If you’re applying to university from outside the UK, funding your studies can feel confusing, especially as support works differently depending on where you’re from.
Most EU and international students don’t receive UK government student loans, but many still successfully fund their studies through a mix of scholarships, personal funding, and support from their home country. This page explains the main options and where to find trusted information.
Scholarships and bursaries
At Solent we offer a range of scholarships and bursaries. These don’t usually need to be repaid and can help reduce the overall cost of your studies.
Scholarships vary depending on:
- Your course or level of study
- Academic achievement or potential
- Country of residence
- The year you start your course
Because scholarships are limited and often competitive, it’s a good idea to explore these options as early as possible.
Find out more about our scholarships and bursaries and apply today.
Support from your country
Some students are able to access financial support from their home country, such as:
- Government-backed student loans or grants
- Educational trusts or charities
- Employer or sponsor funding
What’s available will depend on your country of residence and personal circumstances. Your local education ministry or government website is often the best place to start.
For independent guidance you can trust UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) Find out more on their website.
Self-funding your studies
Many EU and international students choose to self-fund their studies, either fully or alongside scholarships or sponsorship.
Choosing to self-fund doesn’t mean you won’t receive support. We're always available if you have questions about payments or budgeting.
Canadian student loans
Solent University is a recognised institution for the purpose of certifying Canadian student loan applications. The Canada Student Loans Program allows students to borrow money from the Government of Canada to pursue higher education. For details on eligibility and how to apply for a loan, please visit the Canada Student Loans Program website. There is also a link from this site to the website of the National Student Loan Service, where you will be able to check the status of your loan.
Solent University also participates in the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). More information on how to apply, as well as a link confirming Solent as a participating school, can be found here.
Our friendly student funding team will be able to help students complete their loan applications by certifying and confirming their student status on the relevant documentation provided by the Canadian Government. You can email the student funding team at student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Please note: Solent University school code is PUJQ
Information for students from Fanshawe College, Ontario
In addition to Solent University being a recognised institution for the purpose of certifying Canadian student loan applications, we are also a recognised institution for the purposes of certifying OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) student loans, which are run by the Province of Ontario. Further information is available on the OSAP website.
US Federal Loans
The principle funding available for students from the USA is a 'direct loan', which is accessed via the US Department of Education's Direct Loan Programme website.
In 2010, these replaced loans from private lenders and are the main way students and parents fund the cost of education while studying in the UK. The lender for the direct loan programme is now the US Department of Education rather than a bank or other financial institution.
Direct loans are explicitly to cover the primary costs of education (tuition, student accommodation, books/supplies and commuter travel). Direct loans are not intended to cover other expenses that are not directly related to your study. You should plan a budget for your studies (cost of attendance) and you should only borrow what you need. You can find further information and the full terms and conditions of taking out and repaying a loan on the US Department of Education's website.
Full details on applying for a US Federal Loan are contained in the following documents:
Solent University guide to US federal aid 2023/24
To successfully apply for a US federal loan, you will need to complete a cost of attendance form. Please email student.funding@solent.ac.uk to request the form be sent to you.
If you are a postgraduate student, please e-mail student.funding@solent.ac.uk to request a copy of the relevant documents.
Once completed, please send these forms by email back to student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The University's school code is G25616.
Your attention is also drawn to the following University policies
US federal aid consumer information
The US government requires institutions which offer federal student loans to disclose consumer information.
US federal aid consumer information
Terms and conditions of US federal aid
The terms and conditions of requesting and obtaining US financial aid while studying at Solent University are available in the link below.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Solent University is required by US Federal Law to define and enforce standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) on students who wish to access US federal funds (subsidised, unsubsidised or PLUS Direct Loans). The University's SAP policy has been established to encourage students to progress and successfully complete the academic course for which aid is received. Guidelines apply to all federal loan recipients, including undergraduates, taught postgraduates, and research postgraduates.
Students should familiarise themselves with the University's SAP policy, including evaluation points, qualitative and quantitative evaluation criteria, the impacts of changes in enrolment status, and the consequences of failing to meet SAP.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy
Return of title IV funds
If you withdraw from your course, suspend your studies, drop below half time, or otherwise become ineligible to receive US Federal Loans you must email student.funding@solent.ac.uk immediately. Under US law, the University is required to report any changes to your enrolment and, if necessary, may need to arrange for any “unearned” loan funds to be returned to the US Department of Education.
Return of Title IV Funds Policy
Leave of absence
A leave of absence from a programme of study, for the purposes of Title IV Federal Student Aid, can only be allowed in very specific situations. This policy describes the situations in which a leave of absence will be applied, the implications for the Federal Student Aid of a student on a leave of absence, and the implications for Federal Student Aid of a student temporarily halting their studies when they are not eligible for a leave of absence.
Default management
Students set to receive federal loans may request a copy of the University’s default management plan [DMP] which provides an overview of the initiatives in place to help students understand their loan responsibilities. If you require a copy of the DMP, please email student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Repayment options and obligations
The Direct Federal Loan programme offers loan repayment plans designed to meet the needs of borrowers and allows you to choose your repayment plan. These loans can be repaid within a period of 10 to 25 years depending on which repayment plan you choose. Repayments of your direct loans normally start six months after completion of your course, withdrawing or dropping below half-time attendance.
Before repayment starts you will be provided with repayment options and a repayment schedule from your loan servicer(s) for each type of loan you have borrowed. If you do not receive these schedules towards the end of your grace period contact your servicer because repayment begins whether or you are aware or not.
For repayment information, you can can contact the Federal Student Aid Center on 001-800-4-FED-AID (001-800-433-3243).
Gainful employment disclosures
All non-degree educational programmes are referred to as Gainful Employment (GE) programmes. New US Department of Education regulations require institutions to inform current and prospective students of their prospects for 'gainful employment' when receiving federal financial aid for non-degree programs such as certificates and diplomas.
It is important to note that at Solent University, Title IV federal loans are awarded to degree-seeking students only.
However, University regulations stipulate that if a degree-seeking student terminates their course early, they may receive an 'exit award' in the form of a certificate or diploma if they have fulfilled the appropriate credit requirements.
