If you are a US student who is planning to apply to a university in the UK with the support of the GI Bill, there are several steps you need to take. The GI Bill is a program that provides educational benefits to eligible veterans, service members and qualified family members, and it can be used to study at approved institutions in the UK.
The key thing to know is that the VA has to approve your specific degree program, not just the university. This guide walks you through how to use your GI Bill benefits once you’re ready to study in the UK. If you’re still deciding where to apply, start with our GI Bill Approved UK Universities & Degrees guide.
Here’s what you need to do.
1. Check That Your UK Degree Is GI Bill Approved
The first step is to make sure the exact degree you want to study is approved by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A university may accept GI Bill benefits without every degree at that university being approved.
Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to search for the university and check the approved programs listed there.
You can also reach out to their international office to check if the GI Bill is accepted. Not only does the university need to be approved, but the degree needs to be approved as well.
If your degree isn’t already approved, ask the university about requesting approval from the VA. Only the university can submit that request. The VA recommends waiting until your program has been approved before enrolling because you could be responsible for the tuition and fees if approval is denied.
2. Apply to the University
Once you have selected an approved institution, you will need to apply to the university. Follow the application process for international students, and make sure to mention that you are planning to use the GI Bill benefits. You may also need to provide additional documentation to show that you are eligible for the benefits.
Ask the university which office handles VA benefits and who your School Certifying Official is. This is the person who will report your enrollment to the VA once you’re ready to start your degree.
If you need help with the UK application process itself, our guide to applying to UK universities walks you through what to expect.
3. Apply for the GI Bill
If you are not already receiving GI Bill benefits, you’ll need to apply through the VA. Veterans, service members, Reservists and Guard members can apply online or use VA Form 22-1990.
If you’re a family member using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, you’ll apply separately using VA Form 22-1990e. Other benefits for dependents and survivors, including DEA and the Fry Scholarship, have their own application process.
Give yourself plenty of time for this step. The VA recommends that students planning to attend a foreign school submit their application at least 90 days before leaving the US.
4. Provide Your Certificate of Eligibility to the University
Once your benefits are approved, the VA will issue a Certificate of Eligibility, or COE. Take your COE to the university’s School Certifying Official so they can verify your eligibility and submit your enrollment information to the VA.
You won’t begin receiving GI Bill payments until the VA has received and processed that enrollment information. If you need an updated COE for a foreign university, you can request one through Ask VA.
5. Verify Your Enrollment Each Month
Depending on which GI Bill benefit you use, you may need to verify your enrollment with the VA at the end of each month. This includes Post-9/11 GI Bill students who receive a monthly housing allowance or kicker payment and are enrolled at least half time.
If you’re required to verify, don’t skip it even if your payment has already arrived. For Post-9/11 GI Bill students, the VA can pause monthly payments after two consecutive months without verification.
You should definitely still attend your university’s international student orientation. It’s a good way to learn about campus resources, visa support, housing and anything else you need to know before classes begin.
6. Keep the VA and Your University Updated
Throughout your time at the university, keep an eye on your benefits and make sure your enrollment information stays accurate. If you drop a class, change your course load, 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 lead to an overpayment if the VA has already paid benefits based on your previous enrollment.
What Does the GI Bill Cover at a UK University?
If you are using the Post-9/11 GI Bill at an approved UK university, your benefits may include tuition and mandatory fees, a monthly housing allowance, and money for books and supplies. How much you receive depends on your eligibility level and the current VA rates.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the VA will pay up to $30,908.34 in net tuition and mandatory fees at a foreign university for students eligible for the full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit. The rate runs from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027.
If your tuition is higher than the VA limit and you qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program, some foreign universities participate and may help cover part of the remaining cost. You can check participating schools through the GI Bill Comparison Tool.
For 2026–2027, students using the full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit at a foreign university may also receive up to $2,522 per month for housing and up to $1,000 per academic year for books and supplies. Your actual payment depends on your eligibility and how much school you’re attending.
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 schools. If you plan to study directly through a UK university, check the delivery format as well as the university and degree before assuming your program will qualify.
Is Studying at a UK University the Same as Studying Abroad?
Not for GI Bill purposes. If you enroll directly at a UK university and that university awards your degree, the VA considers it a foreign program. Study abroad generally means you remain enrolled at a US university and take courses overseas that count toward your US degree.
Need Help Planning Your UK University Application?
Once you know your degree is GI Bill approved and your benefits are underway, you can focus on the UK application itself.
If you’re still deciding where to study, start with our GI Bill Approved UK Universities & Degrees guide. If you already have universities in mind, The UK Study Expert can help you understand the application process, choose your options and know what to expect along the way. Learn more about applying to UK universities.
