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Study Abroad and the Post-9/11 GI Bill

  • When studying abroad, students must still enroll in coursework that applies towards their degree program.
  • The GI Bill will pay UMSL directly for tuition charged for courses taken abroad. Any fees associated with studying abroad (i.e. the program fee, airfare, etc.) will NOT be covered (unless the student is required to study abroad as part of their program).
  • The monthly housing allowance is paid directly to the student if enrolled in more than ½-time while abroad. The student may use the monthly housing stipend to help cover room and board costs associated with study abroad program. The VA will not directly pay UMSL for these expenses.
  • The book stipend is paid directly to the student based on the number of enrolled credit hours, as long as the $1,000 maximum has not been met for the academic year.
  • The GI Bill will NOT cover airfare, amenities fees or any host school fees.

Option 1: Faculty-Led Programs

  • UMSL charges a program fee for participation in study abroad program. Student may be required to pay UMSL tuition, depending on the program.

Option 2: Exchange Program

  • UMSL assesses student for UMSL tuition and fees. UMSL has as an arrangement to pay the host school.

Option 3: Provider or Direct Enrollment in Foreign School

  • The VA could pay the tuition and fees directly to the foreign school, up to the national average in-state maximum tuition and fee charges ($18,077.50 per academic year). Payable fees are those in which all students that regularly attend the institution must pay—not fees specific to study abroad students.
  • The foreign school’s program of education must be approved for VA benefits BEFORE enrolling.
  • The monthly housing allowance will be paid to the student if enrolled in more than ½-time while abroad.
    • Check with the Veterans Center for the currently monthly housing allowance rate for any student enrolled directly at a foreign institution abroad. The student may use the monthly housing stipend to help cover room and board costs associated with study abroad program.
  • Students will receive the books and supplies stipend based on the number of enrolled credit hours, as long as the $1,000 maximum has not been met for the academic year.


The VA cannot pay a third party for a student to participate in a study abroad program

Note: Any amounts payable are reduced if the student is not eligible at the 100%payment tier. Example: If the student’s benefit payment tier is 40%, VA would pay 40% of the housing allowance, 40% of charged tuition and 40% of the books stipend.

Visit the UMSL Veterans Center in 211 Clark Hall.