Pursue education opportunities and funding through the Canadian Armed Forces Self-Development Program
November 21, 2025 – Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 1:30
As an institution that values lifelong learning, the CAF offers numerous advantages to members who pursue academic excellence. Through the CAF Self-Development Program (CAFSDP), CAF members may be eligible to claim partial reimbursement of their tuition.
CAFSDP consists of three distinct funding programs:
While there are nuances to each program, the education expense reimbursement (EER) process for the CAFSDP consists of four general parts for the member:
- The creation of an account on the SDPEER platform (accessible on DWAN only).
- The Self-Development Program (SDP) application, which determines if the proposed program of study is endorsed.
- The funding application, which identifies what costs are eligible for reimbursement. The funding decision then supports members to plan their education choices according to their approvals and personal budgets.
- The claims process, which provides reimbursement of approved costs from the funding decision.
Possible programs could be undergraduate degrees, certificate programs, or master’s degrees, among many others. Your application must include a substantiation, which justifies the benefit of your SDP to the CAF. To strengthen the application, submit a substantiation that clearly demonstrates how the program or certificate is of benefit to the CAF, and how your chosen SDP will enhance your performance as a CAF member. For additional guidance, be sure to check out the FAQ page (accessible on DWAN only).
On SDPEER’s FAQ page, you will find information to improve your understanding of the program, best manage your SDP, and maximize your benefits from these programs. Help desk staff can support you with any technical issues and regional advisors can assist in ensuring you get answers specific to your file.
So, are you ready for a new challenge? Contribute to mission success by investing in yourself! The CAF supports education that aligns with operational needs - because readiness starts with knowledge.
For more information, please visit the SDPEER website (accessible on DWAN only) or contact the SDPEER Help Desk.