School Certifying Official Corner

STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS

Important Points for Study Abroad Programs  

• The student must be enrolled in courses that will apply to their degree program (approved program for VA purposes).
• The courses must be offered at an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) leading to a standard college degree or the equivalent and apply to their degree program (approved program for VA purposes)
• The foreign institution must be approved by VA for GI Bill funding.

 Under chapter 33 or chapter 31, VA will pay:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Monthly housing allowance
• In order for VA to pay any additional fees specific to the Study Abroad program, the Study Abroad option must be required for graduation
• Students eligible for Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill may receive prorated tuition and fees payment based in the student’s eligibility percentage if the student is not eligible for the full benefit (100%)  
• Students eligible for Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill must be enrolled more than half-time to receive monthly housing allowance (MHA).

VA will not pay:

• Costs related to travel (airfare, lodging and meals)
• Third party charges 

Contact [email protected] for more information.

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STEM Students may be Eligible to Extend Their Benefits

The Edith Nourse Rogers Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Scholarship allows eligible Veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill or dependents using the Fry Scholarship to get added benefits. This scholarship provides up to 9 months (or $30,000) of benefits for training in high-demand fields. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply.

Basic eligibility requirements include:

• Be enrolled in a qualifying STEM program
• You’re enrolled in a qualifying undergraduate STEM degree program that requires at least 120 standard semester credit hours (or 180 quarter credit hours) to complete, and
• Have six months or less of Post 9/11 GI Bill (or Fry Scholarship) benefits remaining.

Note: You can’t use the STEM scholarship for graduate degree programs at this time. 

For additional information, please review the VA webpage on the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship.

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Understanding the impact of Withdrawing from Credit Hours during the semester.

As we approach the final withdrawal deadline for the Spring 2026 semester, some information that you may need before you make any decisions. 

Withdrawing from classes while using VA education benefits can have immediate and lasting impacts on both your funding and academic progress.

If you drop a course after the “add/drop” period, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may reduce your enrollment status, which can lower or stop your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) or stipend.

In some cases, this may also create a debt with the VA for tuition, fees, or housing payments already issued.

Additionally, repeated withdrawals can affect your academic standing and may trigger further review of your benefits eligibility. It’s important to communicate with your School Certifying Official (SCO) before making changes, as there may be mitigating circumstances that can help reduce financial impact.  Ask the Office of Military and Veteran Student Success about the “6 Credit Hour Exclusion Rule” and see how that might apply to your individual situation. 

Before withdrawing, explore options like tutoring, academic advising, or adjusting your schedule. Making an informed decision can help you protect both your benefits and your long-term goals.

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Understanding Your VA Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) & Semester Hours

If you’re using Post 9/11 or VRE education benefits, your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is directly tied to how many credit hours AND the modality of classes you’re enrolled in each term. Knowing how this works can help you maximize your benefits and avoid unexpected changes in your payment.

How Semester Hours Affect Your MHA: Your enrollment level determines how much of the MHA you receive:

Full-Time (100%): Typically 12+ credit hours (undergraduate standard)

→ Receive 100% of MHA

¾ Time (75%): Usually 7–11 credit hours

→ Receive prorated MHA

Half-Time (50%) or Less Than Half-Time: 6 credit hours or less

→ No MHA payment

**Graduate programs and accelerated terms may have different credit requirements—always verify with your school.

Online vs. In-Person Classes

Fully Online Students: Receive a reduced MHA rate (national average).  For the University of Central Florida, this is a reduction from $2595/full month to $1115/full month of classes. 

At Least One In-Person Class

Eligible for full MHA based on school ZIP code

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IMPORTANT FINANCIAL AID DATES AND DEADLINES

SUMMER 2026 SEMESTER:

• Session A: 
  • Classes Begin:  May 13, 2026
  • Add/Drop Deadline:  May 19, 2026
  • Withdrawal Deadline:  June 10, 2026
  • Last Day of Classes:  June 23, 2026
  • Classes End; Last Day to Remove Incomplete June 23, 2026
  • VA/Third Party Deferral Payment Deadline July 31, 2026
  • Commencement:  31 Jul – 1 Aug 26
• Session B: 
  • Classes Begin:  June 24, 2026
  • Add/Drop Deadline:  June 30, 2026
  • Withdrawal Deadline:  July 17, 2026
  • Last Day of Classes:  July 31, 2026
  • Classes End; Last Day to Remove Incomplete July 31, 2026
  • VA/Third Party Deferral Payment Deadline July 31, 2026
  • Commencement:  31 Jul – 1 Aug 26
• Session C: 
  • Classes Begin:  May 13, 2026
  • Add/Drop Deadline:  May 19, 2026
  • Withdrawal Deadline:  July 8, 2026
  • Day of Classes:  July 31, 2026
  • Classes End; Last Day to Remove Incomplete July 31, 2026
  • VA/Third Party Deferral Payment Deadline July 31, 2026
  • Commencement:  31 Jul – 1 Aug 26
• Session D: 
  • Classes Begin:  May 13, 2026
  • Add/Drop Deadline:  May 19, 2026
  • Withdrawal Deadline:  June 19, 2026
  • Last Day of Classes:  July 14, 2026
  • Classes End; Last Day to Remove Incomplete July 14, 2026
  • VA/Third Party Deferral Payment Deadline July 31, 2026
  • Commencement:  31 Jul – 1 Aug 26

Please visit the UCF Academic Calendar for updated university dates and deadlines