International graduate students at the University of Manitoba benefit from a strong system of merit-based scholarships that help reduce tuition costs and support academic advancement. These scholarships are designed to attract talented students from around the world and enable them to pursue advanced degrees in a financially sustainable way. For students in 2025, these opportunities remain among the most generous in Canada, making the University of Manitoba a highly attractive option.
Key Scholarship Opportunities for International Students
International students at the University of Manitoba can access several scholarship types, including tuition fee reductions, graduate fellowships, and research grants. These are usually based on academic excellence and are often renewable depending on performance and progress in the program.
One of the main awards is the International Graduate Student Entrance Scholarship. This scholarship helps offset the international differential tuition fee, easing the financial burden on new graduate students. It is automatically awarded to students with strong academic records upon admission, usually requiring a GPA of at least 3.5 over the last 60 credit hours.
Another opportunity is the International Graduate Student Scholarship for continuing students. This is typically awarded in the second or third year of a program and also aims to reduce the tuition differential fee. While not renewable, it can be combined with other scholarships.
The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship, or UMGF, is one of the most prestigious awards available. Open to both master’s and doctoral students, the fellowship provides approximately CA$20,000 per year for master’s students and CA$25,000 per year for PhD candidates. These funds can be received for up to two years for master’s programs and up to four years for doctoral programs, making it a long-term support mechanism for high-performing students.
Core Benefits for International Students
One of the most significant advantages of these scholarships is the reduction in international tuition fees. The entrance and continuing scholarships effectively cover the differential fee between domestic and international tuition, which can otherwise be substantial.
The fellowships and awards provide consistent funding that helps cover living expenses, research costs, and academic supplies. With financial stress reduced, students can devote more time to their studies and research, improving their academic outcomes.
Scholarship recipients are also eligible to apply for additional internal awards, such as faculty-specific or departmental scholarships. Many of these can be combined to build a stronger financial package, as long as the student maintains the required academic standards.
Another important benefit is the automatic consideration for some awards. For example, eligible students are considered for the entrance scholarship upon admission without needing a separate application. This streamlined process reduces barriers for international students and ensures that academic merit is recognized.
The cost of living in Manitoba is another hidden benefit. Compared to major Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver, Winnipeg offers more affordable housing, transportation, and daily expenses. When paired with generous scholarships, this makes graduate education much more financially accessible.
Additional Considerations
International students in Manitoba are required to have private health insurance through the university’s mandatory MISHP plan, as they are not typically covered under the provincial healthcare system. Although this adds a minor expense, it ensures full health coverage during their studies.
While students are allowed to work part-time, the availability of scholarships means they are not forced to rely on employment to fund their education. This allows them to focus on coursework, research, and academic development without sacrificing study time for financial survival.
Summary
The Manitoba Graduate Scholarships for international students offer real and measurable value. They provide entrance and ongoing tuition support, long-term fellowships like the UMGF, and additional funding opportunities through departments and faculties. These awards reduce both academic and financial stress while offering a clear pathway to research excellence and career advancement.
Coupled with Manitoba’s lower cost of living and academic reputation, these benefits make the University of Manitoba a prime destination for international students seeking quality, affordability, and recognition in 2025 and beyond.
