US Financial Aid – Frequently Asked Questions

General questions

What is US financial aid?

  • US financial aid are loans and grants provided by the US Department of Education to assist with all associated study costs.

Can I use US financial aid at London Met?

  • You can use federal loans at London Met; however, you will not be eligible for any grants as London Met is an international school.

What is London Met’s school code?

  • The London Met school code is G22353

Who can support me with US financial aid at London Met? The financial aid office will assist with any federal aid, Sallie Mae student loans and VA benefits. Please contact us at usfinancialaid@londonmet.ac.uk. If you have any other queries please contact adviceinternational@londonmet.ac.uk or USA@londonmet.ac.uk.

Apply for US financial aid

How do I apply for US financial aid?

  • You will need to submit: 
    • London Met offer email
    • high school diploma
    • UG degree certificate (if applicable)
    • passport
    • Student Aid Report (SAR)*
    • entrance counselling confirmation*
    • Sub/Unsub Master Promissory Note (MPN)*
    • MPN and credit check letter for plus loans*
*these documents need to be downloaded from FASFA.

When can I start to apply?

  • FAFSA applications for academic year 2023/24 can be submitted from January 2023, however the US Financial Aid Office at London Met will start processing FAFSA applications for September 2023 from 11 April to 10 August 2023.

I haven’t received my final grades yet, can I still apply for US financial aid?

  • You can complete your SAR, however, we require all requested documentation before we can begin your financial aid assessment.

I have completed my associate degree in the USA and received financial aid. I am now transferring into the 2nd year. Can I still receive financial aid?

  • You will need to contact the admissions team regarding entry points, you can use financial aid for any year of study as long as you have received an offer on an eligible programme and have not exceeded your aggregate lifetime loan limit.

I have previously used US financial aid. Can I use it again?

  • Yes, as long as you have not exceeded your lifetime loan aggregate (check the website for amounts).

What do my parents need to do?

  • If applying for a parent plus loan, your parents will need to complete plus loan application and MPN.

I’m not in contact with my family, can I still apply for US financial aid?

  • You can still apply for financial aid, but you will not be able to apply for a parent plus loan.

I haven’t accepted my offer yet; can I still apply?

  • You should accept your offer prior to applying for federal aid.

I haven’t fully decided if I want to move to London. Can I apply and then change my mind?

  • You can apply for federal aid and change your mind at a later date, however due to the sensitive nature of the documents required to apply for federal aid we recommend only applying to federal aid once you are certain that you will be attending London Met.

I’m a dual citizen of the USA and another country. Can I apply for US financial aid?

  • You can apply for federal aid as long as you have the required documentation, including a valid US passport.

I’m a US citizen but have been living in a different country for the past few years. Can I apply?

  • You can apply for federal aid as long as you have the required documentation including a valid US passport.

What happens after I send all my documents to London Met?

  • We will assess your application upon receipt of all required documentation (usually within 5 working days, however this is dependent on the volume of applications). Once assessed we will send you a notification of loans letter along with the other financial aid policy documents.

What do I do with my letter confirming my US financial aid?

  • You will need to read, sign and return the letter to us and keep a copy for your records.

When I apply for my UK visa, will I need to show my US financial aid document?

Payments 

Do I have to pay a deposit if I am applying for US financial aid?

  • Your deposit will be waived once you have completed the financial aid process, if you have already paid your deposit, you can request a refund from the income team, please contact incomecollection@londonmet.ac.uk

When will I get paid?

  • September start postgraduate students will be paid at the start of October, the second week of February, and the second week of June.
  • September start undergraduate students will be paid at the start of October and the second week of February.
  • February start postgraduate students will be paid on the second week of February, the first week of October, and the second week of the following February.
  • February undergraduate students will be paid on the second week of February and the second week of June.

How much money can I expect to receive?

How will I be paid?

  • Do I need to open a UK bank account? You will be paid via bank transfer into your UK bank account. 

If I don’t receive my first payment until October how should I pay my flights, accommodation etc.?

  • You will need to arrange funding for your first few weeks at London Met, you can use savings, financial assistance from relatives or income from employment. Your flights, accommodation and living costs have been calculated within your COA from the first day of term so any money spent should be re-imbursed upon receipt of your first disbursement. 

Other funding 

If I am not eligible for financial aid, what are my other options?

  • Currently, we only accept Sallie Mae student loans; however, you can seek alternative private loan sources, but you will be registered as a self-funding student, and all deposits, tuition fees, and living expenses will be your responsibility.

Does London Met accept VA benefits?

  • Yes, London Met does accept VA benefits.

How do I know if my course is eligible for VA benefits?

  • Please visit USA veterans webpage to check the list of eligible courses.

How do I apply for VA benefits?

  • Applications for benefits are made online through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • Please email us a scan of your certificate of eligibility for veterans’ benefits.
  • London Met will confirm your enrolment and your tuition fees will be sent directly to the University.
  • Money for living costs will be sent directly to you.
  • You will need to provide proof of your acceptance for veterans benefits and the grant amounts to the University before you can be issued with a CAS for visa application.

What private loan providers does London Met accept?

  • Currently, we only accept Sallie Mae student loans; however, you can seek alternative private loan sources, but you will be registered as a self-funding student, and all deposits, tuition fees, and living expenses will be your responsibility.

What scholarships does London Met offer?

  • We offer undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships.
  • Our International Excellence Scholarship, which is a £2000 fee reduction, is available to undergraduates and postgraduates.
  • The International Student House scholarship for postgraduate students includes one year’s tuition, travel to and from the UK, and guarantees one year's accommodation at International Students House (ISH): a single room, fully furnished, inclusive of specified household bills and Wi-Fi.
  • Students are responsible for accommodation costs.
  • Students must live in the ISH to receive this scholarship.

I have been awarded a scholarship, will that change how much loan I will receive?

  • We will apply your scholarship award to your COA which may affect the amount of federal aid that you are eligible for.

My family is providing me with some money, do I need to tell you?

  • If you would like us to reduce your COA due to relative support, you will need to let us know.

I plan on working while in the UK, do I need to let you know my salary?

Academic progress 

What happens if I do not meet satisfactory academic progress?

  • If you fail to meet the SAP requirements you will be placed on financial aid warning, more information can be found via our SAP policy.

What happens if I withdraw from my course?

  • If you withdraw from your course, you will need to return any unearned aid to the US department of education, any surplus aid will be disbursed to you.
  • Withdrawal will also have implications in relation to your visa, so for further advice you should email adviceinternational@londonmet.ac.uk and usfinacialaid@londonmet.ac.uk prior to withdrawing.

Can I suspend my studies?

  • You can only suspend your studies for a period of 180 days and it is financial aid requirement that you return to the exact point of study that you left.
  • As this is very difficult to do, we advise against all suspension of studies as it will likely lead to withdrawal.

Can I study abroad during my time at London Met, if I have US financial aid?

  • We do not currently offer any eligible programs that include a study abroad semester.

Other questions 

What is exit counselling? Do I need to do it?

  • Exit counselling is a requirement for all student federal loan borrowers who are:
    • leaving school
    • graduating
    • dropping below half-time enrolment
  • If you do not complete exit counselling after two requests have been made we are required to forward your contact details to the US department of education.

Can London Met complete US 1098-T tax forms?

  • The university does not have an EIN or issue the 1098-T tax form as an overseas institution. However, you can independently download/request the information you need to file your US taxes.
  • Here are the instructions:
    • Students will need to use the receipts sent to them at every tuition payment and/or US financial aid disbursement -and/or- download/request a student status letter from your London Met portal which includes: Full name, student ID number, DOB, course title, year of course, course start date, expected end date, term/home address and a statement confirming enrolment and study hours.
    • Here's a step-by-step YouTube video on how to download the letter from your London Met portal.
    • If you require additional information added to the letter, you can contact your School Office who may add specific details dependent on the request.  

Who should I contact if I have financial aid queries?

US Financial Aid FAQs video