The University of Manitoba Scholarships 2027 support international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programmes in Winnipeg, Canada. For the 2027–2028 academic year, the university is introducing a new International Excellence Entrance Scholarship worth up to CAD 25,000 for exceptional international undergraduate students, while its existing International Undergraduate Student Entrance Scholarship rewards high-achieving students automatically. Graduate students can receive the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF), worth CAD 20,000 per year for master’s students and CAD 25,000 per year for PhD students, with total doctoral funding reaching CAD 100,000. International master’s students may also receive scholarships toward the international tuition differential. In this article, we have explained everything you need to know about the University of Manitoba Scholarships, including their benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.
The main scholarships covered in this guide are:
- International Excellence Entrance Scholarship
- International Undergraduate Student Entrance Scholarship
- University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)
The University of Manitoba awards more than CAD 40 million in scholarships and bursaries annually, with opportunities available to both new and continuing international students.
University of Manitoba Scholarships Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate / Master’s / PhD
- Institution: University of Manitoba
- Study Destination: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Courses Offered: Eligible University of Manitoba programmes
The University of Manitoba offers programmes across engineering, sciences, business, agriculture, health sciences, arts, social sciences, computer science, architecture, environment, and many other fields.
University of Manitoba Scholarships Application Deadline
The University of Manitoba’s main entrance-scholarship consideration period generally closes in March for students beginning undergraduate study in the fall. The university has not yet published the complete 2027–2028 application schedule for all international entrance scholarships.
The new International Excellence Entrance Scholarship begins with the 2027–2028 academic year, but its first scholarship application deadline has not yet been published.
The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship does not have one university-wide application deadline. Each graduate department sets its own competition schedule, so deadlines vary according to programme.
International Graduate Student Entrance Scholarships are assessed through the graduate admission process, with the relevant admission schedule determined by the applicant’s programme.
University of Manitoba Scholarship Coverage
International Excellence Entrance Scholarship
The University of Manitoba International Excellence Entrance Scholarship is a new award beginning in the 2027–2028 academic year.
It has been established specifically to recognise exceptional international students applying directly from high school who combine strong academic achievement with leadership and meaningful community involvement.
Three scholarships are planned each year:
- 1 scholarship worth CAD 25,000
- 2 scholarships worth CAD 10,000 each
The scholarship is non-renewable.
Unlike the university’s standard automatic entrance scholarship, students must complete a separate International Excellence Entrance Scholarship application.
The selection process considers:
- Academic performance
- Leadership
- Community involvement
- Overall admission application
- Scholarship application
- School reference
The first-ranked applicant receives CAD 25,000, while the second- and third-ranked applicants receive CAD 10,000 each.
Importantly, the scholarship can be held together with other University of Manitoba scholarships, potentially allowing a strong international applicant to combine multiple awards.
International Undergraduate Student Entrance Scholarship
The International Undergraduate Student Entrance Scholarship rewards academically strong international students graduating from high schools outside Canada and entering the University of Manitoba.
No separate scholarship application is required.
International applicants are considered based primarily on their high-school academic average.
The university sets scholarship values annually according to academic performance.
Its currently published award structure uses tiers such as:
| Admission Average | Published Scholarship Example |
|---|---|
| 95% or higher | CAD 3,000 |
| 90% or higher | CAD 2,000 |
| 85% or higher | CAD 1,000 |
The final 2027 award tiers may be adjusted because the university determines the values each year.
Students must enrol full-time during both the fall and winter terms to remain eligible.
This scholarship cannot normally be combined with the University of Manitoba International Baccalaureate Entrance Scholarship or another award within the university’s Entrance Scholarship Program.
International Undergraduate Student Scholarship
International students who have already started their degree at Manitoba can compete for the International Undergraduate Student Scholarship.
The university currently allocates:
CAD 70,000 in total scholarship funding each year.
This amount is divided among eligible recipients rather than providing every student with CAD 70,000.
To qualify, students need a minimum sessional GPA of 3.5 and must continue full-time undergraduate study.
Eligible students are ranked according to their academic performance, and awards continue until the available scholarship fund is exhausted.
International Graduate Student Entrance Scholarship
International students entering eligible master’s programmes can also receive the International Graduate Student Entrance Scholarship.
The scholarship has a minimum value of:
CAD 5,000
and may increase up to the amount of the international student differential tuition fee.
Applicants must generally:
- Be international students
- Enter the first year of a full-time master’s programme
- Pay international differential tuition
- Have an admission GPA of at least 3.75
- Not hold another external award that pays their tuition
There is normally no separate scholarship application. Eligible international students are assessed during the graduate admission process.
Students who receive this scholarship in their first year may also qualify for the International Graduate Student Scholarship in the second year of an eligible master’s programme.
That scholarship also has a minimum value of CAD 5,000 and may cover up to the international tuition differential.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship
The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship is one of the university’s most valuable scholarships for international master’s and PhD students.
The fellowship provides:
Master’s Students
- CAD 20,000 per year
- Funding for 12 or 24 months
- Maximum scholarship value of CAD 40,000
PhD Students
- CAD 25,000 per year
- Funding for 12, 24, 36, or 48 months
- Maximum scholarship value of CAD 100,000
Canadian and international students are eligible.
The fellowship is available in research-based graduate programmes that are eligible for Tri-Agency graduate student awards.
Students are nominated by their academic department or unit rather than applying directly to a central university competition.
The department also determines the length of the fellowship offered to each successful candidate.
The UMGF is a substantial research scholarship, but applicants should not automatically describe it as fully funded because tuition, fees, and living costs depend on the individual programme and financial package.
Eligibility Criteria for University of Manitoba Scholarships
International Excellence Entrance Scholarship
Applicants must:
- Be international students
- Apply directly from high school
- Enter University 1 or another eligible direct-entry undergraduate faculty, college, or school
- Study full-time
- Demonstrate strong academic achievement
- Demonstrate leadership
- Demonstrate sustained and meaningful community involvement
- Complete the dedicated scholarship application
Candidates competing for the top CAD 25,000 award must have a minimum admission average of:
90% or equivalent
based on five approved senior-level academic subjects.
International Undergraduate Student Entrance Scholarship
Applicants must:
- Be international students studying in Canada on a valid study permit
- Pay international tuition fees
- Apply to an eligible University of Manitoba undergraduate programme
- Have at least an 85% high-school average or equivalent
- Enrol in at least 24 credit hours across the fall and winter terms
International qualifications are assessed using an equivalent level of academic standing rather than requiring every applicant to have a Canadian percentage-based transcript.
International Undergraduate Student Scholarship
Continuing undergraduate students must:
- Be international students
- Hold valid Canadian study permits
- Have completed at least 24 credit hours at the University of Manitoba
- Have a minimum sessional GPA of 3.5
- Continue into the next consecutive year
- Remain enrolled full-time in at least 24 credit hours
International Graduate Student Entrance Scholarship
Applicants must generally:
- Be international students
- Enter a full-time master’s programme
- Pay international differential tuition
- Have at least a 3.75 admission GPA
- Not receive external scholarship funding that already covers their tuition
UMGF Eligibility
Applicants for the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship must:
- Be admitted to a master’s or PhD programme
- Study full-time
- Have a minimum admission GPA of 3.0
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Show strong research potential
- Make satisfactory academic progress
- Study in a programme eligible for Tri-Agency graduate funding
- Receive a nomination from their department or academic unit
Individual departments can impose a higher GPA requirement.
For example, some competitive departmental UMGF competitions use considerably higher academic thresholds than the university-wide 3.0 minimum.
English-Language Requirements
International undergraduate applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency can currently use:
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each component
- TOEFL revised scale: 4.5 overall, minimum 4.0 in each component
- Duolingo English Test: 120 overall, minimum 105 in each subscore
- PTE Academic: 58
- CAEL: 60
- Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency: 180
Graduate applicants generally need:
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall
- TOEFL revised scale: 4.5 overall with at least 4.0 in each component
- Duolingo English Test: 120 overall with at least 100 in each component
- PTE Academic: 61
- Cambridge C1/C2: 180
Individual graduate programmes can require higher scores.
You can also review our guide to scholarships without IELTS.
How to Apply for University of Manitoba Scholarships?
International Excellence Entrance Scholarship
(1) Apply for an eligible undergraduate programme at the University of Manitoba.
Choose University 1 or another faculty, college, or school offering direct entry from high school.
(2) Complete the separate International Excellence Entrance Scholarship application.
The scholarship assesses academic achievement together with leadership and community involvement.
(3) Prepare an interim senior-level secondary-school transcript.
Your academic record should clearly show your current senior-level courses and grades.
If the document is not in English, provide the required English translation.
(4) Obtain a reference letter from a current teacher or school principal.
The reference should provide specific evidence of your:
- Academic performance
- Leadership
- Character
- Community involvement
- Potential for university study
You can use our scholarship recommendation letter guide when approaching your referee.
(5) Complete your scholarship responses carefully.
Use specific examples of leadership and community involvement rather than simply listing positions or activities.
Successful applicants need to distinguish themselves both academically and through sustained contribution outside the classroom.
International Undergraduate Student Entrance Scholarship
(1) Apply for admission to an eligible University of Manitoba undergraduate programme.
(2) Submit your high-school academic records and all documents required for admission.
(3) No separate scholarship application is required.
The university automatically considers eligible international applicants for the International Undergraduate Student Entrance Scholarship using their academic record.
(4) If selected, your scholarship offer will be communicated by the university.
International Graduate Student Entrance Scholarship
(1) Choose an eligible University of Manitoba master’s programme.
Research-based programmes may provide additional funding opportunities through supervisors, faculties, and graduate fellowships.
(2) Prepare your graduate application, including:
- Academic transcripts
- Academic CV
- Statement of purpose
- Recommendation letters
- English-language evidence
- Programme-specific documents
Use our guides to prepare your academic CV, statement of purpose, and scholarship recommendation letters.
(3) Submit a complete graduate admission application.
Eligible students are assessed automatically for the International Graduate Student Entrance Scholarship during the admission process.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship
(1) Apply to an eligible research-based master’s or PhD programme at the University of Manitoba.
(2) For research programmes, identify a supervisor whose research aligns with your interests.
Before contacting a professor, review:
- Current research projects
- Research-group websites
- Recent publications
- Available graduate projects
Attach a focused academic CV when appropriate.
(3) Ask your academic department about its UMGF selection process.
UMGF applications are managed by individual departments or units.
(4) Complete any fellowship application requested by your department.
Selection focuses strongly on:
- Academic achievement
- Research potential
- Previous research experience
- Publications where applicable
- Overall graduate performance
(5) Your department nominates successful candidates to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
The Faculty reviews the nominations and sends successful candidates an official fellowship offer.
Documents Required for University of Manitoba Scholarships
Undergraduate Documents
International undergraduate applicants should generally prepare:
- Online undergraduate application
- Secondary-school transcripts
- Final secondary-school certificate when available
- English-language proficiency result where required
- Certified English translations where necessary
- Passport and international student information
- Programme-specific documents where required
The current undergraduate application fee for international students is CAD 130.
International Excellence Entrance Scholarship Documents
Applicants should additionally prepare:
- International Excellence Entrance Scholarship application
- Interim senior-level high-school transcript
- Reference letter from a current teacher or principal
- English translation of documents where necessary
- Details of leadership experience
- Evidence of community involvement
Graduate Documents
Graduate applicants generally need:
- Graduate admission application
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Master’s degree certificate where applicable
- Academic transcripts
- Academic CV
- Statement of purpose
- Recommendation letters
- English-language test result where required
- Research proposal where requested
- Supervisor information where required
- Publications or research evidence where applicable
- Programme-specific documents
Applicants can use these ScholarshipRoar resources:
Website
For more information about University of Manitoba Scholarships, visit:
- International Student Scholarships and Awards
- University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship
- International Graduate Student Entrance Scholarship
- Graduate Scholarships and Funding
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the University of Manitoba offer scholarships to international students?
Yes. International students can receive undergraduate entrance scholarships, continuing-student scholarships, international graduate entrance scholarships, and the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship.
What is the new University of Manitoba scholarship for 2027?
The university is introducing the International Excellence Entrance Scholarship beginning in the 2027–2028 academic year.
Three awards will be offered annually: one worth CAD 25,000 and two worth CAD 10,000 each.
How much is the University of Manitoba International Excellence Entrance Scholarship?
The highest award is:
CAD 25,000.
Two additional international students receive CAD 10,000 each.
Is the CAD 25,000 scholarship renewable?
No. The International Excellence Entrance Scholarship is a one-time award.
It can, however, be held together with other University of Manitoba scholarships.
What grades are required for the International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship?
Students need at least an 85% high-school average or equivalent.
Higher academic averages can qualify for higher scholarship tiers.
Do I need a separate application for the International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship?
No.
Eligible international applicants are considered automatically based on their undergraduate admission application and academic record.
How much is the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship?
The UMGF provides:
- Master’s: CAD 20,000 per year
- PhD: CAD 25,000 per year
A master’s student can receive up to CAD 40,000, while a PhD student beginning the fellowship at the start of the programme can receive up to CAD 100,000 over four years.
Can international students receive the UMGF?
Yes.
The University of Manitoba explicitly states that students of all citizenships can compete for the fellowship.
Is the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship fully funded?
Not necessarily.
The UMGF provides a substantial annual scholarship, but the university does not state that it automatically covers every tuition, accommodation, insurance, travel, and living expense.
It should therefore be described as a major graduate fellowship, rather than a guaranteed fully funded scholarship.
Can international master’s students receive tuition scholarships?
Yes.
The International Graduate Student Entrance Scholarship provides at least CAD 5,000 and can be worth up to the international student differential tuition fee for eligible students.
Do I need IELTS for the University of Manitoba?
Not necessarily IELTS specifically.
Applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency can use accepted alternatives including TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE, CAEL, Cambridge English, or approved university English programmes.
The standard undergraduate IELTS requirement is 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component.