US Veterans Affairs Benefits

The University of Derby is approved by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to certify eligible students studying on campus for VA education benefits, subject to programme approval. These benefits are designed to support US service members, Veterans, and eligible dependants with the cost of their education. Eligibility for VA benefits is determined by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Please be aware that the processing and payment of VA benefits can take time. Students should therefore ensure they have alternative funding available to cover their tuition fee deposit, as well as any tuition and living costs, until benefit payments are received.

Please note that the University of Derby is unable to process Yellow Ribbon Benefits. 

Student Eligibility

The eligibility requirements for using VA education benefits at institutions outside the United States differ from those for US-based schools. To use your VA benefits at the University of Derby, you must meet the standard eligibility criteria set by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and:

• Be enrolled on an eligible degree-awarding programme
• Undertake your studies on campus in Derby

Students who may be eligible for VA education benefits include:

• Veterans and their dependants
• Surviving spouses, children, or parents of deceased Veterans
• Current members of the US uniformed services
• Current or former members of the Reserves or National Guard

The University of Derby does not determine individual eligibility for VA benefits. If you are considering applying for benefits under programmes such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) or Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35), you should contact the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) directly to confirm your eligibility.

Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is issued by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and confirms your entitlement to VA education benefits. The COE provides details of the benefit you are eligible for, your level of entitlement, and any remaining benefits available for study.

To obtain a COE, you must first apply for VA education benefits through the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Once your application has been processed and approved, the VA will issue a decision letter, which serves as your Certificate of Eligibility.

You can apply for VA education benefits:

• Online through the VA website
• By visiting a VA regional office
• By contacting the VA directly and requesting an application form

If you have already applied and been approved for VA benefits, you may be able to download your decision letter online through your VA account.

Once you have received your COE, please send a copy to the University's Federal Aid Team on federalaid@derby.ac.uk  as part of the programme approval process.

For more information and to apply for benefits, visit the VA website.

Programme Eligibility

Not all programmes are eligible for funding through VA education benefits. In line with VA regulations for students studying at institutions outside the United States:

• Online learning programmes are not eligible for VA education benefits at foreign schools
• Programmes that include a study abroad period, exchange, placement, internship, or any other off-campus study element are not eligible for VA funding

The University of Derby's approval applies to students studying on campus in Derby only. VA benefits cannot be used for independent study, fully online learning, practical training undertaken off campus, or study delivered by partner institutions or collaborative providers. Your approved studies must take place at the University of Derby.

In addition to meeting the personal eligibility requirements set by the VA, your chosen programme must also be approved for VA funding. The University can request programme approval on your behalf, but this can only be done once you have received an offer of admission.

To request programme approval, please contact the University's Federal Aid Team at federalaid@derby.ac.uk and provide:

• Your student ID number
• Your consent for the University of Derby to seek programme approval and certify your enrolment details to the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Details of the VA benefit you intend to use (for example, Chapter 33 or Chapter 35).
• A copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

As part of this process, the University may be required to share information held in your academic and financial records with the VA, including your name, address, Social Security Number, and programme details, for the purpose of securing programme approval and certifying your enrolment.

Programme Approval

Please refer to the table below to check whether your chosen programme has already been approved by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for education benefits.

If your programme has not yet been approved, the University can submit a programme approval request on your behalf once you have received an offer of admission.

Please note that programme approval requests can take approximately 60 days to be processed. Approval is granted by the VA, and the University cannot guarantee that a programme approval request will be successful.

If you plan to use VA education benefits to fund your tuition fees and living expenses, we strongly recommend that you arrange alternative funding to support your studies while your application is being considered. This may include personal funds, US Federal Loans, or other sources of financial support.

Certification of Enrolment

Important: Before the University can certify your enrolment to the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you must complete all enrolment requirements, including any applicable Right to Study checks. This requirement applies to each academic year that you intend to claim VA education benefits. The University is unable to submit or renew your enrolment certification until you have been fully enrolled on your course. 

Following certification, benefit payments will be processed by the VA in line with your approved period of study.

Enrolment is normally certified on an academic year basis. Students who wish to continue receiving VA education benefits in subsequent years of study must request a new enrolment certification each academic year by contacting the University's Federal Aid Team on federalaid@derby.ac.uk before the start of each academic year.

Changes to Enrolment

If you receive VA education benefits, you must notify both the University and the VA as soon as possible if there is any change to your enrolment status.

The University is required to report changes that may affect your entitlement to VA benefits, including if you:

• Do not attend your programme
• Withdraw from your studies
• Take an interruption of studies
• Are withdrawn or terminated from your programme
• Experience a change in your active-duty status

Please be aware that the VA may reduce, suspend, or recover benefit payments if your enrolment status changes. Any overpayments or debts resulting from these changes are your responsibility. To help avoid delays, overpayments, or unexpected charges, it is important that you report any changes immediately.

You should also contact the University's Federal Aid Team on federalaid@derby.ac.uk as soon as possible if:

• You change your programme of study
• You transfer to a different course
• Your mode of study changes (for example, from full-time to part-time, or vice versa)
• There are any other changes that may affect your enrolment or eligibility for VA benefits

Prompt notification will help ensure that your records remain accurate and that your VA benefits are administered correctly.

GI Bill® Trademark Notice

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official US government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill