Apply for education benefits

Eligibility

To use your Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits, one of the following must apply:

  • You have been accepted into a degree program and have registered for courses, OR
  • You have registered for courses as a non-degree student. If you are a non-degree seeking student, you are eligible for a maximum of 2 semesters of VA benefits in order to take prerequisite courses needed to enroll in a degree program.

To learn what education benefits you may qualify for as a military veteran, service member, or dependent, please refer to eligibility information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

How to use your Federal VA education benefits

Step 1: Apply for benefits with the VA

Step 2: Request to use benefits at UMN 

Step 3: Verify your enrollment with the VA

  • At the end of each month, verify your school enrollment by replying to the verification message: Did you remain enrolled in your courses as certified?
  • If your term ends, still reply Yes for the final month's verification

Contact

If you're new to the University, have questions about how your benefits might affect financial aid, or want an explanation of the certification process, please call or visit University Veterans Services.

“GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.