Education reimbursement in the Canadian Armed Forces
Regular Force officers and non-commissioned members can receive financial assistance for part-time studies to upgrade their educational qualifications and/or pursue Professional Development. You may be reimbursed for up to 100% of course expenses upon successful completion of courses that have been approved for funding on your Self Development Plan (SDP).
You’re eligible for this benefit if:
you’re in the Regular Force
you’re currently receiving pay and allowances
you’ve completing basic training
your SDP has been “endorsed” (once your SDP is “endorsed”, you can submit courses for funding consideration. Courses must be “Funding Approved” before you are to start the course, or you may not be reimbursed. Funding approval is based on CAF priorities and available resources)
you have successfully completed the funded courses
For more information see CBI 210.801 and Canadian Forces Military Personnel Instruction 01/21.
Reserve Force members
Primary Reserve members may be reimbursed for studying at an approved university or college to get a degree or diploma. Education reimbursement covers up to 75% of allowable education expenses, with a maximum of $7,500 per academic year. The lifetime maximum entitlement is $30,000 for all service in the Primary Reserve.
You’re eligible for this benefit if:
- you’re in the Primary Reserve Force
- you’ve successfully completed the basic military qualification course for an officer or a non-commissioned member
- you have a registered Individual Learning Plan (ILP)[DR1] [YN2] , meaning the learning activity has been endorsed on your Self‑Development Program (SDP)·
- you successfully complete your academic courses
For more information see CBI 210.801 and Canadian Forces Military Personnel Instruction 01/21.
The Skills Completion Program reimburses training and certification expenses for Regular Force members to upgrade their military skills and experience to a civilian equivalent. This may also include certification level for a second career (civilian employment). The maximum benefit is $5,400 for up to 2 years of training and certification expenses.
You’re eligible for this program if:
you’ve completed at least 10 years in the Regular Force
you submitted your SDP to the Canadian Defence Academy (CDA) no later than one year after your release or transfer from the Regular Force
the CDA has endorsed your SDP and approved the training or certification
To confirm eligibility, or if you need access to references, please contact ++CDA.SDPEER-PARFS.ACD@CDA-ACD@Kingston, or SDPEER-PARFS@forces.gc.ca.
For more information see CBI 210.802 and Canadian Forces Military Personnel Instruction 01/21.
Contact us for help
For more information please email ++CDA.SDPEER-PARFS.ACD@CDA-ACD@Kingston, or SDPEER-PARFS@forces.gc.ca