Education Loan Application Steps

1. Submit an Online Loan Application. If you have a cosigner, please ensure they complete their part of the application in a timely manner.

2. Configure your Loan. Select your repayment term. Your loan documents will be generated for signature after you make your selection.

3. Financial Certification. If you’re applying for a visa, you may utilize your conditional approval letter (you will receive this after completing your online application) to obtain financial certification from your school. Financial certification is needed to obtain your required I-20 or DS-2019, and to apply for your U.S. visa. Your visa type will determine the supporting documentation you will need to provide on your application. You will not be required to submit your visa to finalize your loan application.

Note: If you are studying remotely and do not plan to apply for a visa, or if you have a special circumstance, please reach out to us directly at Harvardfcu@campusdoor.com.

4. Apply for membership,¹ if you are not an existing Harvard FCU member.

Due to the cooperative banking structure of credit unions, you must be an Harvard FCU member to obtain a loan. Please visit harvardfcu.org/membership to learn about membership. Pay close attention to notifications from Harvard FCU in case we need more information for your account. Applications take 2-3 business days to process.

If you have a Social Security Number and a U.S. address, you may apply for membership here.
If you do not have a Social Security Number and a U.S. address, apply for membership here. This application allows you to open your required share savings account only. You will be asked to enter 000-00-0000 in place of your SSN.

5. Upload supporting documentation. This typically includes your Passport, and your school issued I-20 or DS-2019. Please check your online account for specific documentation requirements.

Note: If you will not be issued an I-20 or DS-2019 from your school, you will be required to provide an Enrollment Verification Letter from your Financial Aid or Registrar’s Office.

6. Sign Your Loan Documents. Your Approval Disclosure, Promissory Note, and Self Certification Form will be generated for signature after you configure your loan. You may sign your loan documents in the presence of a U.S. notary. Important details regarding notarization are located below. You may also sign your documents at a credit union branch by appointment. You can locate directions to the branch most convenient for your loan signing, and schedule your required appointment on our website.

Note: Borrowers may sign and notarize their loan documents through our partner, NotaryCam. Electronic copies will be accepted, and should be uploaded to your account for processing. The cost for signature and notarization services through NotaryCam is $25. A U.S. notary can also be found locally, or at the closest U.S. Consulate or Embassy. For notarized documents, each signature must be witnessed and explicitly acknowledged by a notary. One notary seal is required for the three documents with proper acknowledgement of each document and signature.

7. School Certification. Once your application is finalized, we will send a request for the school to certify your loan and set your disbursement date(s).

8. Review your Final Disclosure, which includes the final terms of your loan.  You will be notified when your disclosure is ready to view. You may waive your Final Disclosure Receipt period, which may expedite your loan disbursement.

9. Loan Disbursement. Funds will be sent directly to your school. Refunds and changes to loan amounts can be requested through your Financial Aid office.