Any veteran who desires to continue his education may apply for admission to the institute and if, in the opinion of the department, the educational needs and desires of the veteran can be satisfactorily met, the department shall assume state wardship and supervision over the education of such veteran. The department may provide for such education in educational institutions in this State, or in other states, or in other countries, when necessary or desirable for postgraduate or professional college courses. The department may provide educational counsel for students and assist them in securing admission to suitable institutions of learning in either public or private
school field. The department may assist any eligible veteran who may apply for a short intensive postgraduate or training or refresher course in any professional field where the purposes of such course are to prepare the veteran for a state examination which he must pass as a prerequisite to practice his profession in the State of Calfornia or where said course or courses will acquaint the veteran in professional techniques developed in private practice during the time that he was in the service.