Colorful sculpture of a figure riding a lion, overlooking a scenic coastal landscape.

Military Affiliated Student Travelers

CalVet Fee Waiver

Work with the Global Learning Hub to select an appropriate study abroad program and consult with the UC Davis Study Abroad Enrollment Team or UCEAP to learn more about CalVet Fee Waiver coverage.

UC Davis Study Abroad

The Cal Vet Fee Waiver would apply to your UC Davis Study Abroad program! The Cal Vet Fee Waiver would only apply to the "Course Fees" for the program (per-unit course fee). The student is responsible for all other fees. This should be processed automatically after you enroll in classes and are billed for the program, but please reach out to our UC Davis Study Abroad Enrollment Team ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

Non-Davis students participating in a UC Davis Study Abroad or Internship program: your CalVet Fee Waiver can be applied to the “Course Fees” for your program. For more information please contact UC Davis Veterans Certification and follow the required steps to use your benefits at UC Davis.

UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP)

Cal Vet Fee waiver can be used for UCEAP programs. It will cover tuition and campus fees, just like on campus).

Students cannot use Chapter 35 VA benefits for UCEAP but cannot use Chapter 33 benefits while on UCEAP. 

After receiving a program nomination to UCEAP, students must send their CalVet Waiver award letter to program’s finance accountant. UCEAP Finance will then apply the waiver to applicable fees. Instructions are provided in the UCEAP Portal. 

For UCEAP, the CalVet Fee Tuition Waiver can waive the following expenses:

  • UC Tuition
  • UCEAP Fees
  • Campus Fees

All other expenses, like airfare, housing, and amenities, are not fees waived by the CalVet Fee Tuition Waiver.

For more information about each program’s specific fees, UCEAP recommends the student  visit the UCEAP contacts page and email the Finance Accountant for the country they are considering.

Out of State Fee Waiver (VACCA)

The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (VACAA) is a federal law that improves veteran access to care by allowing non-VA facility treatment if VA wait times are too long or if a veteran lives more than 40 miles from a facility. It also grants in-state tuition for veterans using VA benefits. VACAA is an opportunity for students who meet all of the following criteria to obtain in-state tuition rates under an exception:

  • Spouse or dependent child of an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Using Chapter 30, 31, 33, or 35 benefits
  • Lives in California

The VACAA waives out-of-state tuition. Students still have to pay regular UC tuition and fees apart from out-of-state tuition. Please meet with the Global Learning Hub to discuss this further. 

Student Veterans and the GI Bill

Key Rules for Using VA Education Benefits Abroad:

  1. Courses must apply to your degree.
  2. Programs at foreign institutions must be VA-approved.
  3. VA may only cover fees if study abroad is required by your degree

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA.

Recent Updates

The Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act of 2022 expanded the types of study abroad programs eligible for GI Bill® benefits. Updated guidance from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) now allows broader opportunities for student veterans to study at foreign institutions.

Things to Consider

  • How will locals perceive your military experience?
  • What is the cultural perception of the U.S. military in your host country?
  • How will the academic and cultural context abroad shape this international experience compared to your time abroad in the military?
  • How will you cover miscellaneous expenses not covered by the CalVet Fee Waiver or VA benefits?

Checklist

  • Browse credit-bearing study abroad programs.
  • Meet with Study Abroad Advisor to learn more about your chosen program.
  • Meet with Academic Advisor to determine degree credit from your chosen program.
  • Clarify your program budget and consult Veteran Services to understand VA coverage.
  • Meet with Financial Aid and bring your study abroad program estimate.
    • Select one of the following ways to receive an aid estimate:
    • Summer Abroad Financial Aid Estimator: Now available for students participating in a UC Davis Summer Abroad, Summer Abroad Internships or Virtual Summer Internships program.
    • Study Abroad Estimator: If you are participating in a UC Davis Quarter Abroad or UCEAP program, use the Study Abroad Estimator to receive an immediate aid estimate. Be sure to watch the “How To” Video.
    • Appointments: To schedule a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with a financial aid advisor, simply visit our advising appointment system and select a time that works for you. Have a copy of your study abroad estimate (from step 1 or 2 above) and your program cost with you at the time of your appointment.
  • Research the military history of your host location to familiarize yourself with the region’s background related to U.S. military involvement. Understanding how this has changed over time may help you to contextualize some of the complex cultural dynamics you could encounter. Explore Navigating New Cultures webpage.
  • Submit an application for your chosen study abroad program.

Resources From the Veterans Benefit Administration

Additional Resources