Frequently asked questions (FAQs):
- What does the Vimy Foundation look for in a candidate?
Some things we look for when reviewing applications and during the interview stage:
- Authenticity. Candidates should be themselves in all elements of their application and if selected for an interview.
- A genuine interest in meeting and connecting with other youth from Canada and Europe.
- A genuine interest in learning more about First World War and Second World War history.
- A team player. BVP recipients live and learn alongside 15 other youth, as well as the Education Team, for the duration of the program.
- What is the maximum word limit for the art analysis essay? What is the maximum length of the personal statement video?
- The essay should be 600 words. There are no penalties for essays that are 30 words over or under 600 words (between 570 and 630 words).
- The video should be no longer than 3 minutes. There are no penalties for videos that are 20 seconds under the time limit (between 2.40 minutes and 2.59 minutes)
- What format should the written documents take?
- The art analysis essay, resume (CV), and letter of reference should all be in PDF format only.
- What is the time of the deadline on March 17, 2026?
- The time of the deadline is 11:59PM your local time.
- Are there costs involved in participating?
- For Canadian participants, the Vimy Foundation covers the cost of return flights from the recipient’s home town in Canada to Paris, France (recipients must depart from and return to their closest home airport. Requests for changes or alternatives are not possible).
- For participants from the UK, France, and Germany, the Vimy Foundation covers the cost of return travel (flight, train, or other mode of transportation) from their home town to Paris, France (recipients must depart from and return to their home town. Requests for changes or alternatives are not possible).
- The Vimy Foundation also covers the cost of meals and group snacks, accommodations (hotel or hostel), and ground transportation in Europe for the duration of the program.
- What is not covered? Costs of souvenirs, individual snacks, food at the airport or during travel to and from the airport, and any costs related to traveling to and from the home airport are the responsibility of the recipients and/ or their parent(s) or guardian(s). See the terms and conditions for full details.
- Who supervises the recipients during the program?
- The Education Team comprised of 5 Canadian educators/ chaperones are responsible for supervising the recipients and leading the educational discussions and activities for the duration of the program. The Education Team meets the Canadian recipients at the airport in Montreal, and meets the recipients from the UK, France, and Germany in Paris, France.
- Are all Canadian recipients required to be Canadian citizens?
- The program is open to all eligible students in Canada between the ages of 15-17. Recipients must meet the requirements for travel to Europe (Belgium and France) in order to participate. See the terms and conditions for full details.
- How do recipients travel to and from Europe (Belgium and France)?
- Canadian recipients fly from their closest home airport in Canada to the airport in Montreal (Montreal-area recipients use their preferred mode of transportation to reach the airport). Recipients are not accompanied by chaperones during this portion of travel. Canadian recipients and the Education Team meet in Montreal. They depart Montreal and travel together as a group to Europe. On the last day of the program, the group returns to the Montreal airport and then recipients fly or take local transportation to their home towns.
- Recipients from the UK, France, and Germany, travel on the most convenient mode of transportation to arrive in and depart from Paris, France. Recipients are not accompanied by chaperones during this portion of travel. They meet the Education Team and Canadian recipients in Paris, France.
- What is a typical day on the program?
- Each day of the program is filled with visits to historic sites, monuments, cemeteries, museums or other educational institutions, and features active discussions, presentations, and other educational activities. Recipients are expected to engage and participate in all elements. The group travels to different sites by coach bus. They depart the hotel or hostel around 8:30am or 9am in the morning, and return in the evening. Most importantly, recipients come away with unique insights into the First and Second World Wars, and make lifelong connections with peers from several countries.
10. Can candidates re-apply to the BVP if they applied in a previous year (and did not receive the award)?
- Yes, if they have not already received the BVP or Vimy Pilgrimage Award (VPA), candidates can re-apply to the BVP, if they meet the eligibility criteria. See the Terms and Conditions.
11. Do candidates need to be between 15 and 17 years of age at the time of application or the time of the BVP program?
- Candidates must be between 15 and 17 years of age during the entirety of the BVP program (July 31 to August 10, 2026). See the Terms and Conditions.
12. Do all application elements need to be in one language (English or French), or can the application include a mix of both English and French?
- The community art analysis, video, and CV (resume) should be in the same (one) language (English or French). Letters of reference can be in either English or French.
13. When do candidates hear back from the Vimy Foundation?
- All candidates will hear back from the Vimy Foundation by the end of June 2026.
14. Who can candidates contact with for additional questions?
Visit the Terms and Conditions page for full details.
