One Big Beautiful Bill Act
In July 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law. This act will have impact on federal student aid programs starting in the 2026/27 academic year.
The information provided on our website is subject to change, and we will update in accordance with the US Department of Education. They have a page dedicated the OBBA updates which can be found here - One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates | Federal Student Aid, and information on the changes on loan limts - One Big Beautiful Bill Act – Important Definitions | Federal Student Aid.
The federal aid package provided in 2026/27 will differ depending on if you are a continuing student or a new student*. Please see below for the information we have to date on either of these options. If you are unsure on which package applies to you, or if you have any other queries on this, then please get in touch with us at USloans@gla.systa-s.com.
* A new student is any student who is new to the university, has transferred on to a new program, or is taking out federal loans for the first time.
Changes coming in from July 01 2026
The following changes apply to new students only. Students already attending and with loans should refer to the Pre-OBBA limits.
Changes to Graduate Unsub Limits
- The annual limit for postgraduate unsub loan is unchanged at $20,500, however the aggregate limit for postgraduate unsub loan has reduced from $138,500 to $100,000. This aggregate amount is not thought to include loans from a student's undergraduate degree.
- Students on professional degrees will have an increased unsubsidized limit of $50,000 annually, and $200,000 aggregate. Courses that qualify as professional degrees can be found here - One Big Beautiful Bill Act – Important Definitions | Federal Student Aid.
Grad PLUS Loans
- Grad PLUS loans will no longer be available for new students.
- Students wishing to borrow above the unsub limit may wish to borrow privately.
Parent PLUS Loans
- Parent PLUS loans will be capped at $20,000 per student per year, with a $65,000 lifetime limit per dependent student.
- Existing Parent PLUS borrowers who have borrowed for their students before July 01, 2026, can continue with the current limits for 3 more years or until the student's programme ends (whichever is earlier)
- The undergraduate unsub and sub limits will remain the same.
Loan Limits
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If you started your current programme at the University of Glasgow before 01 July 2026, and received federal loans for the programme before this date:
Students who are already enrolled in a programme at the University of Glasgow before 01 July 2026, and who have received federal loans for the programme before this date, will continue to be eligible to borrow the same loan types as from 2025/26, and thereafter for a further 3 academic years or until the programme ends, whichever comes earlier.
If you have not borrowed a Graduate PLUS loans before 01 July 2026 then you will not be eligible for them after this date.
You can view the 2025/26 limits for different student types here - Loan Limits
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If you are starting a new programme at the University of Glasgow for the 2026/27 academic year, are transferring for the 2026/27 academic year, or are a student who didn't borrow federal loans before 01 July 2026:
Loan types for undergraduate students
There are no changes to the unsub or sub limits for undergraduate students under the OBBA. The limits are as follows:
| Year of Study | Annual Subsidised | Annual Total Combined Loans (Subsidised & Unsubsidised) | Aggregate Subsidised | Aggregate Combined Loans (Subsidised & Unsubsidised) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Dependent Students | ||||
| Year 1 | $3500 | $5500 | $23000 | $31000 |
| Year 2 | $4500 | $6500 | $23000 | $31000 |
| Year 3+ | $5500 | $7500 | $23000 | $31000 |
| Undergraduate Independent Students | ||||
| Year 1 | $3500 | $9500 | $23000 | $57000 |
| Year 2 | $4500 | $10500 | $23000 | $57000 |
| Year 3+ | $5500 | $12500 | $23000 | $57000 |
However, new limits have come in under the OBBA for limits on Parent Plus Loans.
| Limit Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Limit | $20,000 per student |
| Aggregate Loan Limit | $65,000 per student of combined parent borrowing |
*For example, if Parent A borrows $50,000 on behalf of their first child and Parent B borrowers $15,000 for that same child, the total is $65,000 borrowed between both parents on behalf of that child. Those parents can’t take out any further loans on behalf of that child for that year, but they can take out up to $65,000 in loans on behalf of a second child (and so on for each of their children).
Loan types for postgraduate students
There is no change to the annual limit of $20,500 unsubsidized loan for postgraduate students, however the aggregate limit has reduced from $138,500 to $100,000. This aggregate limit is of graduate loans only and so will not include undergraduate loans taken.
| Limit Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Limit | $20,500 |
| Aggregate Loan Limit | $100,000 (from graduate loans) |
Students will no longer be able to borrow Graduate PLUS loans.
Loan types for professional students
The limits for professional students are as follows:
| Limit Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Limit | $50,000 |
| Aggregate Loan Limit | $200,000 (from graduate loans) |
Students will no longer be able to borrow Graduate PLUS loans.
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