Education reimbursement in the Canadian Armed Forces

About education reimbursement

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) recognizes that education is the best investment an organization can make toward the development of its members. Upgrading your education in the CAF can benefit you by:

staying up to date with the latest technologies
enhancing your critical thinking skills
developing innovative responses to many issues

There are many programs available to CAF members who wish to pursue further education. Eligible members, including reservists, may claim full or partial reimbursement of diplomas or degrees.

Regular Force members

Regular Force officers and non-commissioned members can receive financial assistance for part-time studies to upgrade educational qualifications in the CAF. You may be reimbursed for 100% of education expenses if the course of study is aligned with your profession and you successfully complete the courses approved in your Individual Learning Plan (ILP).

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 specific course is listed on an approved ILP before the course begins
you have been approved funding for the particular fiscal year
you have successfully completed the courses

For more information see CBI 210.80 and CANFORGEN 46/19 (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Reserve Force members

Primary Reserve members may be reimbursed for studying at a Canadian university or college to get a degree or diploma. The education reimbursement is up to 50% of your expenses with a maximum of $2,000 per academic year. The maximum benefit is $8,000 per career.

You’re eligible for this benefit if:

you’re in the Reserve Force
you’ve successfully completed basic training
you have an approved ILP
you successfully complete your courses

For more information see CBI 210.801.

Skills Completion Program

The Skills Completion Program reimburses education and certification expenses for Regular Force members to upgrade their military skills and experience to a civilian equivalent. This also includes certification level for a second career (civilian employment). The maximum benefit is $5,400 for up to 2 years of education and certification expenses.

You’re eligible for this program if:

you’ve completed at least 10 years in the Regular Force
you’ve submitted your ILP to the Canadian Defence Academy (CDA)/Military Personnel Generation Group (MPGG) no later than 1 year following the day your were released or transferred from the Regular Force
the CDA/MPGG has evaluated your ILP and approved the courses or certification

For more information see CBI 210.802.

Contact us for help

For more information on approved courses or programs, Individual Learning Plans, and reimbursement please email +ILP-Help-Desk@forces.gc.ca.

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