VA Form 10-0003K-2: EISP Agreement Guide (2026)

VA Form 10-0003K-2: EISP Agreement Guide (2026) – The VA Form 10-0003K-2 is the official Employee Incentive Scholarship Program (EISP) Agreement used by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This form formalizes the commitment between eligible Veterans Health Administration (VHA) employees and the VA for scholarship support in exchange for continued service.

If you are a current VA employee seeking to advance your education in high-demand healthcare fields while minimizing costs, understanding this agreement is essential.

What Is VA Form 10-0003K-2?

VA Form 10-0003K-2 is the binding agreement for the Employee Incentive Scholarship Program (EISP). It outlines the obligations of both the VA (Under Secretary for Health) and the participating employee.

The program, established under Title VIII of Public Law 105-368 (Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Incentive Act of 1998) and codified in 38 U.S.C. §§ 7671-7675, supports initiatives like the National Nursing Education Initiative (NNEI) and the VA National Education for Employees Program (VANEEP).

Download the official VA Form 10-0003K-2 here: VA Form 10-0003K-2 PDF (September 2019 version).

Purpose of the VA Employee Incentive Scholarship Program (EISP)

The primary goal of EISP is to improve recruitment and retention of qualified healthcare personnel in positions where staffing is challenging. The program provides tax-free scholarships to cover tuition, registration fees, and books for eligible VHA employees pursuing degrees or training in critical healthcare fields.

In return, participants commit to a period of obligated service in the Veterans Health Administration after completing their education.

Eligibility Requirements for EISP

To qualify for the scholarship covered by VA Form 10-0003K-2, applicants generally must:

  • Be a permanent full-time or part-time VHA employee with at least one continuous year of employment immediately before applying.
  • Be enrolled in or unconditionally accepted to an accredited program leading to a degree or training in a Title 38 or Hybrid Title 38 healthcare occupation where recruitment/retention is difficult.
  • Maintain employment status during participation.
  • Meet other criteria outlined in VHA Directive 1426.01.

Facilities prioritize applications based on local workforce needs.

What Does the EISP Scholarship Cover?

Awards help cover:

  • Tuition and related educational expenses.
  • Registration fees.
  • Books.

Current maximum funding limits (subject to annual updates and availability):

  • Up to approximately $46,000–$47,000 for the equivalent of three years of full-time coursework.
  • Credit hour caps: 90 undergraduate or 54 graduate.
  • Awards are tax-free.

Full-time students have up to 3 years; part-time students have up to 6 years to complete their program.

Key Obligations in the VA Form 10-0003K-2 Agreement

By signing VA Form 10-0003K-2, employees agree to several important terms (Section C of the form):

  1. Pursue approved education leading to a qualifying healthcare position.
  2. Maintain acceptable academic standing and enrollment status.
  3. Continue VA employment while in school.
  4. Notify the program coordinator of changes in status within 10 days.
  5. Serve a post-education obligated service period (typically 1–3 years full-time in VHA, with full-time students incurring a 3-year obligation and part-time prorated, minimum 1 year).

Service must be in a full-time clinical or healthcare role in the trained profession, as assigned by the VA.

Service Obligation and Post-Graduation Requirements

After graduation (and any required licensure/certification), participants must work full-time in a VHA position matching their training. The obligation begins according to specific timelines detailed in VA directives.

This service helps VA retain skilled staff dedicated to serving Veterans.

Consequences of Breaching the EISP Agreement

VA Form 10-0003K-2 details significant financial liabilities for breaches (Section D):

  • Failure to accept payments or maintain academic standards may require repayment of funds received plus $1,500 liquidated damages.
  • Failure to complete the service obligation can result in triple damages (amount paid + interest, multiplied by 3, prorated for time served).
  • Other breaches (e.g., leaving employment during studies) trigger full repayment.

Waivers or cancellations are possible in cases of death, extreme hardship, or VA’s best interest.

How to Apply for EISP and Complete VA Form 10-0003K-2?

  1. Confirm eligibility with your local VA facility’s EISP Program Coordinator.
  2. Complete the companion VA Form 10-0003K (Application).
  3. Secure acceptance into an approved program.
  4. Submit required documents; facilities recommend candidates based on needs.
  5. Upon selection, sign the EISP Agreement (VA Form 10-0003K-2), which requires final approval by the Under Secretary for Health or designee.

Always consult your facility’s HR or scholarship coordinator for current processes.

Benefits of Participating in the VA EISP

  • Substantial financial support for education without loans.
  • Professional growth in your VA career.
  • Opportunity to serve Veterans while advancing skills.
  • Tax-free funding.

Many employees, such as social workers and nurses, have advanced their careers through this program.

For the most current information, contact your local VA medical facility or visit official VA websites, as program details (including funding caps) may be updated annually.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not official VA guidance. Always verify details directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs.