Policies

Changes in US law implemented on the 1 July 2006 by the Higher Education Reconciliation Act (HERA) means there are restrictions on the University's ability to offer federal loan funds to students on certain courses. Ineligible courses include those which are less than half-time, are not degree-bearing, include any online element or distance learning, or with a limited exception, programmes offered in whole or in part in the United States by a foreign institution, or have a compulsory work placement.

Further information can be found in our Programme ​Eligibility Policy.

The US Federal Administrator will advise applicants on whether courses are ineligible when you apply to Cardiff Metropolitan University and submit the FAFSA. If you have any queries regarding the eligiblity of your programme please contact our US Federal Administration Team on USLoans@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

Cardiff Metropolitan 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 programme for which federal 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.

Further information can be found in our SAP ​Policy document.

If you withdraw from your programme, suspend your studies, drop below half time, or otherwise become ineligible to receive US Federal Loans you must email usloans@cardiffmet.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 by completing a Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculation.

If your course becomes ineligible (for example, because you have taken a placement or study abroad option) this may mean all previous US Federal Loans received need to be returned and you are not eligible for any US Federal Loans in the future.

Further information can be found in ​our R2T4 policy document.

Cardiff Metropolitan University uses the Secretary's Default Prevention and Management Plan which provides an overview of the initiatives in place to help students understand their loan responsibilities.

If you would like to receive a copy of the Default Prevention and Management Plan, please contact the US Federal Administration Team on USLoans@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

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. Repayment of your Direct Loans normally starts 6 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.

The repayment process will go smoothly if you plan ahead. Start by knowing all your options.

Additional information about repayment can be found at Student Aid.gov.

For repayment information, you can also you can contact the Federal Student Aid Center on 001-800-4-FED-AID (001-800-433-3243).

All non-degree educational programmes are referred to as Gainful Employment (GE) programmes. 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 Cardiff Metropolitan University, Title IV Federal Loans are awarded to degree-seeking students only. However, University regulations stipulate that if a degree-seeking student terminates their programme early, they may receive an 'exit award' in the form of a certificate or diploma if they have fulfilled the appropriate credit requirements.

The US government requires institutions which offer federal student loans to disclose the following consumer information. ​Our ​​​​Consumer Information Disclosure can be found here.

Download our Leave of Absence Policy here (only applicable to PhD students)

Cardiff Metropolitan University does not currently complete 1098T tax forms for its students.

If you require any further information about the content, please email USLoans@cardiffmet.ac.uk.