02/05/2025
The Canadian Armed Forces is offering a unique opportunity for Indigenous individuals (First Nation, Status or Non-Status; Métis or Inuit) to further their educational and leadership goals at the Royal Canadian Military College of Canada.
A new program, the Indigenous Leadership Opportunity Year (ILOY), will provide Indigenous students an all-expenses covered, full academic year at RMC as an officer cadet. After the year, they may apply to continue their degree program as a CAF member under the Regular Officer Training Program, or apply as a non-commissioned member of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Throughout the duration of their time in the program, officer cadets will be paid at their rank level and receive free tuition and books. Students may request to leave the program at any time.
Exclusive to the ILOY program, successful applicants will receive offerings of sports, field trips, leadership development, military training, cultural support activities and more.
ILOY eligibility
• Be an Indigenous person (First Nation, Status or Non-Status; Métis or Inuit)
• Be a Canadian citizen
• Be at least 16 years of age (applicants under the age of 18 must obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian)
• Have completed Grade 12, Secondary V, or the GED in the current academic year
Applications are accepted each year, at the beginning of November. For best success, submit your application early (preferably before the end of February) to ensure all the arrangements can be made for the beginning of the school year. In addition to filling out the online application, you must also submit the ILOY application package and candidate questionnaire at forces.ca/en/programs-for-indigenous-peoples/iloy/
For information on CAF programs for Indigenous peoples, visit forces.ca/en/programs-for-indigenous-peoples, or contact your local Canadian Armed Forces Recruiting Centre.
