Entrance and Exit Counselling

Entrance Counselling

It is a US legal requirement for all students who take out Direct Loans to undergo entrance counselling. Whilst this may sound daunting, it is simply a process to make sure that you understand the responsibilities and the terms and conditions of your loan.

Please complete entrance counselling on the StudentLoans.gov website. You will need your FSA ID. If you are completing entrance counselling to borrow a loan as an Undergraduate, please complete counselling for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. If you are completing entrance counselling to borrow a loan as a Postgraduate, please complete counselling for Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct Plus Loans. In addition you'll need to print out the counselling confirmation and send it in with your application as we require proof that the counselling session(s) have been completed.

We will not be able to proceed with completing and certifying your loans until we have a copy of the counselling confirmation.

Exit Counselling

US regulations also stipulate that you must complete exit counselling by the time you finish your studies at Cambridge. This has to be done before you graduate, drop below half-time attendance, or withdraw, regardless of whether you plan to transfer to another University or re-enroll at the University of Cambridge at a later date. The counselling session will help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower. It also provides useful tips and information to help you manage your loans.

Please complete exit counselling on the StudentLoans.gov website:

You'll need your FSA ID and it will take you approximately 30 minutes. Please email the 'Completed Exit Counselling' confirmation page to the Student Funding and Fee Policy Team at StudentLoans@admin.cam.ac.uk once completed. We'll then update your records to confirm that you have met the requirements of Exit Counselling.