“Getting Paid To Go To School” – The CAF Self-Development Program for RMR Reservists
Thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel (ret’d) George Siket for passing this along to share among the RMR Family.
Westmount, Quebec – 25 November 2025: Most RMR soldiers are juggling school, work, family, and parade nights. What many don’t realize is that the Canadian Armed Forces has a program that can help pay for civilian education that also develops you as a soldier and leader.
That program is the Canadian Armed Forces Self-Development Program (CAFSDP). For Primary Reservists like us, the details are in Annex B of CAF Military Personnel Instruction 01/21.
What is it? The CAFSDP supports self-initiated, off-duty education that is in the interests of the CAF.
For the Primary Reserve, this takes the form of Education Expense Reimbursement (EER – PRes): you choose a recognized program of study, get it approved, complete your courses, and then receive partial reimbursement of your expenses.
Who’s eligible? In simple terms, you must:
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Be a Primary Reservist in good standing
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Have completed BMQ (officer or NCM)
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Be on pay and allowances (or on maternity/parental leave)
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Have a registered Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
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Have a Self-Development Program (SDP) endorsed by the Canadian Defence Academy (CDA)
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Successfully complete the approved courses and remain in the PRes for that academic year
What kind of schooling is covered? Funding is designed to help you complete a real credential, such as:
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Undergraduate or advanced degrees or diplomas at accredited Canadian universities
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College diplomas in fields CDA considers useful to the CAF
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Programs at other institutions whose standards and fields of study CDA agrees are comparable and in the CAF’s interest
This is about serious, structured education, not random one-off hobby courses.
How much money? Primary Reservists can receive:
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50% of eligible education expenses
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Up to $2,000 per academic year
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To a lifetime maximum of $8,000 in the PRes
For many RMR soldiers paying their own way through CEGEP, university or college, that is real help.
What expenses are covered? Eligible costs include:
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Tuition, enrolment and initial testing fees
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Required books and materials
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Mandatory student fees (library, lab, student union, exams)
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Required thesis printing/binding
Travel, meals, and accommodation are not covered.
How do you start?
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Draft your ILP and speak with your chain of command.
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Submit your SDP through SDPEER for CDA endorsement.
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Complete your courses.
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Claim reimbursement with a CF 52 and proof of completion through the Orderly Room.
Policies can change, so always refer to the current directive and CDA guidance.
The RMR has always been built on citizen-soldiers. Using the CAF Self-Development Program is one more way to build your civilian career and strengthen the Regiment at the same time.
