a student withdraws and has attended 60 percent or less of the full payment period/term, the amount of Title IV program assistance that has been earned up to that point is determined by a specific formula. The R2T4 calculation is based on the number of days the student attended minus unscheduled leave that are 5 days or more divided by the total numbers of days in the payment period.
If the student received (or the School received on the student’s behalf) less assistance than the amount that is earned, the student may be able to receive those additional funds. Any credit balance will be disbursed no later than 14 days after the calculation of R2T4. If the R2T4 calculation determines that a student received more assistance than was earned, the excess funds must be returned by the School and/or the student.
Refund example
Number of days student attended = 36 = 40% earned
Total Number of days in the payment period = 90
Based on an award of $5,000, the student has earned $2,000 (40%). The unearned amount is therefore $3,000 and this must be returned.
Title IV Policy dictates that the University must refund any overpayments in a specific order:
- Unsubsidized Direct Loans
- Subsidized Direct Loans
- Direct PLUS Loans
Post withdrawal disbursements
If a student in receipt of Title IV funds withdraws prior to receiving their scheduled loan disbursement at the beginning of a payment period, then the student is eligible to receive the loan amount earned for the time in attendance. We will calculate the amount earned and offer any credit balance to the student within 30 days of the official withdrawal date, allowing students 14 days to respond.
Entrance Counselling
By law students are required to complete entrance counselling. This must be completed once for Direct Subsidised and Direct Unsubsidised Loans, and once for PLUS Loans. Normally this is to be completed by students new to Direct Loan borrowing. To ensure that UEL complies with all relevant legislation all students (new and continuing) requesting Direct Loans for the academic year of 2025/6 are required to complete Entrance Counselling. We regret that we are unable to originate/disburse any loans to students who fail to comply.
Entrance counselling can be completed online at Entrance Counseling | Federal Student Aid.
You will need your FSA ID to complete the entrance counselling. This is the same ID used to complete the FAFSA. You will need to complete entrance counselling for each type of loan you borrow (e.g. Subsidised, Unsubsidised and PLUS Loans). Parents are not required to complete Entrance Counselling for a Parent PLUS Loan. A PDF copy of your Entrance Counselling receipt / confirmation must be included with your completed ‘UEL US Loan Request Form 2025/6.
Exit Counselling
Students are required to complete an exit interview prior to finishing their studies. If this is your final year of study your Exit Counselling should be carried out at Exit Counseling | Federal Student Aid.
Private Loans and Preferred Lenders
The University of East London does not recommend or endorse any particular private loan providers. As far as we are aware the only private lenders that are currently able to process loans to US students pursuing their education in the UK is Sallie Mae and Ernest. Any specific reference to them in our literature is simply recognition that they are an available lender. We are willing to work with any private lender students decide to use. Students can borrow both Direct and Private loans so long as the total amount borrowed does not exceed the maximum Cost of Attendance.
Attendance and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Procedure
Students in receipt of Federal loans are required to achieve UELs minimum standards as outlined in our Academic Regulations in order to be considered as making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Students must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress in order to continue to receive Title IV disbursements. SAP is measured in the same way for all students and is applicable for all programme types i.e. Undergraduate and Postgraduate, Full Time and Part Time.
Satisfactory Academic Progress is measured both qualitatively (grade based) and quantitively (time based).
Qualitative SAP
UK Higher Education institutions do not use Grade Point Average (GPA) to determine grade based SAP. In order to pass a module, Undergraduate students must both achieve an aggregate mark of 40% and also meet the component threshold marks. Postgraduate students must both achieve an aggregate mark of 50% and also meet the component threshold marks in order to pass a module.
If a student’s programme of study is two years or longer, at the end of the second academic year undergraduate students must achieve an aggregate mark of 40% and postgraduate students an aggregate mark of 50% in order to maintain SAP.
Quantitative SAP
All programmes at UEL have a published length of study. In order to be making satisfactory academic progress for the purposes of Title IV eligibility, a student should not exceed 150% of the published time frame for the course and should remain at least half-time status, for example –
3 year undergraduate degree = 3 x 120 credits = 360 credits
150% published timeframe = 540 credits
Pace of completion = 360/540 = 67%
The overall timeframe for completion in the example above is 4.5 years i.e. 3 years x 150%.
Students must maintain or exceed a 67% cumulative minimum pace of progression per academic year in order to maintain SAP, i.e. successfully pass 67% of their credits attempted in each year, for example –
Number of credits attempted = 120
Number of credits successfully obtained = 80
Pace of completion = 80/120 = 67%
For the purposes of Title IV loans there are two payment periods per academic year. The end of each payment period is a SAP checkpoint. We will check individual student status at each SAP checkpoint to ensure that Satisfactory Academic Progress is being met. Subsequent loan disbursements will not be requested from the US Treasury until the student’s teaching school has confirmed the student’s attendance on their programme of study and that they have achieved Satisfactory Academic Progress.
ISSUES THAT IMPACT QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENTS
Transfer Credits
If a student has transferred credits obtained prior to joining UEL, the transferred credits that are accepted towards the student’s educational programme will be counted towards their cumulative pace of progression for SAP purposes. Both attempted and completed hours will be counted towards quantitative (time based) SAP. The grading of transfer credits will be reviewed against our Admissions criteria and only accepted if they meet the qualitative component requirements.
Incomplete, Withdrawn or Failed Modules
If a student fails to complete components, is withdrawn from, or fails a module, this will be reflected in the overall module outcome and final grading. ‘Incomplete’ is not a final module grading, and such modules will be treated as either withdrawn or failed, and qualitative SAP will be measured accordingly. Withdrawn or failed modules must be repeated, and this may affect the overall timeframe for completion and therefore quantitative SAP.
Repeat Modules
Repeating modules can affect the overall length of time it takes to complete a programme. In some instances, students may be allowed to progress into their next year of study and complete a single trailing module concurrently. In this instance, the quantitative element of SAP is not affected as the overall timeframe for completing stays the same. If a student fails multiple modules, they may be required to repeat prior to commencing the next level of study. In this case, the overall timeframe for completion is extended and this will be counted towards quantitative SAP.
If a student is required to repeat a module, the retake mark will replace the original module mark.
FINANCIAL AID WARNING
For the purposes of Title IV loans there are two payment periods per academic year. These coincide with our 2 main teaching terms (exact dates are determined by our academic calendar which is published on our website) –
Semester A – September - December
Semester B – January - April
The end of each payment period is a SAP checkpoint. We use each checkpoint to review whether students are progressing adequately toward the completion of their programme of study. Both qualitative and quantitative definitions of SAP are measured at each checkpoint. SAP is checked for all students in receipt of Title IV funds (both undergraduate and postgraduate).
If Satisfactory Academic Progress is not being met by either the quantitative or qualitative measure, a student will, in the first instance, be assigned a Financial Aid Warning for one payment period. This will be communicated via the student’s university email from UEL’s Federal Loan mailbox (federalaid@uel.ac.uk). Title IV payments will still be processed for the duration of the Financial Aid Warning period. Satisfactory Academic Progress will be reviewed again at the end of the warning period and, if SAP requirements are being fulfilled, the student can continue to receive Title IV payments as normal. If SAP is not being met, any remaining loans will be terminated, and they will be considered as ineligible for Title IV support going forward.
Additionally, the timeframe for programme completion cannot exceed 150% of the published duration. This will be monitored at each evaluation point. If we determine that a student is unable to complete their programme within the maximum allowable timeframe permitted under quantitative SAP, they will become ineligible for aid at the first SAP checkpoint at which this is identified (we will not wait for the 150% limit to be reached before applying sanctions). Any remaining loans will be terminated, and they will be considered as ineligible for Title IV support going forward.
Appeals and Probation
If a student is placed on a Financial Aid warning or considered ineligible for Title IV support due to SAP breaches, they may appeal the decision if able to demonstrate exceptional personal circumstances (e.g. bereavement or personal injury/illness). Appeals must be made in writing, submitted via the Federal Loan mailbox (federalaid@uel.ac.uk) within 10 working days of the initial SAP warning/termination notification. Appeals must contain documentary evidence to support their circumstances and demonstrate how their situation has now changed in order to support SAP going forward (including, if necessary, an academic plan).
If an appeal is successful, the student will be placed on a Financial Aid probation for the following payment period/term. Title IV payments will still be processed for the duration of the Probation period. Satisfactory Academic Progress will be reviewed again at the end of the Probation period. If SAP is being met, the student can continue to receive Title IV payments. If SAP is not being met, any remaining loans will be terminated and they will be considered as ineligible for Title IV support going forward.
Re-establishing Eligibility After Losing Aid
Students who have lost their Title IV entitlement due to not maintaining SAP (including those with an unsuccessful appeal) may regain eligibility in a future payment period by demonstrating that they are complying with qualitative and quantitative determinations of SAP. Requests for Title IV reinstatement can be sent via the Federal Loan mailbox (federalaid@uel.ac.uk). If upheld, Federal Loan entitlement will be reinstated.
TAKING A BREAK (LEAVE OF ABSENCE)
Students should not take a break from studies unless there are exceptional reasons, for example, a serious illness or a forced break due to UEL’s academic regulations, which must be agreed in advance with your School supported with appropriate evidence. All LOA requests must be submitted in writing, signed, and dated. A Leave Of Absence will only be granted if there is a reasonable expectation that a student will return as agreed, otherwise it will be classed as a Withdrawal from the outset. Please refer to UEL’s Student Initiated Intermission, Withdrawal and Transfer Policy for more information.
For the purposes of Title IV support, the number of days a student can be on an approved break/leave of absence cannot exceed 180 days within a 12-month period.
Students will not be charged any additional institutional charges while on a Leave of Absence and are not eligible for Title IV disbursements during the LOA period.
Additionally, students cannot request additional Title IV funds to cover expenses incurred while on a break in studies. If a student fails to return to studies within 180 days, they will be considered as withdrawn for Title IV support purposes and reported as such via the NSLDS Clearinghouse.
Students are required to return from their Leave of Absence in the same point in their academic programme that they were at prior to taking their Leave Of Absence. If a student cannot resume their studies at the same point in their programme the period cannot be counted as an intermission for Title IV purposes and will therefore be treated as a Title IV withdrawal from the outset. An academic break in studies does not automatically mean that a Financial Aid LOA will be granted.
FAILURE TO RETUN FROM A BREAK (LEAVE OF ABSENCE)
We will provide an explanation to Title IV loan recipients the consequences of not returning from a Leave of Absence (including changes to loan repayment terms due to the expiration of the 180 day grace period).
If a student does not return from a Leave of Absence on or before the agreed return date, this will be treated as a Withdrawal. A withdrawal calculation will take place using the date that the Leave of Absence began as the withdrawal date.
About us
US Federal Loans at the University of East London are managed by the Student Money, Advice & Rights Team (SMART). If you require any additional information, you can contact us at via federalaid@uel.ac.uk or +44 208 223 4444.
Our mailing address is as follows - Student Money, Advice & Rights Team (SMART) East Building, EBG.21 University Way London E16 2RD
Contact Us
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are responsible for administering international funding at the University of East London. If you would like more information on any of the funding options explained above, please contact us via federalaid@uel.ac.uk.