Direct Loan application process (current loan recipients only)

The following information will assist you with the five-step application process and the disbursement timeline.

The University of Auckland school code: G12421.

Please note, the University is currently unable to consider new loan applications, or applications from students who have not been enrolled continuously and receiving direct loans before 31 March 2023 at the University of Auckland.

When to apply for Direct Loans

You must be accepted to an eligible programme at the University of Auckland (the University) before your financial aid application can be assessed.

  • In October, we start processing Financial Aid applications from those students whose programmes start in March, the following year.
  • In May, we start processing Financial Aid applications from those students whose programmes start in July.

It takes 5-10 business days to complete a financial aid application.

The following process must be completed annually. 

How to apply for Direct Loans

Step One – Submit your financial aid application to the Financial Aid Coordinator at the University.

You must complete the following:

For Undergraduates For Graduates
  • Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA)*
  • Loan Agreement for a Subsidised/Unsubsidised Loan (Master Promissory Note (MPN)) 
  • If applicable (Parent Borrowers):
    • A Direct PLUS loan request
    • Loan Agreement for a PLUS Loan (MPN)
  • Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA)*
  • Loan Agreement for a Subsidised/Unsubsidised Loan (Master Promissory Note (MPN))
  • If applicable (PLUS loan):
    • A Direct PLUS loan request
    • Loan Agreement for a PLUS Loan (MPN)  

* Notes when filling your FAFSA form: 

Use the school code G12421 when requested. 

Select the correct award year: 

  • 2023-2024 School Year (commencement of the programme 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024)
  • 2024-2025 School Year (commencement of the programme 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2025)

Complete the online Financial Aid Application form by clicking on US Financial Aid Application. 

Step Two – Receive your Award letter

Your financial aid application will be assessed by the Financial Aid Coordinator.  If eligible, you will receive your Award letter by email detailing your Cost of Attendance, the types of Direct Loans and award amounts for which you are eligible.
 

Step Three – Return the Award letter signed and Apply for a refund 
 

Return the Award letter
You must return your signed Award letter with the types of loans and amounts that you are requesting to the Financial Aid Coordinator via our online enquiry form. 

Apply for a Refund
Before the funds are disbursed, you must apply for a refund online. 

SS-01 Fee Refund

After tuition and fees are paid in full, the excess balance will be refunded to your designated bank account within 14 days of when the funds are received by the University.

Please note the the University does not charge a US Financial Aid application fee. A NZ$60.00 refund processing fee is waived for US Financial Aid recipients. An administrative fee of NZ$1,000.00 does not apply to refund of US Financial Aid.
 

Step Four – Receive the Direct Loan Information letter for student visa application

You will receive your Direct Loan Information letter from the Financial Aid Coordinator to support your student visa application.
 

Step Five – Receive your Direct Loan funds

You will receive a minimum of two equal disbursements per year which coincide with the start of each semester.

The main disbursement dates in 2024 are:

  • 4 March 2024 for Semester One
  • 22 July 2024 for Semester Two

The main disbursement dates in 2025 are:

  • 10 March 2025 for Semester One
  • 28 July 2025 for Semester Two

We do not expect the actual date to differ by more than two days.