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1. How do I find out about funding and awards?
A. Funding and awards opportunities are available on our funding and awards database (http://webapps.cc.umanitoba.ca/gradawards/). The database allows you to search for awards by key word or browse the awards alphabetically. The Faculty of Graduate studies also distributes awards information by email. Please be sure you have a preferred email address listed in Student Aurora to ensure that you receive these emails. You should also contact your department to find out how they advertise their awards deadlines.
Information on bursaries can be found on the Financial Aid and Awards website (http://umanitoba.ca/student/fin_awards/bursaries/index.html). The general bursary application form is usually available online in mid August and has an October 1 deadline.
2. Do I have to provide a set of transcripts for each award I am applying for?
A. Yes. Some award applications require original transcripts, particularly external awards such as NSERC, SSHRC and CIHR. It may be possible to request departmentally certified copies of transcripts for award purposes or to submit a student history from the Registrar’s Office. Please carefully review the instructions for the specific award you are applying for details on what is acceptable. Note that Student Aurora print outs from the web are NEVER acceptable. Transcripts must always be in a sealed envelope when submitted, regardless of whether they are original transcripts or departmentally certified copies.
3. Do I have to provide transcripts for each academic institution I have attended?
A. Yes. If the award application instructions indicate that all transcripts must be submitted, this means that transcripts for all academic institutions attended, whether a degree was obtained or not, must be submitted. Award applications that are submitted without the required documents will be considered incomplete and therefore ineligible. Please note that failure to disclose an academic institution attended is a serious offence.
4. How do I receive my award payments?
A. Most award notices will include information on payment. Please carefully review your award notice and any information that accompanied the award notice.
Major fellowships and scholarships such as the UMGF and MGS are administered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. These awards are paid biweekly with a one week delay by direct deposit. The Faculty of Graduate Studies also administers Tricouncil award payments which are paid in the same manner.
Departmental awards are usually paid by Financial Aid and Awards. These award may be applied to your tuition and any remaining funds paid by cheque.
5. If I don’t meet the stated eligibility criteria for an award, can I still apply?
A. Applying for awards is a competitive process. In most cases all eligibility criteria must be met in order to apply. However, some awards do permit an “allowable inclusion” to be included with the application form providing information as to why a particular criterion was not met due to exceptional circumstances. Please carefully read the instructions for the particular award for more information.
6. Can I hold multiple awards at the same time?
A. Some awards regulations do permit students to hold multiple awards. Please review the award holder’s guide for the award you hold for details.
7. Will my award automatically pay for my tuition?
A. Awards which are paid on a biweekly basis, such as the UMGF, MGS or Tricouncil awards, are NOT automatically applied to your tuition. You are responsible for paying your own tuition.
Departmental awards may be applied to your tuition. Review your award notice for details.
8. How will I be notified of the status of my award application?
A. The method of notification may vary depending on who is responsible for coordinating the award competition. Generally, applicants of awards coordinated and administered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies are notified in writing. The Faculty of Graduate Studies does not provide award status information by email, phone or in person.
9. What are the chances of receiving an award?
A. The chances of receiving an award can vary greatly from year to year. The applicant pool changes each year and the number of awards given out can also vary. Students are encouraged to apply for all awards for which they meet the application criteria. After all, you don’t have a chance of being awarded funding if you don’t apply!
A. Please review the Revenue Canada website (http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/) for current information on the taxation of awards.
11. My award notice indicates a maximum value and duration. Can I hold my award beyond this time period?
A. The maximum value and duration of graduate awards such as the UMGF and MGS is based on the length of time spent in a program of students. Awards such as the UMGF and MGS cannot be held beyond the maximum value and duration stated in the award notice. However, you should carefully review the award holder’s guide for the specific award you hold for information on renewals and extensions.
12. Where can I apply for money towards a conference or other academic travel?
A. Application forms for conference travel awards are available on-line. Travel and conference awards are also available through the Graduate Student Association (GSA).You should also check with your department to see if they offer any funding for conferences and travel. There are also conference and travel awards offered by organizations besides the University of Manitoba. To see a list of all travel awards go to our awards database http://webapps.cc.umanitoba.ca/gradawards/ and type in travel or conference as a search. Application deadline dates differ depending on the award therefore you should check the web site for the specific deadline date. It is important to note that you do not have to have proof of acceptance to a conference at the time of application but you must show proof at least one month prior to the conference date.
13. How can I apply for an Emergency-Loan?
A. Emergency Loans are available through FGS. Application forms are available through the FGS office or on-line. You should complete the form and return it to the Awards Officer in FGS.
14. Where can I get information on Teaching Assistantships and Student Research Assistants?
A. Teaching Assistantships and the hiring of Student Research Assistants are under the jurisdiction of the individual departments. To obtain information, you should contact the department directly.
