Post-secondary scholarships and bursaries for military members and their families

Getting a post-secondary education can be important for serving and former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families, as well for the families of deceased members. There is a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to ensure you, and your family have these opportunities.

Opportunities for CAF members and their families

Canadian Forces Moral and Welfare Services (CFMWS) offers information on: 

• School specific scholarships

• General scholarship and bursaries

• Scholarships, Loans, and Grants

for members and military families. Detailed information is available on their website.

Support Our Troops

Two post-secondary bursaries are administered under Support Our Troops. 

1. The National Scholarship Program, operating within CFMWS.

This program awards scholarships to eligible dependents and spouses of serving CAF members. This helps them deal with the unique challenges they face in pursuing post-secondary education. The number of awards may vary from year to year. More information on eligibility criteria, the application process, and restrictions is available on the website. 

2. The George and Helen Vari Foundation Education Bursary Program.

The George and Helen Vari Foundation Education Bursary helps to support the education of Reserve Force members and the Canadian Rangers of the CAF. It is meant to complement the CAF Education Reimbursement Program.

The following contacts can provide more information on scholarships and bursaries offered through Support Our Troops. 

Opportunities for Families of the Fallen

Veterans Affairs Canada offers educational assistance to eligible children of deceased veterans or CAF members. To learn more, consult the Educational assistance for children program’s web page.

Canada Company’s scholarship program offers up to $5,000 a year to children of the fallen. The program recognizes the sacrifice of Canada’s military members made in service to our country and honours their legacy through the children they have left behind. Scholarships can be used towards post-secondary or postgraduate education. 

Canadian Hero Fund scholarships help the children of fallen soldiers pursue a post-secondary education and provide the spouses of fallen soldiers with the necessary support for professional retraining, in order to reestablish financial stability within the family.

The Support our Troops website has a list of other scholarship opportunities  available. Several of these opportunities are available for families of the fallen.

Other Scholarships

There may be other scholarships available in your community, through Cadet Organizations, Royal Canadian Legion, Canadian Universities, Colleges and Trade Associations, for example, that are not listed here. Take the time to research and apply for scholarships in your area of education or interest.