News

ONCAT supports military-connected learners

November 11, 2025

TORONTO – To recognize the valuable contributions and selfless service of Canadian Armed Forces members and their families, the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) announced two initiatives that support military-connected learners, as well as the publication of a new report that provides recommendations for expanding access to postsecondary education.

“Military-connected learners enrich classrooms and campuses with their insightful perspectives, diverse experiences and tremendous work ethic,” said Dr. Adrienne Galway, President and CEO, Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT). “ONCAT is honoured to steward new postsecondary initiatives that recognize the transferability of military training and empower learners to pursue their next education and employment goals.”

With an investment of $575,000 from the Government of Ontario, ONCAT has deployed funding to six postsecondary institutions, for projects that help military-connected learners access postsecondary programs and accelerate career transitions. These projects focus on enhancing processes that award academic credits and advanced standing for the technical, leadership and organizational skills and competencies that are acquired via military training and experiences.

“Our government will always stand up for those who have put their lives on the line to protect Ontario,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “By recognizing the valuable skills veterans have gained through their service, we’re helping them enter rewarding and in-demand careers faster while strengthening Ontario’s highly skilled workforce.”

ONCAT manages ONTransfer.ca, an online guide — used by more than 200,000 people each year — that helps learners explore their transfer and pathway options. A new feature on ONTransfer.ca directs military-connected learners to colleges and universities in Ontario that provide academic support for military-connected learners, including programs to receive credit for military training and experiences, as well as streamlined admission processes and specialized student services. (Learn more.)

ONCAT appreciates that military-connected learners may encounter obstacles and delays when trying to begin or resume their studies. To identify effective practices and promising solutions, ONCAT commissioned the Canadian Military, Veteran and Family Connected Campus Consortium (CMVF3C) to review the recognition of Canadian Armed Forces training within the Ontario postsecondary system. The report provides key recommendations for supporting military-connected learners, ultimately informing policy development and fostering systemic change in how military learning is valued across Canada’s education and employment landscapes. (Read the report.)

“As a national consortium focused on the supportive role postsecondary institutions play in Canada’s defence modernization, the CMVF3C is proud to support Ontario’s focus on military education and training recognition,” said Donald Moore, Military Education & Training Recognition WG Chair, CMVF3C. “We are excited to see so many of our partnering institutions growing in this critical space, signaling the importance of our strategic collaboration in the postsecondary sector. Military PLAR pathways will offer opportunities to amplify the highly skilled nature of Canadian Armed Forces training, benefiting those who serve, and have served, Canada from coast to coast to coast.”

ONCAT Military-Connected Learner Grants support the development and implementation of policies, practices and pathways that empower military-connected learners to access postsecondary programs and accelerate career transitions.

Standardizing the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition of Military Experience 
Lead institution: Canadore College 
Project summary: Standardizes the prior learning assessment and recognition of military training and experience. By clarifying administrative processes for military-connected learners, the project will expand opportunities for advancement within the Canadian Armed Forces or transitions to new careers.

Creating a Course Credit Bank for Military-Connected Learners 
Lead institution: Fanshawe College
Project summary: Creates a course credit bank that streamlines prior learning assessment and recognition processes for military-connected learners. By facilitating proactive reviews of military experience, the project allows learners to quickly identify options for accessing postsecondary programs. 

Automating Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition for Military-Connected Learners
Lead institution: Georgian College
Project summary: Develops Al-powered tools to automate prior learning assessment and recognition processes for military-connected learners. Additionally, the project designs a platform that guides postsecondary administrators to identify course equivalencies from Military Personnel Record Resumes.
 

Expanding Access to Engineering Programs for Military-Connected Learners

Lead institution: University of Waterloo
Project summary: Develops pathways that help military-connected learners access university-level engineering programs. By promoting engineering opportunities and offering academic bridging resources, the project will support successful transitions from military careers to postsecondary studies. 

Developing Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition for Military-Connected Learners
Lead institution: University of Windsor
Project summary: Develops prior learning assessment and recognition processes that allow military-connected learners to enrol directly in university-level programs. By enhancing academic and administrative policies, the project will improve the recruitment and retention of military-connected learners.

ONCAT Collaboration Grants support the development and implementation of learner-centric policies, practices and pathways across multiple postsecondary institutions or the entire postsecondary sector.

Creating Engineering Pathways for Military-Connected Learners
Lead institution: Lakehead University
Partner organizations: Georgian College
Project summary: Develops specialized pathways for military-connected learners to enrol in accredited Bachelor of Engineering programs. By recognizing the skills and experiences from the Canadian Armed Forces, the project will expand access to programs that support in-demand labour market sectors.

Contact:  Natalie Isber, Chief of Staff and Strategic Advisor, nisber@oncat.ca.