The American opportunity and lifetime learning credits apply only for qualified expenses required for an enrollment at an “eligible education institution.” This is a school eligible to participate in a student aid program administered by the U.S. Department of Education, which means virtually all accredited postsecondary institutions in the U.S. Educational institutions located outside the United States that are eligible to participate in a student aid program administered by the U.S. Department of Education may qualify, so check with the school through which you took the courses.
A 12-month period ending on the last day of any month other than December. Partnerships, S corporations, and personal service corporations are limited in their choice of fiscal years and face special restrictions.