A practical guide for U.S. veterans living in Korea who want to use their GI Bill benefits for higher education
What steps should Korean-American veterans take to use the GI Bill in Korea?
For Korean-American U.S. Army veterans living in Korea, applying the GI Bill to Korean colleges may seem complex at first. However, with the right preparation and understanding of the VA system, you can fully take advantage of your benefits even while studying overseas.
This guide will walk you through each key step, based on real experience and current policies that apply to VA-approved foreign institutions.
Confirm Your GI Bill Eligibility and Benefit Type
First, identify which GI Bill version you're eligible for
The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) is the most common option for veterans. Make sure you confirm your benefit status through the VA's eBenefits portal or by contacting the VA directly. Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) will show how many months of education benefits you have remaining.
If you transferred your benefits to a dependent, their eligibility and steps will be different.
Find a VA-Approved Korean College
Not all Korean universities are eligible
Before applying, ensure the school you’re interested in is approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for GI Bill use. You can search using the VA’s WEAMS Institution Search tool.
Use this official site to verify:
| Site | Link |
|---|---|
| WEAMS Institution Search | https://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub |
If your preferred university is not listed, you can ask the school to begin the approval process through the VA. This will take time.
Contact the School’s VA Certifying Official
Work directly with a school official familiar with the VA process
Once you’ve chosen a school, reach out to their VA Certifying Official (SCO). This person will help you submit your enrollment to the VA.
If your school doesn’t have a designated SCO, contact the registrar or international student office. They will usually direct you or help initiate the process.
Submit VA Form 22-1990 (or 22-1995 for Changes)
Apply officially through VA forms
| Form | Use Case |
|---|---|
| VA Form 22-1990 | First-time GI Bill users |
| VA Form 22-1995 | Transferring schools or programs |
You can fill this out online via the VA’s Education Application portal, or submit it by mail. Make sure all your personal details match the information in your eBenefits profile.
Gather Required Documents and Translations
Korean colleges may require translations or notarization
Prepare official transcripts, military discharge (DD-214), and your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Some schools might request these documents translated into Korean and notarized, especially for degree evaluations.
Keep both physical and digital copies organized.
Understand Housing Allowance and Payment Differences
Overseas benefits are calculated differently
If you’re using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is based on the DoD rate for "Foreign Schools", which is usually lower than in the U.S.
| Benefit Type | Monthly Housing Allowance |
|---|---|
| Foreign Schools (Post-9/11 GI Bill) | Around $1,500 USD/month (as of 2024) |
Tuition is paid directly to the school, while MHA is sent to you.
Register for Classes and Verify Attendance
Final step before payments begin
After enrollment, the school will submit your course load to the VA. Make sure your class schedule meets full-time status to receive full benefits.
Every month, you may be required to verify your enrollment, either through email or the VA system, to keep receiving payments.
Bonus Tip: Connect With Other Veterans in Korea
Building a support network can ease the process
Reach out to local veteran groups, Facebook communities, or the U.S. Embassy's education desk. They can provide current updates and tips that aren’t always obvious from official channels.
"Veterans helping veterans" is a real and powerful resource when you're overseas.