Military-Connected Study Abroad
Students who hope to study abroad and use their VA benefits should look for programs that either:
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are Cal Poly classes that are taught by Cal Poly faculty
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is held at a VA-approved institution and who have their own VA School Certifying Official to certify classes with a parent letter from us
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is an exchange program that is not a hosted by a third-party vendor
The VA will only pay for degree-applicable classes and does not pay any of the extra costs associated with travel and study abroad.
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VA-approved institutions can be found here
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Programs through CEA and CIEE do not qualify
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Currently, Cal Poly Global Programs meet these guidelines
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More information from the VA on studying abroad can be found here
If you are a VA student (GI Bill, Fry, VR&E, and Ch 35-DEA) interested in Study Abroad reach out in advance of agreeing to a study abroad program, to our VA School Certifying Official. Email Steven Chandler
Students who hope to study abroad and use their Cal Vet College Fee Waiver benefits should look for programs that are Cal Poly classes that charge state tuition and are not offering classes under extended education.
The waiver will only waive the state tuition portion of the costs. It will not cover fees or travel costs. The Cal Vet College Fee Waiver does not have any requirements regarding degree applicability.
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CEA and CIEE do not qualify
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Currently, some Cal Poly Global Programs and CSU IP meets these guidelines
If you are a Cal Vet College Fee Waiver Student interested in Study Abroad, reach out in advance of agreeing to a study abroad program, to our CMCS Lead Coordinator with questions. Email Kari Leslie
The John S. McCain International Scholarship for Military Families (Gilman-McCain Scholarship) is a congressionally funded initiative of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and named after the late senator John S. McCain from Arizona.
The John S. McCain International Scholarship for Military Families (Gilman-McCain Scholarship) provides awards of $5,000 for child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application (including Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps) to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Applicants must be recipients of any type of Title IV federal financial aid during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving Title IV federal financial aid during their study abroad program or internship.
