The Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Roads University have launched a new education partnership that will bring military officer training back to the Colwood campus starting in Fall 2026. This agreement, signed on April 24, 2026, creates a subsidized learning pathway for approximately 40 students per year, offering a new way for aspiring officers to earn their degrees while preparing for service.
This initiative marks the first time the military has expanded its officer education program beyond its existing bilingual military colleges. The program will function as a specialized stream within the military’s Regular Officer Training Plan, providing an in-residence experience for students. Participants will study subjects including environmental science, justice studies, professional communication, and business administration. Beyond their academic coursework, students will receive training in leadership, ethics, physical fitness, health, and second language instruction.
The site has a long history with the military, having operated as a military college from 1940 until 1995. Since that facility closed, the grounds have been home to the current public university. This new arrangement is expected to eventually support up to 160 cadets at the university, providing a boost to officer training capacity as the military works to modernize its recruitment efforts.
