Student veterans may be able to use VA education benefits to participate in Education Abroad programs, but eligibility and coverage can vary significantly depending on the student’s specific benefit chapter, program structure, and VA requirements. Early planning and communication are strongly encouraged. To help ensure a successful experience, students should work closely with the Education Abroad Office and the Veterans Certification Office to align academic goals with funding requirements and certification timelines.
Understanding Your Funding Options
The way VA benefits apply to education abroad depends on your specific benefit chapter and the nature of your program.
Things to Consider
- GI Bill® Benefits: Some GI Bill® benefits may be used for approved education abroad when the courses apply toward a student’s degree program and meet VA requirements.
- Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E): Students using VR&E benefits should speak directly with their assigned VR&E counselor as early as possible in the planning process. Approval for education abroad through VR&E depends on several factors, including federal regulatory requirements, degree applicability, course availability in the United States, and other individual circumstances. Education Abroad advisors and PSU staff cannot determine VR&E eligibility or approval.
- Dependent Tuition Waiver: This waiver covers resident tuition but does not cover associated fees or education abroad program fees.
- What is Covered: VA benefits may cover approved tuition and mandatory course fees, depending on the student’s benefits and certification eligibility.
- What is NOT Covered: The VA generally does not cover travel expenses (airfare), passport or visa fees, immunizations, housing costs, or specific education abroad program fees.
Housing and Living Stipends
Housing costs abroad are not billed directly to the VA. Students must use the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) or Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) associated with their enrollment to pay for housing while abroad. Because students remain enrolled at PSU during their program, eligible students typically continue receiving the same BAH/MHA rate associated with PSU’s zip code, provided they maintain the required credit load for full-time status.
Financial Documentation Requirements
To receive certification for education abroad, students will be asked to provide a detailed financial breakdown of all program costs to the Veterans Certification Office early in the planning process. This allows the certification team to distinguish between potentially coverable tuition and mandatory fees versus non-coverable program or travel expenses. Students can request a financial aid budget from the Education Abroad Office to assist with this process.
Checklist for Student Veterans
- Academic Alignment: Meet with your academic advisor to review your degree requirements and determine how education abroad coursework may apply toward your program.
- Program Selection: Choose a PSU Education Abroad program that supports your academic and personal goals.
- Financial Planning: Meet with an Education Abroad Advisor to review estimated costs, including tuition, housing, fees, airfare, and personal expenses.
- Veterans Certification Review: Connect with the Veterans Certification Office to discuss your individual benefits, certification requirements, timelines, and documentation needs.
- VR&E Students: If you are using VR&E benefits, consult directly with your assigned VR&E counselor before committing to an education abroad program.
- Submit Certification E-Form: Students using VA education benefits must submit a certification E-form via myPSU for each term abroad to remain eligible for benefits processing.
- Course Pre-Approval: Ensure your courses are pre-approved for transfer or PSU credit before departure.
Scholarships & Funding Resources
Additional Resources
For additional funding information, visit the Education Abroad Funding webpage or connect with the Veterans Resource Center.