Applicants who have been accepted for entry at the Royal Military College of Canada, or other Canadian universities, enrol as officer cadets in a regular component of the Canadian Forces. Under the Plan, the costs of tuition, uniforms, books, instruments, and other essential fees for the duration of the course of studies are borne by the Department of National Defence, and in addition an officer cadet is paid a monthly salary, less deductions for income tax, pension plan, supplementary death benefit, room, and board. Free medical and dental care are provided through the entire training period which includes the Summer Training periods.
Annual vacation leave with full pay is granted according to regulations.
An officer cadet is obliged to maintain a satisfactory academic and military standard throughout the entire programme. Officer cadets who fail a year may be permitted to attend one repeat year at their own expense and, if successful, be reinstated to full pay and allowances. Upon successful completion of the programme, officer cadets are awarded a degree and granted commissions as officers in the Canadian Forces. An officer cadet who is enrolled under the ROTP may apply for release without obligation after the first of November of the first academic year and prior to the commencement of the second academic year. Thereafter, an ROTP officer cadet who seeks release shall undertake to reimburse the Crown for all expenses incurred by reason of attendance at the Royal Military College of Canada or another university.