Earn a Dual Master's Degree in Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security through our program with the University of Malta. The 13-month program is held at the 400-year old University of Malta Valleta Campus. Some students have used VA benefits to help cover the costs of their studies.
If you want your VA benefits to help cover the costs of a study-abroad session, it's possible—if you're required to study abroad to complete the program or if the course is part of your degree as a requirement or an approved elective.
Important requirements to look for when selecting a study abroad course:
1. Study Abroad courses must be faculty led and be assigned a Mason course number and title in order to be considered.
2. Look carefully at the cost sheet. The VA will not cover the program/trip fee.
3. The only cost the VA may cover is the in-state tuition and mandatory fee; not the program fee.
4. If you are considering using VA benefits or VMSDEP, complete the Intent to Use VA Benefits Form available on the pre-application checklist. This form is web-based and will be evaluated by multiple departments. Once you submit the form, follow-up with the Office of Military Services for counseling. A meeting is required once the form is completed. Please email to arrange either a virtual or in-person meeting.
VMSDEP tuition waivers may be used for certain study abroad courses. If a study abroad program is owned by a public institution, then the respective institution is required to waive the tuition and mandatory fees; however, if the program is a contract, or third-party program offered through, but independent of, a public institution, the tuition and fees charges cannot be waived because VMSDEP benefits are not applicable at institutions other than a public institution. Course eligibility and value of the waiver is determined by the GEO finance office.
Department of Veterans Affairs funds are generally limited to the equivalent in-state tuition rate for the number of credit hours applicable to the degree program. In the rare circumstances studying abroad is required, the VA may also pay the fees. In general, basic allowance for housing (BAH) rates apply based on rate of pursuit.
Mason's Office of Global Education maintains a list of all study-abroad opportunities. If you want to use VA benefits for one of these programs, the GEO team will give you an Intent to Use VA Benefits form to be signed by a School Certifying Official (SCO). Please see below for a list of frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions, contact the Office of Military Services at 703-993-1316. SCOs are available typically Tues-Fri between 9am -3pm.