Veterans Affairs funding

The University of Auckland (the University) is an eligible institution to receive Veterans Affairs education benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Financial Aid Coordinator will certify your enrolment and report your tuition and fees to the VA office when you are admitted to the University and finalise your enrolment.

• Programmes approved by the VA are eligible for student education benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Please ensure you verify the list of approved programmes on the VA website. If your academic programme at the University of Auckland is not listed, our Financial Aid Coordinator will contact the VA Foreign Program Approval Team to request the addition of the programme. Only programmes leading to a standard college degree, or its equivalent, are eligible for approval.
• The University of Auckland does not act as a guarantor for confirming United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) funding for future tuition and fees. For student visa applications, you will need to arrange an alternative source of funds. VA funds are typically received close to the start of the semester and, in some cases, after the semester has begun. As student visa applications must be prepared and submitted well in advance, VA funding alone is not sufficient for visa purposes.
  See our Visa Information page for more on student visa requirements.
• Funding disbursement to the University typically takes four to eight weeks. It's crucial for you to reach out to Veterans Affairs and ascertain the anticipated arrival date of your funds.
• The benefit amount may not cover all tuition fees. In such cases, you can explore the option of applying for a private loan. You are responsible for the outstanding tuition and fees payment.
• The University accepts no responsibility for any variation in currency exchange rates. Log in to My VA to track the status of your enrolment, your payment history, and your remaining eligibility. 

Step One - Submit an Application to the US Department of Veteran Affairs

All VA students must submit an application to the US Department of Veterans Affairs before they start their study at the University. The application can be submitted online through Veteran Online Application Website (VONAPP).  

If you do not have access to apply online, you can call +1-888-442-4551 for assistance.

Step Two - Receive a copy of Certification of Eligibility from the VA Regional Processing Office

The VA Regional Processing Office will process your application and determine your eligibility. If the application is approved, you will receive a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility detailing your entitlement.

Step Three - Inform the University of your VA benefit eligibility

Submit a copy of the Certification of Eligibility to the Financial Aid Coordinator.

Step Four - Certify your enrolment with VA and report your tuition

You must notify the Financial Aid Coordinator when you finalise your enrolment. The Financial Aid Coordinator will certify your enrolment and report your tuition and fees in the VA online system approximately two months prior to the start of each semester.

Step Five - Receive an award letter from VA

The award letter is an official written notice from the Department of Veterans Affairs to a student of his/her monthly rate of payment, the inclusive dates of payment, and remaining entitlement at the end of the award period. It is a good source of information for student visa applications. You can download your award letter from My VA.

Step Six - Receive VA payment

The Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition is paid to the school. The housing stipend is paid monthly to the student. Book & Supplies are paid to the student at the beginning of the semester.