University of Manitoba Retirees Association Scholarship

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). Review the checklist of eligibility and application requirements for all awards adjudicated by the Centre on Aging for more information.

In addition to the award eligibility criteria, all applications must meet the definition of aging research and use appropriate terminology throughout their application package.

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 recipient will also be asked to submit a copy of the thesis/dissertation or link to MSpace, when complete, acknowledging financial support of UMRA.
• The award may not be held more than once during a specific degree program.
• The recipient will be asked to present their proposed project at the Centre on Aging's virtual Student award ceremony and Speaker Series held in the fall.

Criteria for adjudication

Student award applications are judged based on the following criteria:

• Research experience, publications, and presentations (20 per cent)
• Focus on human aging that has the potential to enhance the lives of the aging population (10 per cent)
• Research project (25 per cent)
• Strength of recommendation form (10 per cent)
• Academic record (GPA, awards, progress in program) (35 per cent)

The stage in career will be taken into account.

Recipient selection and appeals

The Centre on Aging adjudicates the University of Manitoba Retirees Association Scholarship only. The Director of the Centre on Aging will name the selection committee for this award, in consultation with UMRA.

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

Administration of the award is handled by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and/or Financial Aid and Awards. Recipients will receive notice from one of these units by the fall with final decisions.

UMRA scholarship recipients 

The 2024–2025 student award recipients were announced at the Centre on Aging's virtual student award ceremony and Speaker Series held on November 22, 2024.

Congratulations to the UMRA 2024–2025 student award recipient: Georgia Gopinath