Education reimbursement in the Canadian Armed Forces

Regular Force applications for the Education Expense Reimbursement (EER) have been paused

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has made the decision to pause the Regular Force applications to the Self-Development Program (SDP) managed by the Canadian Defence Academy (CDA) until at least March 31, 2025. During the pause, the software which manages the program is being upgraded to handle increasing demand. The program will remain open in the meantime for Primary Reserve members and Skills Completion Program members as they are governed by separate regulations. More information on the pause of EER can be found in CANFORGEN 135/24 and by visiting the frequently asked questions page.

About education expense reimbursement

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) recognizes that education and professional development is the best investment an organization can make toward the development of its members. As an institution that values lifelong learning, there are a myriad of advantages that can be realized through a member’s investment in the pursuit of academic excellence. Primarily, CAF members have focussed on:

staying up to date with the latest technologies,
enhancing critical thinking skills,
development of business excellence and
improving opportunities for job placement and career moves.

Eligible members, including Primary Reservists, may claim full or partial reimbursement of certificates, single courses, diplomas, or degrees.

A new educational expense reimbursement (EER) program went live on 10 August 2021 (in accordance with CANFORGEN 103/21, reopening opportunities and funding to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) – Regular and Primary Reserve members.

The new CAF Self-Development Program (MILPERS Instruction 01/21) allows CAF members to submit new applications in the Self Development Reimbursement Education Expense Reimbursement software (SDPEER.)

Previously approved Individual Learning Plans (ILP) in the electronic ILP system will continue to be managed and funded until the end of Fiscal Year 2022/23, at which time they will be formally cancelled in accordance with CANFORGEN 96/22. Members with these old ILPs will have to transition their ILPs to the new program should they wish to continue to seek reimbursement under the new policy. During the transition, members with older ILPs will need to submit a SDP into the new SDPEER system in accordance with the new Canadian Forces Military Personnel Instruction 01/21 [printable version in PDF format (530 KB, 9 pages)] (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Regular Force members

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 and Canadian Forces Military Personnel Instruction 01/21 [printable version in PDF format (530 KB, 9 pages)] (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

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 and Canadian Forces Military Personnel Instruction 01/21 [printable version in PDF format (530 KB, 9 pages)] (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Ill and Injured members

CAF Regular Force members deemed to be “Ill and Injured” in accordance with Canadian Forces Military Personnel Instruction 01/21, [printable version in PDF format (530 KB, 9 pages)] (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) Annex D, are able to receive the same benefits outlined above for Regular Force members, however, with fewer restrictions on programs, courses per month, courses per year. Members who meet the criteria, should contact the Help Desk to talk about the program can best support their requirements.

Contact us for help

For more information on approved courses or programs, Individual Learning Plans, and reimbursement please email ++CDA.SDPEER-PARFS.ACD@CDA-ACD@Kingston, or SDPEER-PARFS@forces.gc.ca

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Date modified:: 2024-09-12

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