Dependents can enroll in and take courses in a degree program, such as a bachelor of arts, at a college or university, using the educational benefits from the Veterans Administration. Degree programs can lead to either an undergraduate or graduate degree. These benefits are paid on a monthly basis for up to 45 months, and generally must be used between ages 18 and 26 for dependent children, and up to 10 years from the date of qualification for the dependent spouse.
Educational benefits from the Veterans Administration can also pay for certificate programs for business, technical or vocational schools. This enables dependents who do not desire degree programs to receive technical training as an alternative. Many technical programs are in health-related fields, such as dental hygienist.
On-the-job training (OJT) is available for dependents. The educational benefits will pay for such training through a company or union. Such training may also be an apprenticeship that will train the dependent to work in a specific job or field. A dependent seeking to become an electrician could use the benefits, for example.