For veterans and active service members, the GI Bill can be an invaluable resource for financing higher education and career training. But what many may not know is that the GI Bill can also be used to cover the costs of studying abroad. This comprehensive guide will explore the different options available for using the GI Bill to study abroad, as well as the eligibility requirements and application process.
The GI Bill offers several different programs that can be used to cover the costs of studying abroad. The most commonly used program is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides financial assistance for tuition, housing, and other expenses related to education or training. This program can be used to cover the costs of studying abroad at a college or university that is approved for GI Bill benefits.
Another program that can be used to cover the costs of studying abroad is the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB). This program provides financial assistance for veterans who have served at least two years on active duty. The MGIB can be used to cover the costs of studying abroad at a college or university that is approved for GI Bill benefits.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, veterans must have served at least 90 days of active duty service after September 10, 2001. Service members must have served at least 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001, and be discharged due to a service-connected disability. To be eligible for the MGIB, veterans must have served at least two years on active duty.
To be able to use the GI Bill to study abroad, the program must be approved for GI Bill benefits. This means that the program must be offered by a college or university that is approved for GI Bill benefits. It is important to note that not all study abroad programs are approved for GI Bill benefits, so it is important to research the program thoroughly before applying.
Application Process
To apply for the GI Bill to study abroad, veterans and active service members must first submit an application to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Once the application has been approved, veterans and active service members must then submit a request to use the GI Bill to study abroad to their school’s certifying official. The school’s certifying official will then work with the VA to ensure that the program is approved for GI Bill benefits.
Conclusion
The GI Bill can be an excellent resource for veterans and active service members looking to study abroad. By providing financial assistance for tuition, housing, and other expenses related to education or training, the GI Bill can help make studying abroad a reality for many. However, it’s important to be aware of the different program options available and their eligibility requirements, and to make sure that the program you are interested in is approved for GI Bill benefits before applying. By researching the program thoroughly and following the application process, veterans and active service members can take advantage of the many benefits that the GI Bill has to offer.