Funding and awards

Award applications for the 2025–2026 academic year are now being accepted. Submit your full application package by May 16 at 4 PM.

The Centre on Aging student awards, Alzheimer Society Graduate Student Fellowships, and University of Manitoba Retirees Association Scholarship are three separate applications. Graduate Students who intend to apply for all three awards must complete three separate application forms.

To be eligible to apply for any of the awards tenable in the 2025–2026 academic year, students must intend to register full time in the upcoming year (for both the Fall and Winter terms).

Aging research definition

For the purposes of the student awards, the research should focus on some aspect of the aging process or study older participants/subjects. Studying diseases as the focus, even if that disease commonly occurs in older people, might make the application ineligible for funding.

Aging terminology

The Centre on Aging expects the use of appropriate and respectful language when describing older adults.  Refer to the American Psychological Association's guidelines for bias-free language as it relates to age inclusivity and respect, as outlined on their Web site.

The following awards are available through the Centre on Aging. Alzheimer Society Graduate Student Fellowships, and the University of Manitoba Retirees Association Scholarship, are available through separate applications. See the checklist of eligibility and application requirements for all awards adjudicated by the Centre on Aging for more information.

* The value of these awards is dependent on the available annual income of the fund. The amount listed is the minimum to expect.

• Students should review the award conditions
• Applications and references must be received by the specified due date at 4 p.m.
• Include a description of the proposed research and a statement of its relevance to aging.
• Provide e-copy transcripts from all post-secondary institutions via email from the academic institution, forwarded by the applicant via email from the academic institution, or scanned hardcopies sent by email. 
  (See point 5 How to apply for the Centre on Aging awards)
• Two faculty references familiar with the applicant’s work are to be forwarded by the referee directly to the Centre on Aging. One of these must be from the applicant's advisor (graduate students only).
• The awards will be payable in instalments during the period of September 1 to May 1 of the year awarded.
• Each award may not be held more than once during a specific degree program.

Additional conditions for graduate students

An electronic copy of the recipient’s thesis/dissertation or link to MSpace, when completed, must be submitted to the Centre on Aging.

Centre on Aging acknowledgement

Recipients must acknowledge the financial support provided by the Centre on Aging in any publications during the term of the award or that arise in whole or in part as a result of the award.

Recipient selection and appeals

The Scholarship Adjudication Committee will be comprised of individuals from various disciplines.

The Centre on Aging does not have an appeal process for decisions made by the Scholarship Adjudication Committee. The decisions made are considered final.

Award recipients will be contacted by the University of Manitoba Financial Aid and Awards office by the fall with final decisions.

Criteria for adjudication

Student award applications are judged based on the following criteria:

• Academic record (GPA, awards, progress in program) (35 per cent)
• Research project (25 per cent)
• Research experience, publications, and presentations (20 per cent)
• Outstanding interest in or commitment to research in aging (10 per cent)
• Letters of support (10 per cent)

Congratulations to all the Centre on Aging 2024–2025 student award recipients!

• Jack MacDonell Scholarship for Research in Aging: Thomas Rawliuk
• Jack MacDonell Scholarship for Research in Aging: Parisa Tabeshmehr
• Esther and Samuel Milmot Scholarship: Georgia Gopinath
• Centre on Aging Betty Havens Memorial Graduate Fellowship: Aneet Saran
• Dr. Barbara Payne Scholarship: Li-elle Rapaport

• Pay attention to all the informational documents shared for the awards before you start your application. Read the Guidelines, FAQ, use of appropriate langue article, definition of aging research, and application form so you know what is expected of you. 
• Double and triple check your eligibility for each award you are applying.
• Start your application EARLY. We cannot stress this enough. 
  • Some things will take time. For example, if you attended an international institution, it can take 6-8 weeks to receive a transcript. 
  • Do not expect your references to drop everything they are working on to complete a reference letter for you the night before the application is due. It’s disrespectful of their time and they will not be able to provide you with the best quality reference letter if they feel rushed. Give them the time to truly reflect on your skills by requesting a reference letter well before the deadline.
• READ the instructions on the application and ensure you have answered every single question. There should not be any blanks. If something does not apply to you, use n/a (not applicable).
• Ensure your proposal is written clearly and concisely. Avoid dense prose. Make this an easy read for a reviewer. 
• Choose your words carefully. Use of inappropriate language may result in unfavourable results. 
• It is wise to have your advisor review your proposal for feedback and to be aware you are applying for a Centre on Aging Student award. 
• Write your research proposal so anyone can understand your research. The reviewers may come from any discipline at the University of Manitoba. Avoid using discipline specific jargon unless you can easily define it.
• Ensure your proposal is logical. There should be a clear link from your rationale for the study to your methods and anticipated outcomes.
• Have others review your full application for errors and comprehension. Try to ask both people within your discipline as well as people not in your discipline. For example, you could ask a fellow student and a family member to review it (unless the family member is an expert in your field of study!).
• Keep to the guidelines. One page maximum is one page maximum. This is where being clear and concise is important and helpful.
• Ask for help and ask questions—if they are not addressed in any of the other documents provided to aid in your application.