Using the GI Bill ® to Study Abroad
It is possible to use GI Bill ® benefits to study abroad. Section 9 of the Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act of 2022 specifically improves access to GI Bill benefits for studying at foreign institutions by streamlining the approval process and increasing flexibility. Here’s what to know about using GI Bill benefits abroad.
Eligibility
- You must be a veteran, service member, Reservist, or qualified dependent.
- You are in a VA approved program
Important Points for Study Abroad Programs
- The student must be enrolled in courses that will apply to their degree program (approved VA program).
- The courses must be offered at an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) leading to a standard college degree or the equivalent and apply to their degree program
- The foreign institution must be approved by VA for GI Bill funding except for those that fall under Section 9 of the Veterans Auto & Education Improvement Act.
Methods to use GI Bill ® Benefits Abroad
- Direct enrollment in a foreign school that is approved for GI Bill funding
- Guest enrollment in a foreign school while still enrolled in a U.S.-based institution
- Participation in an instructor-led educational program
- Enrollment in a U.S. institution’s overseas branch campus
- *New* Enrolled in a study abroad opportunity offered under contract or written agreement between the U.S. based IHL and a foreign IHL.
- *New* Enrolled as a guest student in a study abroad opportunity offered by a second U.S. based IHL approved for GI Bill funding. The U.S. based Guest IHL has a contract or written agreement with a foreign IHL.
Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill (chapter 33), the VA will pay:
- Tuition and fees (amount dependent on method of enrollment – see Table 1)
- Books and supplies
- Monthly housing allowance (amount dependent on method of enrollment – see Table 1)
- In order for VA to pay any additional fees specific to the Study Abroad program, the Study Abroad option must be required for graduation.
The VA will NOT pay:
- Costs related to travel (airfare or amenity fees)
- Third party charges.
Table 1: An overview of study abroad methods and associated Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits*.
*Student using VR&E Chapter 31 Benefits should seek approval from their VR&E Counselor
| Enrollment Method | Tuition & Fee Benefit | Monthly Housing Allowance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign IHL Direct | Up to Annual Max | Foreign Rate (National Avg) | Foreign School must be VA approved and Certify your enrollment |
| Guest Student: U.S. based parent IHL w/ Foreign IHL Guest enrollment | Up to Annual Max | Foreign Rate (National Avg) | Foreign School must be VA approved and Certify your enrollment |
| Instructor Led: Boise State Professor leads, teaches & monitors | Boise State In-State | Boise State MHA | Certified by Boise State |
| Overseas Campus | N/A | N/A | Not Applicable to Boise State |
| U.S. School: Matriculated at Boise State w/ Foreign IHL enrollment under contract or written agreement | Boise State In-State | Foreign Rate (National Avg) | Certified by Boise State |
| U.S. Guest Shool: Matriculated at Boise State attending U.S. Guest IHL w/ Foreign IHL enrollment under contract or written agreement | Boise State In-State | Foreign Rate (National Avg) | Certified by U.S. Guest School |
Additional Resources:
- VA Website: Check the VA website for information about using your GI Bill for study abroad.
- WEAMS Institution Search: Use the WEAMS Institution Search tool to find foreign schools with approved programs.
- AIFS Abroad: AIFS offers scholarships for students from underrepresented communities in study abroad (including student veterans).
- Military.com: Military.com provides information on using your GI Bill® overseas.
- CollegeRecon: CollegeRecon offers guidance on studying abroad with your Post-9/11 GI Bill®
- NAFSA: NAFSA provides resources for veterans studying abroad.
- Boise State Study Abroad: 208-426-2630 Study Abroad
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.