Skip to Content

Foreign programs

If you plan to study at a foreign school, find out how you can use VA benefits to cover your tuition and fees.

Can I use VA education benefits to study at a foreign school?

You may be able to use education benefits at a foreign school if you meet these requirements.

All of these must be true:

  • You’re eligible for VA education benefits as a Veteran, service member, Reservist, or qualified dependent, and
  • Your program is at an institution of higher learning where you’ll earn a standard associate degree or higher, or an equivalent degree at that foreign school, and
  • We’ve approved your program

Exception: Family members who qualify for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance can get VA benefits while in approved postsecondary (after high school) non-college degree programs at training locations in the Philippines.

What benefits can I get?

If you’re using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you may be able to get these benefits:

  • Money for tuition and fees
  • Money for your housing costs during enrollment
  • Money for books and supplies

If you’re using one of these VA education benefits, you may be able to get a monthly payment:

  • Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
  • Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)

Are foreign programs and study abroad the same?

No. The main difference is where the school granting the degree is located.

If you’re using your VA education benefits for a foreign program, you’re enrolled directly in a foreign school. There’s no connection to a U.S. school. The program at the foreign school must be approved for GI Bill funding.

If you’re using your VA education benefits to study abroad, you’re enrolled at a U.S. school and taking courses abroad that will apply to your degree program.

Can I use my education benefits at any foreign school?

You can use your education benefits at a foreign school only if we’ve approved the program that you want to enroll in. Here are some requirements related to program approvals:

  • We’ll approve degree programs from schools in foreign countries that are similar to degrees granted by accredited U.S. colleges and universities.
  • For private schools overseas, the degree must be equivalent to those granted by public colleges and universities in the same country, and the school must have the same entrance requirements.
  • We won’t approve independent study, including distance learning.

If you’ve received your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and are ready to enroll, check first to make sure we’ve already approved the program. Send an email to federal.approvals@va.gov. You’ll need to give us the name of the foreign school, the complete address, and the name of the program you want to enroll in.

If you enroll in a program we haven’t approved, you’ll have to pay all costs at the school, including tuition and fees.

What if I need more help?

To get more information or help with your application:

  • Contact us online through Ask VA
  • If you’re in the United States, call  (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.
  • If you’re outside the United States, call +1- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. This isn’t a toll-free number.

Last updated: