VMSDEP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I use VMSDEP after approval?

You must access your VMSDEP account and update your enrollment information each semester you intend to use your VMSDEP benefits.

• Instructions on how to use your VMSDEP benefits

Enrollment Open/Close Dates

Does VMSDEP cover study abroad programs?

According to the VMSDEP policy:

“Yes, 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.”

In practical terms, this means:

• Covered by VMSDEP:
  Study abroad programs that are owned, operated, and billed directly by Virginia Tech. If tuition and mandatory fees for the program appear on the Virginia Tech student account, they are generally eligible for the VMSDEP waiver.
• Not Covered by VMSDEP:
  Programs run by third-party providers or partner institutions, even if offered through Virginia Tech. If an outside organization handles billing, VMSDEP cannot be applied.

Note: Non-tuition and fee expenses—such as program deposits, international housing, airfare, and other travel-related costs—are not covered under VMSDEP, regardless of the program type.

Important Reminder: Before committing to a study abroad program, students should confirm how the program is billed. This helps ensure they understand which costs may or may not be waived under VMSDEP.

Are VMSDEP beneficiaries entitled to receive a stipend for school attendance?

Tier 1 beneficiaries are not eligible for a stipend. Tier 2 beneficiaries are eligible to receive a stipend.

How do I check the status of my VMSDEP stipend?

The VMSDEP stipend is managed by SCHEV (State Council of Higher Education for Virginia), which sends the approved funds directly to Virginia Tech. Once Virginia Tech receives the stipend, the Financial Aid office is responsible for processing and applying the funds to your student account.

If you want to know whether your stipend has been received or applied, you should email the Financial Aid office. They handle the disbursement on campus and can give you the most accurate update on your account.

What happens if I drop out of school or have a temporary interruption in matriculation?

If you drop course(s) or withdraw from enrollment and used VMSDEP benefits to cover any portion of the tuition and mandatory fee charges, Virginia Tech will report that you used benefits for the respective semester, which will count towards your remaining benefits balance.

If you withdraw from enrollment and did not use VMSDEP benefits to cover any part of charges incurred during enrollment, Virginia Tech will report you did not use the benefits for the respective semester which will not count towards your remaining benefits balance.

Are there any attendance or academic requirements that I must meet to continue my eligibility under VMSDEP?

No. You do not have to report your attendance or academic information to the VMSDEP Office.

If I do not successfully complete one of my courses, may I repeat it under VMSDEP?

Yes. VMSDEP benefits apply toward any courses taken by an eligible student within any given semester. The benefits are calculated on a semester basis regardless of how many courses are taken within a semester.

Note: Taking one course within a semester will result in using one semester of VMSDEP benefits; and similarly, taking multiple courses within a semester will result in using one semester of VMSDEP benefits.

Can I use my VMSDEP benefits in conjunction with my DEA (Chapter 35) benefits?

Yes, eligible students are permitted to use VMSDEP and DEA benefits concurrently.

Note: Eligibility periods for the programs vary; therefore, students should consider their individual circumstances to determine whether to use the benefits simultaneously or separately.