University of Manitoba Retirees Association Scholarship

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

The purpose of the UMRA scholarship is to reward the academic achievements of graduate students pursuing research focused on human aging that has the potential to enhance the lives of the aging population.

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

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.

Awards eligibility

Available to graduate students who:

1. Are a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident;
2. Are enrolled full-time in the Faculty of Graduate Studies, in either:
   • The first or second year of a Master’s program, or
   • Within the first four years of a Doctoral program;
3. Have achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.5 based on the last 60 credit hours (or equivalent) of study; and
4. Are undertaking thesis research focused on human aging that has the potential to enhance the lives of the aging population.

To be eligible to apply for the UMRA scholarship 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).

2. Applicants will be required to submit:
   • a description of the proposed research and how it will enhance the lives of the aging population,
   • information on their educational background and research experience,
   • one letter of reference from your current academic advisor/supervisor. The letter must be forwarded by the referee, directly to the Centre on Aging, c/o Nicole Dunn, and
   • provide e-copy of transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended by the deadline.

All academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended must be received by the deadline. This includes any international institutions. Applicants can provide e-copy official or *unofficial transcripts in any of the following ways:

• Transcripts emailed directly from the academic institution to Nicole Dunn. 
  UM transcripts can be ordered through Aurora. Select ‘Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba’.
• Transcripts emailed to the applicant from the academic institution, and then forwarded to Nicole Dunn (please include the original email from the academic institution in the forwarded email)
• Hard copy transcripts uploaded by the applicant and emailed to Nicole Dunn. Retain the paper copy of any uploaded transcripts, as you may be asked to provide it for verification purposes.
• An *unofficial transcript may be submitted for UM transcripts by following these instructions: umanitoba.ca/registrar/transcripts

It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the recommendation letter is sent and received by the Centre on Aging on or before the deadline.

3. If you have questions about the application process, review the Centre on Aging Frequently Asked Questions first. We also recommend reviewing Tips for writing a successful application. Any other inquiries about the UMRA Scholarship can be directed to Nicole Dunn.
4. Complete the application package in full and return it electronically to Nicole Dunn by 4 p.m. on or before the deadline.
5. The award recipient will be contacted by the University of Manitoba Financial Aid and Awards office by the fall with final decisions.