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Veterans Education and Training Benefit - Canada
Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026

Veterans Education and Training Benefit

Taxable education support for Veterans
Latest source update
Last Update: July 20, 2026
Latest change: The Education and Training Benefit rates page now shows updated quarterly payment amounts and adjustment timing.
View change
ETB rates updated
The Rates page now shows updated payment amounts for several Veterans Affairs benefit rate tables, including Canadian Forces Income Support and War Veterans Allowance, and it displays a new effective date of 1 January 2026. It also states that the most recent Canadian Forces Income Support adjustment took effect July 1 and that the next adjustment is scheduled for October 1. A top Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation section was removed from the Rates page. A separate Policies listing also changed its program filter ordering, but no eligibility, application, contact, or portal details were visibly altered.
Funding available
$ 80,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Canada
Who can apply

Veterans honourably released from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Regular or Reserve Force on or after 1 April 2006, with at least 2,191 paid days of service

See full eligibility

Overview

The Education and Training Benefit helps Veterans with up to $80,000 in taxable funding for education and training. Eligible Veterans may use it for post-secondary study, short courses, and one-time courses aimed at self-fulfillment and personal interest and development.
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At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Attract or retain talent
  • Obtain certifications or accreditations
  • Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 80,000 $

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • All legal structures
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Canadians

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Formal programs that result in a diploma, degree, certificate, or training that leads to a certification or designation
  • Short courses for career and personal development
  • Business boot camps, workshops, and seminars

Documents Needed

  • Application for Education and Training Benefit (VAC 1537)
  • Education and Training Benefit - Formal Program Plan (VAC 1547) or Education and Training Benefit - Short Course (VAC 1549)
  • Proof of enrolment or registration showing your name, the program or course, the provider's name, the course or program dates, and cost
  • Proof of intent to enrol or register, such as an invoice, letter, or email from the provider confirming you will be enrolled once payment is made
  • A copy of proof of identity, if VAC does not already have it on file

Official resources

Program guide

Education and Training Benefit

Education and Training Benefit

Education and Training Benefit

Application form

Application for Education and Training Benefit

Application for Education and Training Benefit

Application for Education and Training Benefit

Education and Training Benefit - Completion Bonus

Education and Training Benefit - Completion Bonus

Supporting document

Education and Training Benefit

Education and Training Benefit Q&As

Information for academic institutions

Information for academic institutions

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Veterans honourably released from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Regular or Reserve Force on or after 1 April 2006, with at least 2,191 paid days of service
  • Members of the Supplementary Reserve with at least 2,191 paid days of service

Eligible expenses

  • Mandatory education costs
  • Some incidental and living expenses
  • Fees and costs associated with one-time courses aimed at self-fulfillment and personal interest and development

How to apply

  • Submit an Education and Training Benefit Application (VAC 1537) and have it approved to qualify for the benefit.
  • Once approved, submit an Education and Training Benefit - Formal Program Plan (VAC 1547) or Education and Training Benefit - Short Course (VAC 1549), together with proof of enrolment or registration.
  • Apply through My VAC Account or by mail to Veterans Affairs Canada, PO Box 6000, Matane, QC, G4W 0E4.

Processing and Agreement

  • You can expect a decision within four weeks of submitting a completed application, or within eight weeks if you submit the benefit application and the education and training plan at the same time.
  • To continue receiving funding, you must provide proof of completion of the current period of study and proof of enrolment or registration for the upcoming period of study.
  • When you complete your last period of study, you must still submit an Education and Training Benefit Monitoring Form (VAC 1550) and proof of completion of your last period of study.
  • Funding is provided in advance of your period of study and is intended for the course or program indicated on the application; if you do not complete the course, you are no longer eligible for the funding received and it may result in overpayment recovery and affect future ETB funding.
  • If you are on a wait list or have received a conditional offer, no payment will be issued until proof of enrolment or registration is received.

Additional information

  • Career Transition Services is complementary to ETB, and there is no requirement to apply for it.

Contacts

Frequently Asked Questions about the Veterans Education and Training Benefit Program

What is the Veterans Education and Training Benefit?

The Education and Training Benefit helps Veterans with up to $80,000 in taxable funding for education and training. Eligible Veterans may use it for post-secondary study, short courses, and one-time courses aimed at self-fulfillment and personal interest and development.

How much funding can be received?

Veterans Education and Training Benefit Funds up to $80,000 of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Veterans Education and Training Benefit program?

To be eligible for the Veterans Education and Training Benefit program, you must: The applicant must be honourably released from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Regular or Reserve Force on or after 1 April 2006, or be a member of the Supplementary Reserve. The applicant must have at least 2,191 paid days of service.

What expenses are eligible under Veterans Education and Training Benefit?

Formal programs that result in a diploma, degree, certificate, or training that leads to a certification or designation Short courses for career and personal development Business boot camps, workshops, and seminars

Who can I contact for more information about the Veterans Education and Training Benefit?

You can contact University of Calgary Continuing Education or by phone at 1-866-522-2122.

Where is the Veterans Education and Training Benefit available?

The Veterans Education and Training Benefit program is available across Canada.

Is the Veterans Education and Training Benefit a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Veterans Education and Training Benefit is a Grant and Funding