<prompt> Human: I have a BA already, but Ive recently decided to go back to school for something entirely different. Im 28 and American, but the school I will be going to is in Australia. I managed to make it through my first degree with no student loans. At the moment I have very little savings, but expect to get a 45,000 windfall in the next couple years, so Im not at all hesitant about taking out loans, including private loans if need be. Assuming that I also work my way through, what would be the best options for loans aside from the basic Stafford?  <response>: Free money is the best. Would you mind saying a bit more about what sort of program you are looking to do?A professional degree in a high-demand field might well be worth much more than the cost of a degree. And Im sure the same is true for other non-professional programs. But there are lots of disciplines where the expectation is that any good student with real prospects for the field will receive significant funding. The funding is essentially evidence that youre working on a level that offers some value to the institution youre working within, and they want you to chose them. This is obviously really dependent on what you study and what work you want to do with your education. And even in disciplines where that attitude toward funding is the norm, if its one of the top ten schools in the world for that field, the rule can get bent significantly.I also completed my undergrad debt free, and I think I did well in my program. My profs particularly those acting as my referees made it damn clear that I was only to do a program if it was fully funded, or at one of my top choice schools with at least 50 funding. Not only would 50,000 on a masters be expensive, but the degree is in my field at least completely useless if not accompanied by clear evidence that your school valued you highly - funding. Its one thing to go to an employer and say look at this shiny 30,000 degree I earned! And another to say so this highly accredited and respected university valued me at 30,000, check out this shiny degree that came with it.Not every program or field has scholarships and bursaries as presumed elements of a good education. But many do. In fields where your funding is as much a part of your cv as your degree program, never treat funding as less important than the application for acceptance. Rule of thumb: when you start thinking about grad school, you start by:1. narrowing down the programs and schools that are most likely to give you access to the career you want.2. then you focus on funding. You learn everything you can about which scholarships and bursaries are available. This is free money. Research the shit out of how to get your hands on it.3. narrow down your most likely funding packages with your top choice schools, this is now your short-list.4. approach the school of grad studies or equivalent at your undergraduate school, whatever office or department is responsible for helping you get that acceptance letter and some free money. Avail of all resources available.5. Treat your funding applications as seriously as your applications. Make them the best things you have ever done. This is the culmination of your education and career, if applicable. 6. Cross your fingers, hope for the best. Wait.7. Receive letters, hopefully some dont use the word unfortunately. If you win, enjoy your free or cheap education and the lucrative career that follows. 