Here in Education Abroad, we are committed to helping all students have a successful experience abroad. If you or someone in your family receives veterans’ benefits, you can use these resources to support your time studying abroad. There are plenty of options for family members and veterans to use. Below is a brief overview of a few.
GI Bill
To use the GI Bill:
- Students must be enrolled in courses that will apply toward their degree plan.
- The school where you are studying abroad must be a (Veterans Affairs) VA-approved school.
To check if a school is VA-approved, consult the Veterans Affairs database. It will provide information on the university and country you wish to attend.
After checking for VA approval, your next step is to contact Student Veteran Services to inform them that you plan to study abroad, then review the resources they provide.
Finally, make sure to identify (and introduce yourself to) your Education Abroad program coordinator to check your military-affiliated status and complete the appropriate forms. You can find your program coordinator by scrolling down on the program page.
Hazelwood Exemption
The second benefit you can use is the Hazelwood Exemption. Students who qualify under the Hazelwood Act are exempt from paying university tuition and required fees, as long as they are enrolled in state-funded courses.
The Hazelwood Exemption only covers study abroad tuition that is paid directly to a public Texas university. In other words, the Hazelwood Exemption can be applied to reciprocal exchange or faculty-led courses.
The exemption is based on the number of hours you are enrolled in during your study abroad program, and not the amount of tuition itself. Once you check to see if you qualify for the Hazelwood Exemption, the next steps are to:
- Review the information provided by The University of Texas at Austin’s Office of the Registrar.
- Complete an application for exemption.
- Inform your Education Abroad program coordinator that you intend to use this benefit.
Gilman-McCain Scholarship
The third benefit offered is the Gilman-McCain Scholarship. This scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for dependents of active duty service members who plan to study or intern abroad and are enrolled in credit-bearing programs.
If you or your family are dependent on other military chapters, you will receive the exact same amount of monthly allowance as you would if the course were taken here at UT Austin. However, the courses you choose to take abroad must be required for your degree. The allowance amount depends on full-time or part-time status while studying abroad.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
For rising seniors and alumni, another option is to apply to the Fulbright Program. The Fulbright Program is an international exchange program that administers study, research and teaching grants to U.S. and international citizens.
Military-connected applicants, such as Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets and midshipmen with service commitments may participate in the Fulbright Program as a first assignment with command approval.
If you have questions, feel free to contact Education Abroad at, educationabroad@austin.utexas.edu. You may also reach out to Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors (such as Active Duty Army Officer Sara Sajer), who would be happy to share their experiences applying for the program and working on projects in host countries.
Additionally, feel free to contact Student Veteran Services. Their contact information can be found below:
Veteran and Military Affiliated Services
Office of the Dean of Students
Student Services Building 4.472
100 W. Dean Keeton St., Austin, TX 78712
Benefits and general questions: 512-232-2835
Email: UTVeterans@austin.utexas.edu
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Karen Vasquez is an Education Abroad Peer Mentor providing support to students interested in studying abroad. Learn about this position and its services on the Peer Mentor Programs webpage.
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