Student Loans for American Students
Apply for U.S. Student Loans
As an American student studying outside of the United States, you may be eligible for federal funding. Here are the steps to apply for a Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA) loan:
1. Apply online for FAFSA student aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
2. Apply to Saint Mary's University. See below for application details.
3. Upon receipt of the 10-page Student Aid Report (SAR), please send it directly to Michelle Fougere, Manager, Financial Aid & Awards at Saint Mary’s. You can fax this to 902.491.6248. Michelle will be your financial aid contact at Saint Mary’s and will assist you through this process, and throughout your studies at Saint Mary’s.
4. If you have been approved for federal funding, your next step is to choose your federal loan provider.
5. If your parents are looking for additional funding, they can apply for a PLUS loan. If your parents do apply for a PLUS loan, please allow an extra 4-6 weeks after the first day of school before funds are accessible.
Please note that Canadian universities do not qualify for most private loans or PELL grants.
U.S. Student Loan Information
Most federal student aid is based on financial need rather than academic achievement. Anyone can apply and you do not have to show financial need to receive certain student loans. Here are some federal student loans that you may be eligible for:
Subsidized Stafford Loans are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. You are not charged interest while enrolled in post-secondary studies and have a grace period of 6 months after completion of your studies to begin repaying the loan.
Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are awarded to students regardless of financial need. You are responsible for interest that accrues during your studies.
Federal PLUS Loans are provided to parents who wish to borrow on behalf of their dependent children for their undergraduate studies. Your parents are required for the interest accrued during your studies.