A. A Vietnam veteran may apply to the veterans' services department for a scholarship. The department shall determine the eligibility of an applicant and certify approved applicants to the commission on higher education [higher education department].
B. The commission on higher education [higher education department] shall pay by voucher to the appropriate educational institution an amount not exceeding the amount of the scholarship for an approved Vietnam veteran.
C. Money in the fund shall be allocated in the order that applications are received and approved.