If you do not qualify for a government student loan many banks offer personal student loans or student lines of credit. Unlike government student loans, these loans are based on general credit granting crieteria. To qualify for these loans students generally require a cosigner (i.e. parent or guardian).

Private bank loans also require regular interest payments while you are a full-time student. In order to make your monthly interest payments you are encouraged to have a regular part-time job.

Blended principle and interest payments begin once you cease to be a full-time student. Be sure to ask if there is a "grace period" after you graduate before you have to start making your blended payments. In addition, remember to ask about interest rates while you are a student AND when you have completed your period of study, as these can be very different.

Application for a personal student line of credit can generaly be made at your local bank or through their on-line or telephone banking services.