Once a student has applied to QBTS, they will be encouraged to meet with one of the Indigenous Student Advisors at the Indigenous Student Centre throughout the months of May - August to discuss course selection, registration, funding related topics like sponsorship, scholarships and bursaries, as well as an introduction to student supports to ensure they can feel as prepared as possible for their first month of university.

In addition to one-on-one support, an in-person summer orientation day during the month of August will be offered as an opportunity for students to meet others in the program, learn various academic and soft skills prior to their first day of classes, and engage in fun activities to kick off the year. Other events may be offered throughout the summer to engage students in the university community early on. All orientation activities will be communicated to the students by email when more information is available.

Students in QBTS have the opportunity to take ARTS 1110: Introduction to University. This course is designed to help students make the transition to university by imparting the knowledge, skills and attitudes requisite for success in university study, including how to write an academic paper.

This section of ARTS 1110 is offered in the Fall term only, and those students who choose to register in this course will be placed in a lab section that consists of students who are in the QBTS program.

Registration in the QBTS section of this course requires special permission, and the permission form will be provided to each student after they have applied to the QBTS program. This section will be open for registration until all spots are filled. 

"The QBTS program was an amazing support during my first year of studies. It helped implement a sense of community, and the workshops provided me with helpful tips and introductions to many supports that I utilized as a first-year student. My favourite parts of the QBTS program were the Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor program and the dedicated study nights."

"The QBTS program was foundational in my transition to university. Being able to explore campus with fellow first-year students made me feel a part of a community before classes even started. The workshops the program held equipped me with skills and knowledge that, without being in the program, I wouldn't have learned elsewhere."

No, you must still apply for acceptance into the University of Manitoba. QBTS applications that are received that do not have an application started at the institution will be encouraged to apply first before being accepted into the program.

Applications for QBTS typically open the first week of May to accept applications for the upcoming academic year. 

There is no application deadline for this program. Applications are accepted until the program reaches capacity.

Approximately 65-70 students are accepted into the QBTS program each year. It is recommended to apply early on to ensure you can secure a spot in the program.

There is no cost to join the QBTS program, however university tuition rates and other fees will still apply. Students are encouraged to have a plan to pay their tuition by September of the academic year they are attending.

Students are encouraged to access as much support as they would like throughout their first year, however some Faculty support units have requirements that may conflict with QBTS programming. To avoid confusion around any requirements these support units may have, students can connect with the QBTS program facilitator to inquire information.

Please note that many of the deadlines for the support units mentioned are in May and prior to when QBTS applications open.

QBTS is recommended and designed for Indigenous students who have little or no experience in post-secondary. If you have some experience in post-secondary education or identify as a mature student who would like to engage with other mature students, you might also be interested in the Blankstein Momentum Program as another option for support throughout your first year.