Looking for a way to study in Canada without paying full tuition? The Manitoba University Scholarship offers international and domestic students the chance to pursue quality education with financial support.
Overview of Manitoba University Scholarships
The University of Manitoba provides a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to help reduce the financial burden on students.
- Scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate programs
- Awards are both merit-based and need-based
- International students are eligible for many programs
- Automatic consideration for some scholarships upon admission
- No separate application required for certain awards
- Annual scholarship pool exceeds CAD 20 million
- Entrance scholarships based on high school marks
- In-course scholarships reward academic performance
- Bursaries support low-income students
- Scholarships renew based on GPA requirements
- Opportunities linked to faculties and departments
Eligibility Criteria for Manitoba University Scholarships
To apply or qualify, students must meet academic and institutional standards that vary by award type.
- Must be admitted to the University of Manitoba
- Maintain full-time academic status
- Meet minimum GPA requirements
- Some awards require Canadian citizenship or residency
- Most entrance scholarships require direct high school admission
- Graduate scholarships demand research proposals or thesis work
- Proof of English proficiency may be necessary
- Financial need documentation for bursaries
- No academic misconduct record
- Follow application deadlines precisely
Types of Scholarships Available
The University of Manitoba hosts diverse scholarship categories for all student levels.
- International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships
- University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)
- Indigenous Student Awards
- In-course scholarships for returning students
- Athletics and leadership awards
- Faculty-specific scholarships (Engineering, Law, etc.)
- Financial need-based bursaries
- International Graduate Student Entrance Scholarships
- Research and project-based awards
- Co-op and internship program awards
Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships
These are among the most common and easiest to qualify for if you’re entering from high school.
- Automatically offered based on admission average
- No application required
- Ranges from CAD 1,000 to CAD 3,000
- Based on five best senior-level academic courses
- Renewable with a GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Open to both Canadian and international students
- Offered in fall semester only
- Must register for full-time studies
- Used to offset tuition costs
- Some awards tied to specific faculties
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)
These competitive awards support master’s and PhD students pursuing advanced research.
- Master’s level: CAD 14,000/year up to 2 years
- PhD level: CAD 18,000/year up to 4 years
- Must have a GPA of 3.75+ in the last 60 credit hours
- Open to domestic and international students
- Full-time registration required
- Awarded by department nomination
- Based on academic excellence
- Available to all disciplines
- Cannot hold concurrently with some other awards
- Research-based programs only
International Student Scholarships
The University of Manitoba prioritizes support for international students through designated funding.
- Entrance scholarships for high-performing applicants
- In-course awards for continuing academic excellence
- Special bursaries for financial hardship
- English Language Centre bursaries available
- No separate application for most scholarships
- Valid study permit is required
- Certain awards tied to specific nationalities
- GPA must be maintained for renewals
- Some scholarships funded by external partners
- Priority for first-year and graduate students
Application Process and Deadlines
Understanding the timeline and method is key to securing your scholarship.
- Many awards need no separate application
- Use Aurora Student Portal for in-course applications
- Submit bursary applications through UM Student Awards office
- Some graduate awards need departmental nominations
- Deadlines vary by scholarship category
- Most entrance scholarships are automatic by March
- In-course applications typically due in October
- Financial documentation required for bursaries
- Recommendation letters needed for graduate fellowships
- Keep records of deadlines in your student portal
Faculty-Specific and Departmental Awards
Many scholarships are available only to students in specific academic programs.
- Engineering: Industry-sponsored scholarships and awards
- Law: Prizes for academic performance and community service
- Medicine: Research grants and clinical excellence awards
- Business: Scholarships tied to internship performance
- Science: Awards for innovation and research impact
- Education: Leadership and rural teaching bursaries
- Arts: Creative excellence awards
- Music: Scholarships based on auditions and theory tests
- Environment: Field research funding
- Computer Science: Coding competition prizes
Living Costs and Financial Support Table
A breakdown of average annual student expenses and how scholarships help:
| Expense Category | Estimated Annual Cost (CAD) | Covered by Scholarships? |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 16,000 – 22,000 | Yes |
| Housing | 8,000 – 12,000 | Partially |
| Books & Supplies | 1,000 – 1,500 | Sometimes |
| Transportation | 500 – 1,000 | Rarely |
| Food & Living | 3,000 – 5,000 | Occasionally |
| Health Insurance | 800 – 1,000 | Yes (for some students) |
| Total | 29,300 – 42,500 | Mostly |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for Manitoba University scholarships as an international student?
Most entrance scholarships are automatic based on grades. For others, submit applications through the UM Student Portal and meet deadlines.
Are scholarships renewable each year?
Yes, many are renewable if you maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and remain a full-time student.
Can graduate students apply for multiple awards?
Yes, but some scholarships can’t be held at the same time. Check the terms of each award.
Are bursaries only for low-income students?
Yes, bursaries require proof of financial need and are meant to assist students in financial hardship.
Do I need to submit separate applications for each scholarship?
No, many are automatic or bundled into one application form via the Aurora portal.
Is English proficiency required to receive scholarships?
Yes, for international students, valid proof of English proficiency is required for admission and scholarship eligibility.
When should I apply for scholarships?
Apply as early as possible. Many scholarships are awarded upon admission or during the first semester.
Can I work while holding a scholarship?
Yes, most scholarships do not restrict work permits, but always check individual award policies.
Are there scholarships specifically for high school graduates?
Yes, entrance scholarships are aimed at recent high school grads entering university directly.
What GPA do I need to keep my scholarship?
Most require a minimum GPA of 3.5, but some awards vary depending on the faculty.
Conclusion
The Manitoba University Scholarship program helps students access world-class education with less financial pressure.
It’s an excellent pathway for high-achieving and deserving students to thrive in Canada.