A Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is a federal student loan for which a borrower isn’t generally responsible for paying the interest while in an in-school enrollment period (or other deferment periods). Interest begins accruing for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans as soon as the loan is credited.
To be eligible for a Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, you must be an undergraduate student with financial need. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree enrolled at least half-time. Financial need is not required to qualify.
Both of these types of loans are for students, in the student's name, and not transferrable to another borrower. You can learn more about Federal Direct loans on the Federal Student Aid website.