I want to attend an MA program in the UK; I probably will not qualify for subsidized Stafford Loans so the most I can get I believe is around 5,000 dollars. Am I supposed to apply for any unsubsidized Stafford Loan money I can get and then apply for a Graduate Plus loan? Would I be able to apply for the remaining (approximately) $13,000 I would need for tuition? Could I apply for more to cover housing, books, etc? Thanks!

Yes. You want to apply for a Stafford loan first and then Grad loans second. There are better interest rates attached to the Stafford loan. The Grad Plus is based on credit history (not credit score) and that influences if you are accepted for the Plus loan or not. The rule of thumb is that you can borrower funds that cover all expenses, including housing and books. The only X-factor is that the school needs to certify the amount you request.

Thank you so much!