Understanding VET TEC and its return has gotten complicated with all the reauthorization details, provider changes, and eligibility requirements swirling around. As someone who has helped dozens of veterans navigate tech training options, I learned everything there is to know about this program – and I’m sharing it all here.
Probably should have led with this: the VA’s free tech training program is coming back – and competition will be fierce.
VET TEC (Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses) was one of the best-kept secrets in veteran education. Free tech training. No GI Bill consumed. Housing allowance included. Then funding ran out and the program went dark.
Now it’s back. And if you want one of the limited spots, you need to move fast.
What Changed
The Dole Act, signed in late 2024, reauthorized VET TEC through September 2027. But here’s what most veterans don’t realize: the program won’t actually be available until October 1, 2025.
The VA needs four to six months to stand up new processes. Every training provider from the original pilot – yes, every single one – has to be re-approved. Nobody is grandfathered in.
That means a fresh start. And a land grab for limited spots.
Why VET TEC Beats Using Your GI Bill for Tech Training
Let’s be clear about why this matters:
- Your GI Bill stays intact. VET TEC doesn’t touch your 36 months of Post-9/11 benefits.
- You still get housing allowance. Same BAH-style payment while you train.
- Programs are 6-28 weeks. Not years. Accelerated, job-focused training.
- 100% remote options available. Train from anywhere.
- High-demand fields only. Cybersecurity, cloud computing, data science, software development.
That’s what makes this program endearing to us – it gives you tech training without touching your GI Bill.
The Catch: Only 4,000 Spots
There are approximately 4,000 VET TEC slots available in 2025. With over 200,000 service members transitioning each year – and countless veterans already out – that’s brutal competition.
The veterans who get in will be the ones who:
- Apply the moment enrollment opens
- Already have their training provider picked out
- Have documentation ready to go
Eligibility Requirements
You qualify for VET TEC if you:
- Have at least one day of GI Bill benefits remaining (even one day works)
- Are a veteran OR within 180 days of separating from active duty
- Have not used VET TEC in the last 18 months
That’s it. No minimum service requirement beyond having GI Bill eligibility.
Training Tracks Available
VET TEC focuses on five high-tech training areas:
- Computer programming – Software development, web development
- Data processing – Data science, analytics, database management
- Computer software – Cloud computing, DevOps
- Information science – Cybersecurity, network administration
- Media applications – UX/UI design, digital media
How to Prepare Now
Don’t wait until October. Here’s what to do today:
1. Verify your GI Bill eligibility. Log into VA.gov and confirm you have remaining entitlement – even one day counts.
2. Research training providers. Check the VA’s list of VET TEC training providers. Note which ones you’re interested in and what programs they offer.
3. Get your documents ready. You’ll need your DD-214 and VA education benefits status.
4. Set a calendar reminder. October 1, 2025. Be ready to apply day one.
Alternative If You Miss Out
If VET TEC fills up before you get in, you have options:
- IBM SkillsBuild – Free tech training, no GI Bill required
- AWS re/Start – 12-week cloud computing program
- Microsoft MSSA – 17-week program for transitioning service members
But none of these come with housing allowance like VET TEC does.
Bottom Line
VET TEC is the rare program that gives you something for nothing – free training, housing money, and your GI Bill stays in your pocket for later.
Four thousand spots. Millions of eligible veterans. Do the math.
Start preparing now.
