The Direct Graduate PLUS loan is a federal loan that graduate students can use to help pay education expenses in addition to the Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Once you have completed the FAFSA, you can apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan by completing the credit application on the federal student aid website. We recommend you apply for the Graduate PLUS Loan when you receive your eBill, about a month before the bill’s due date. Learn more about eligibility, loan fees, interest rate, and the application process for Direct PLUS Loans.