FAQ

This is bursary is entirely funded through donations from the George and Helen Vari Canadian Armed Forces Education Fund. The George and Helen Vari Foundation’s Endowment gift of $1 million to Support Our Troops established the George and Helen Vari Canadian Armed Forces Education Fund.

Mr. and Mrs. Vari came to Canada after the 1956 Hungarian revolution. A civil engineer, George became a successful international real estate developer. Mr. Vari credited his education and the opportunities that Canada provided as the keys to his success, stating that “with an education and a country like Canada, you can do anything.” 

Mrs. Vari was also a lifelong supporter of education, as well as a person committed to ensuring students of all abilities and backgrounds have opportunities to prosper.  

This bursary is open to applications from currently serving Primary Reserve Force members and/or Canadian Rangers.  Please check that you meet the eligibility criteria on our website and can provide the required documentation.  Applications are accepted through the online application portal that can be accessed on our website once the application period opens. The Scholarships Coordinator will review applications and send approval emails with further instructions to all successful applicants.

The application portal opens in October of every year.  Check our website regularly for updates regarding eligibility, applications and opening dates: https://www.supportourtroops.ca/Get-Support/Education/George-and-Helen-Vari-Foundation-Education-Bursary

We do not accept applications for courses not yet completed.

Yes, you can submit all tuition expenses between the period of 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024.

No, the bursary amount is only calculated based off your tuition fees.

The tuition invoice submitted in your application determines an applicant’s eligible bursary amount.  The bursary amount equals 50% of tuition fees seen on the tuition invoice, up to $1000.00, whichever is the lowest value. 

Example:  Tuition invoice cost is $1250.00.  Total amount eligible as a bursary would be $625.00.  A tuition invoice of $3000.00 would be eligible for a bursary of the maximum amount of $1000.00.

Yes, all stated mandatory documents must be uploaded at the time of application to validate your eligibility and fulfill the application criteria. 

Please note:  It is the responsibility of the applicant to access and submit the documents, as the Scholarship Coordinator will not contact you to collect your information or any missing documentation.

All applicants will be notified of the results of their application once the selection committee has made their decisions.  Successful applicants will receive additional instructions to process the payment of their bursary.

Your reimbursement should appear in your account 4- 6 weeks after we have received your financial documentation.  If you do not see it after that time, please contact the Scholarship Coordinator:  scholarships@cfmws.com.

No, when uploading tuition receipts, we will only accept documents in PDF format.

Follow these links if you are unsure how to create or convert to a PDF on your computer or cellphone:
Save or convert to PDF or XPS in Office Desktop apps - Microsoft Support
Save a PDF of your file on your mobile device - Microsoft Support

Personal information is collected by Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), under the authority of the National Defence Act, via a web-based application hosted by Jotform, a third-party company registered in Vancouver, British-Columbia.

Personal information will be used to administer the George and Helen Vari Foundation Bursary, to determine and verify eligibility for bursaries, and to provide reimbursement of tuition fees. Your application is voluntary, however, if you choose not to provide your personal information, we may be unable to process your application and/or provide payment. Personal information may also be used for marketing, program monitoring, evaluation, or reporting purposes, with the data being anonymized and aggregated whenever possible.
Personal information is protected, and is only used and disclosed by CFMWS in accordance with the Privacy Act, as described in personal information bank CFMWS PPE 802 - Financial Assistance - Support Our Troops (SOT) Funds. Under the Act, individuals have rights of access to and correction of their personal information, and the right to file a complaint to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada regarding the institution’s handling of personal information.

If you require clarification about this statement, contact the CFMWS Privacy Coordinator at ATIP.AIPRP@cfmws.com. For more information on the Privacy Act, consult the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

For the Jotform’s Privacy Policy, please visit their website at Jotform Privacy Policy

For the CFMWS Privacy Policy, please visit the website at Legal Disclaimer | CFMWS