The length of time you can defer repayment of your loans depends on the type of student loan you received and the time at which you first received the loan. While Health Education Assistance Loans give four years of deferment for required internship/residency training, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Stafford Student Loans, and University of California Loans give only two years to students receiving their first student loan prior to July 1993. Students receiving their first student loan after this date cannot defer a loan for residency. There is no limit on the number of years of deferment during required internship or residency training for the Health Professions Student Loan (HPSL). Be aware that you must submit deferment forms to get your loans deferred. Do not assume that your medical school or bank KNOWS you are a resident or postdoctoral scholar and will automatically give you deferment; they will not. Keep your loan accounts in good standing by submitting deferment forms promptly!