Can i get Direct Loan if i have NO credit history?

i am planning to start my MS program in Fall 2011. The schools i have been admitted to haven't sent me out the financial award letter as yet but I am quite confident that i should be able to borrow at least $20000 in Stafford loans for my graduate studies. But the university i am planning to attend has a higher cost of attendance so i need to borrow more. I was hoping i may be eligible for Direct Loans and i plan to call up Federal Aid department and inquire about it but meantime can anyone tell me whether a graduate student with NO credit history can get a direct loan?? actually i immigrated to US around one and a half year back, (am living with relatives ) and among all the settling in, i didn't get around to having a credit card made. I need it now so i am going to have it made but still I wont have a credit history by Fall. I just want to get a preliminary idea so i dont get my hopes up too much as i really want to attend this institute.Thank you very much.