Did you know you can use your GI Bill benefits to study at a UK university?
If you're a US veteran, service member or eligible family member, the GI Bill may help cover the cost of earning your degree in the UK.
The important thing to know is that your specific degree program must be approved by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), not just the university.
If you're still exploring your options, take a look at our GI Bill Approved UK Universities & Degrees guide.
Already have a university in mind? Here's how to get started!
1. Check That Your UK Degree Is GI Bill Approved
Before applying, make sure your chosen degree is approved by the VA.
A university may accept GI Bill benefits without every degree at that university being approved.
You can use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool to search for your university and check its approved programs.
We also recommend contacting the university's international student or financial aid office to confirm your degree's eligibility.
If your degree isn't already approved, ask whether the university can request approval from the VA. The university must submit that request, and approval isn't guaranteed.
It's best to confirm approval before enrolling, since you could be responsible for tuition and fees if your program isn't approved.
2. Apply to the University
Once you've found an approved degree, it's time to apply!
Follow the university's application process for international students and let them know you plan to use GI Bill benefits.
You should also ask which office handles VA benefits and who your School Certifying Official is. This is the person responsible for submitting your enrollment information to the VA.
If you're unfamiliar with the UK application process, our guide to applying to UK universities walks you through what to expect.
3. Apply for Your GI Bill Benefits
If you're not already receiving GI Bill benefits, you'll need to apply through the VA.
The application depends on which benefits you're eligible for.
Veterans, service members, Reservists and National Guard members can generally apply online or use VA Form 22-1990.
Family members using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits typically use VA Form 22-1990e. Other benefits for dependents and survivors have their own application requirements.
Give yourself plenty of time! The VA recommends applying at least 90 days before leaving the United States to attend a foreign university.
4. Give Your Certificate of Eligibility to the University
Once your benefits are approved, the VA will issue a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
You'll need to provide this to your university's School Certifying Official.
They'll use it to confirm your eligibility and submit your enrollment information to the VA.
Your GI Bill payments won't begin until the VA receives and processes your enrollment certification, so be sure to complete this step before classes start.
5. Verify Your Enrollment Each Month
Depending on your GI Bill benefits, you may need to verify your enrollment with the VA every month.
For example, Post-9/11 GI Bill students who receive a monthly housing allowance or kicker payment and attend at least half-time are generally required to verify their enrollment.
If you're required to verify, don't skip it! The VA can pause monthly payments after two consecutive months without verification.
Your university's School Certifying Official can help you understand what you need to do.
6. Keep the VA and Your University Updated
Once you've started your degree, make sure your enrollment information stays accurate.
If you change your course load, drop a class, withdraw or make another change to your enrollment, let your School Certifying Official know as soon as possible.
Changes to your enrollment can affect your GI Bill payments and may result in an overpayment.
And don't forget to attend your university's international student orientation! It's a great way to learn about campus resources, housing, visa support and student life in the UK.
What Does the GI Bill Cover at a UK University?
If you're using the Post-9/11 GI Bill at an approved UK university, your benefits may help cover:
- Tuition and mandatory fees
- A monthly housing allowance
- Books and supplies
The amount you receive depends on your eligibility level, enrollment and the current VA rates.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the maximum tuition and mandatory fee benefit at a foreign university is $30,908.34 for students eligible for the full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit. This rate applies from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027.
Eligible students may also receive a monthly housing allowance and up to $1,000 per academic year for books and supplies.
If your tuition exceeds the VA limit, you may be able to receive additional funding through the Yellow Ribbon Program if your university participates and you meet the eligibility requirements.
You can check current benefit amounts and participating universities through the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool.
Can You Use the GI Bill for an Online UK Degree?
Generally, no.
The VA does not approve independent study, including distance-learning programs, at foreign universities.
If you're planning to study through a UK university, make sure you check the course delivery format along with its GI Bill approval status.
Is Studying at a UK University the Same as Studying Abroad?
Not quite!
For GI Bill purposes, enrolling directly at a UK university to earn your degree is considered attending a foreign school.
Studying abroad usually means you're enrolled at a US university and taking courses overseas that count toward your US degree.
The VA has different requirements for these arrangements, so it's important to know which applies to you.
Need Help Applying to a UK University?
Using your GI Bill benefits is one part of the process. You'll also want to find a university and degree that's a good fit for your academic goals.
The UK Study Expert helps American students understand the UK university application process, explore their options and prepare their applications.
