; and (2) the scope and timeframe of a study conducted as described in paragraph (1) may be dependent upon the findings of the Comptroller General with respect to the assessment carried out under subsection (a). 10. Employment of students and recent graduates by Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe regulations to allow for excepted service appointments of students and recent graduates leading to conversion to career or career conditional employment of a student or recent graduate of a qualifying educational institution, as defined by the Department. (b) Applicability The conversion authority described in subsection (a) shall be applicable to individuals in good standing who— (1) are employed in a qualifying internship or fellowship program at the Department; (2) are employed in the Department in a volunteer capacity and performing substantive duties comparable to those of individuals in internship or fellowship programs and meet the required number of hours for conversion; (3) are employed in the Department under a contract or agreement with an external nonprofit organization and performing substantive duties comparable to those of individuals in internship or fellowship programs; (4) have received educational assistance under chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code