The GI Bill is about more than education, it’s about freedom. The freedom to design our lives after service on our terms. We have the opportunity to choose our own direction and the true purpose of the GI Bill is to transition from serving someone else’s mission to building one of our own.
What makes the GI Bill so powerful is that it enables us to take direction of our future and reflect our own values, ambitions and definition of success. Today, more and more Veterans are choosing to use that GI Bill abroad because why not?
I can use my GI Bill in other countries???
Hell yes you can. At over 600 approved colleges in over 100 countries.
Show Me The Money!!!
For the 2026–2027 academic year, eligible full-time students at approved foreign institutions can receive up to $2,522 per month (based on 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility and full-time enrollment). For many countries, that’s big time and added to existing VA benefits can create a very high quality life.
How to Apply for the GI Bill Overseas
Using your GI Bill internationally is more straightforward than many veterans expect.
Step 1: Choose your country and university.
Step 2: Verify that your degree program is approved by the VA using the GI Bill Comparison Tool.
– Search by location, find the school, click on approved programs of study to see degrees.
Step 3: Apply and gain admission to the university.
Step 4: Apply for your GI Bill benefits or submit a change of school if you’re already using them.
Step 5: Receive your Certificate of Eligibility. (COE)
Step 6: Provide your COE to the school’s VA certifying official. (On the schools page on the GI Bill Comparison Tool, sometimes out of date so check the schools website or contact their admissions)
Step 7: The school certifies your enrollment with the VA. (They do it, not you)
Step 8: Go to school, receive your housing allowance and book stipend.
The only additional step depending on where you go, the need for a student visa. The school you go to will, in most cases, help you with that.
10 Universities in 10 Countries For Vets
Japan
One of the safest countries in the world, a rich culture and military bases. Check out Temple University there and the bachelors in International Affairs or the Masters in Teaching English to speakers of other languages.
Thailand
Low cost of living, the best food in the world to me and amazing nightlife. Also great healthcare for Veterans through the FMP. Check out my article: Vets on Thailand. I recommend the Entrepreneur Program at Stamford in Bangkok.
Australia
English speaking, outdoor culture and employment options post-graduation. Look into Sydney University, it has a large international community and they have a bachelors degree of Wildlife Conservation.
Ireland
Great beer, rich history and world’s best accent. Look into University College Dublin and their Sports, Health and Exercise Science degree or other programs.
Czech Republic
Combines a lot of old world charm with modern conveniences. Incredible architecture and you’re in a good spot to travel around Europe. Check out the Art Therapy Degree at Anglo-American University in Prague.
Greece
You’re surrounded by Islands and lots of Greek life is around family and community. History is everywhere and the American College of Greece has a great cybersecurity degree.
Switzerland
The mountains are your backyard, great spot for mountain biking and skiing. One of the highest quality of life countries in the world and great public transportation. Look into the International Relations degree at Franklin University Switzerland.
Philippines
Strong military ties, VFW and American Legion posts and beautiful islands. The Philippines has for years been a Veteran expat destination. Look into the Culinary Arts Degree at Enderun Colleges.
Germany
A strong military community, solid quality of life and castles. Many Vets fall in love with Germany while stationed there and Touro University in Berlin is a great option. Check out their masters degree in Holocaust Studies or their MBA program.
Ghana
English is the official language and Ghana is very hospitable. It’s politically stable and there’s lots of adventure to be had. The University of Ghana has a lot of great programs like their Marine and Fisheries Science degree or their masters in African Studies.
Why Study Abroad?
The GI Bill isn’t just about getting a diploma so you can get a 9-5 boring office job. It’s a vehicle for you to use to intentionally build the life you want. It’s a bridge between the life you have and the life you want.
The military is an experience, it’s one of life’s great adventures. So is studying overseas. You’ve already proven you have courage when you joined the military and you’re capable of thriving in unfamiliar environments. The GI Bill isn’t meant to just educate you, it’s meant to give you options, freedom and the chance to design your future.
Your Life, Your Education, Your Adventure
I believe this is worth looking into, especially for Veterans currently serving and who have been stationed overseas. You can also just go to school online, at a US based school and get the distance rate of BAH which is $1,261 per month.
Some Vets now are doing more hybrid options while living abroad, going to school for a few days a semester in person in the states and then living the rest of the semester somewhere else. This is something I’ll talk about or write about in another video or article but it has it’s advantages.
If you’re interested in moving abroad, like I did then going to school overseas is a good starting point. Check out my book Veterans in Paradise: The Vets Guide To Moving Abroad or hit me up for the Free Quickstart Guide on Instagram.
Then if you are going to school, no matter where in the world also check out my book Combat To College: The Guide For Student Veterans. This is my first book, I wrote it because college is the first place a lot of us start and how we do there often determines our future.
I failed out of community college and ended up in the Army. When I got out of the military, I went to Harvard because the Army instilled in me certain characteristics that made school sort of simple. Show up, do the work, repeat. I wrote those lessons in this easy to read book. On my blog I have some more articles for Student Vets and for Veterans living overseas.
Check me out on Instagram and TikTok where I do Veteran related content and thank you for your service. If there’s anything to add to this, let me know. I appreciate you. Keep on keeping on.