HAMILTON, Ont. — McMaster University has joined several other institutions offering four years of free tuition to the children of Canadian soldiers killed in military action.

The university announced Wednesday it will also provide residence accommodation and a meal plan for the first year of study, as part of the Project Hero program.

The program was launched earlier this year to provide support to the sons and daughters of Canadian military members killed while serving in an active mission.

"War takes a terrible toll on families -- emotionally and in some cases financially -- and we feel a responsibility to both honour the sacrifice and to do our small part in helping a soldier's family by offering access to a McMaster education," Peter George, president of McMaster University, said in a release.

"McMaster is proud to be able to be a part of Project Hero."

The scholarships are also being offered by Memorial University in Newfoundland, the University of Windsor in Ontario, the University of Ottawa and the University of Calgary.

The program was co-founded by retired general Rick Hillier, the former chief of defence staff, and honorary Lt.-Col. Kevin Reed.

It's open to those under age 26, and students will be required to identify themselves as a son or daughter of a Canadian soldier killed in active duty.

The program is open until Aug. 31, 2014. Eligibility will be verified by the Department of National Defence.