Going Abroad for Grad School - where to get loans?

[Cyrone]

This Q must have been asked before, but can't seem to find a direct answer... 

 

I got into a 2-year program in Singapore.. 

 

But my bank is too small to provide loans, and every other resource I find is for international students studying in the USA. I want it for the other way around! Are all institutions (and websites) so cocky as to think no USA citizens want to study abroad??

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[Alejo]

You can get a federal direct loan for up to $20,500 (unsubsidized) I believe.

 

After that there are Direct PLUS loans if you have good credit to help with the remaining COA (cost of attendance):

 

However you have to see if your school is eligible for American financial aid...and I don't see Singapore on the list...

 

You may have to speak directly to a larger bank for assistance.

[Cyrone]

^ Thanks man, someone else had said the same thing. I may have to convert to Bank of America (ugh) for this...

 

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[zapster]

Have you considered approaching banks in Singapore ?

 

Do not have personal experience with any of these, but some of the bank websites (e.g. DBS) do talk about giving education loans for University to International students in Singapore (guarantor required). Have no idea about the comparative interest rates in Singapore vs US though, so not sure which option will be less expensive.

[Cyrone]

^ well yeah they do have partnerships with local banks, however, they only allow about $4000 per year. Which is fairly useless. At this point I'm even willing to convert to Bank of America or Chase.

[Snuffleupagus]

American Educational Services is a lender that does private educational loans, which is what I used when I went overseas.  However, I recommend getting loans through financial aid if you can.