VA GI Bill for Non-College Degree Programs (trade and technical schools)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Check before you apply: details change often, so confirm on the official page before you apply.
- Who it's for
- Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and qualified dependents
Open to: veterans, active duty / transitioning service members, spouses, family or caregivers. - Cost
- Free with benefit (Uses GI Bill entitlement)
- Free with no benefit?
- No
- VA benefits
- GI Bill (required)
- What you get
- Use GI Bill benefits for approved non-college degree programs such as trade, vocational and technical schools
- Type
- Funding, scholarship or grant
- Credential strength
- 4/5: Major benefit that can pay for recognized degrees or certifications; value depends on what it funds.
- Duration
- Varies
- Format
- Online or in person (Depends on the school)
- Location
- Nationwide
- Deadline
- Rolling / varies
- Next start
- Varies
- Jobs it can lead to
- Welder; HVAC Technician; Truck Driver; Cosmetologist
- Official page
- va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/non-college-degree-programs
- Last checked
- Oct 4, 2026