Types of Direct Loans

An overview of Direct Loan types and their annual and aggregate limits.

Types of US Federal Direct Loans (Direct Loans), interests and amounts vary depending on whether a student is an undergraduate or a graduate.

Please note, the University is currently unable to consider new loan applications.

For undergraduates

Types of Direct Loan Loan details
Direct Subsidised Stafford Loans (Direct Subsidised Loans)
  • For undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time and demonstrate financial need
  • Interest is 6.53%*
  • Origination fee is 1.057%**
  • Student is not charged interest on the loan while in school at least half-time and during deferment periods
Direct Unsubsidised Stafford Loans (Direct Unsubsidised Loans)
  • For undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time
  • Interest is 6.53%*
  • Origination fee is 1.057%**
  • Student is responsible for interest during all periods
Direct Parent PLUS Loan
  • For a Parent of dependent undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time
  • Borrower must not have adverse credit history
  • Interest is 9.08%*
  • Origination fee is 4.228%**
  • Borrower is responsible for interest during all periods

*These rates apply to all Direct Loans made on or after 1 July 2024 and before 1 July 2025.
**The fee applies to all Direct Loans first disbursed on or after 1 October 2019.

For full information, see Interest Rates and Fees for Federal Student Loans.

 

For graduates

Types of Direct Loans Loan details
Direct Unsubsidised Loan
  • For graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time
  • Interest is 8.08%*
  • Origination fee is 1.057%**
  • Student is responsible for interest during all periods
Direct PLUS Loan
  • For graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time
  • Borrower must not have adverse credit history
  • Interest is 9.08%*
  • Origination fee is 4.228%**
  • Borrower is responsible for interest during all periods

*These rates apply to all Direct Loans made on or after 1 July 2024 and before 1 July 2025.
**The fee applies to all Direct Loans first disbursed on or after 1 October 2019.

For full information, see Interest Rates and Fees for Federal Student Loans.

Annual limits for Direct Subsidised and Unsubsidised Loans (in USD)

Dependent undergraduates* Subsidised Loan Total Subsidised & Unsubsidised Loans
First year US$3,500 US$5,500
Second year US$4,500 US$6,500
Third year and beyond US$5,500 US$7,500

*Excluding dependent students whose parents cannot borrow Direct Parent PLUS Loan.

Independent undergraduates**
 Subsidised Loan Total Subsidised & Unsubsidised Loans
First year US$3,500 US$9,500
Second year US$4,500 US$10,500
Third year and beyond US$5,500 US$12,500

**Including dependent students whose parents cannot borrow Direct Parent PLUS Loan.

Graduate
 Subsidised Loan Total Unsubsidised Loans
First year Not applicable US$20,500 (unsubsidised only)

Aggregate limits for Direct Subsidised and Unsubsidised Loans (in USD)

Student
 Subsidised Loan Total Subsidised & Unsubsidised Loans
Dependent undergraduate*
 US$23,000 US$31,000
Independent undergraduates**
 US$23,000 US$57,500
Graduate
 US$65,500 US$138,500

*Excluding dependent students whose parents cannot borrow Direct Parent PLUS Loan.
**Including dependent students whose parents cannot borrow Direct Parent PLUS Loan.