U.S. Veteran Affairs Education Benefits—GI Bill

If you or one of your family members have served in the U.S. military, you may be eligible for financial aid and other help from Veteran Affairs (VA) for your studies.

University of Manitoba is an approved foreign school for VA education benefits, so you can apply for enrolment certification through our office.

What benefits are available

Through the GI Bill you can get money towards the costs of your education.

Other benefits may also be available to you.

If you have any questions about benefits please refer to the VA website.

Applying for enrolment certification

Before you apply

Before your first time applying for enrollment certification:

  1. Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility through the VA if you have not already done so
  2. Email Financial Aid & Awards to confirm if the program of study you intend to pursue has been approved for VA benefits

If your program has not been approved:

  1. Email Financial Aid and Awards and ask them to submit a request for program approval. Only the Certifying Official in Financial Aid and Awards may apply for approval of a program. You cannot submit the request on the school’s behalf.
  2. Financial Aid and Awards will email you the VA’s decision—usually two to three weeks after they submit the request.

Applying for the first time

If this is your first time applying for enrolment certification, you will need to:

  1. You will need to complete the G.I. Bill Benefits at the University of Manitoba application.

Subsequent applications

For each subsequent academic year for which you would like to receive benefits, you will need to:

  1. You will need to complete the G.I. Bill Benefits at the University of Manitoba application.

The Financial Aid and Awards Office will contact you if any further information is required.

Decision times

Confirmation of enrolment usually takes two to three weeks.

Payment methods

If your application is successful, the VA will send:

  • a cheque to the University of Manitoba for your tuition and fees, paid to your fee account each semester
  • a payment directly to you for books and living expenses

Tuition fee deferral

The Financial Aid and Awards Office will defer your tuition if needed for the current term.

Changing course load or program

We strongly advise consulting with our office before making these decisions:

  • Changing course load: Your course load is monitored every month by the Financial Aid and Awards Office. Any changes are reported to the VA which could result in a change in the amount of your benefit.
  • Changing program: Before changing program, email the Financial Aid and Awards Office to confirm that your new program has been approved by the VA. If it has not, you may lose your benefits.