International Baccalaureate entrance requirements for high school applicants

Review International Baccalaureate entrance requirements for high school applicants at the University of Manitoba. Visit umanitoba.ca/admissions for updated information.

If you are a high school student

If you’re coming to university directly from high school or have completed less than one year of university studies, you’ll take the direct entry route into a faculty or program: this means beginning in University 1 (U1), or applying to a program that offers a direct entry option. U1 is a unique approach to your first year at the U of M, giving you the opportunity to design an individualized schedule that meets the admission and/or first year requirements for one or more target degree programs. U1 will not add any time or cost to your degree; it serves as year 1 of any 3 or 4 year degree program.

If you are a transfer student

Students who have completed a minimum of one year of university study may be ready to apply to an advanced entry program. Eligibility requirements vary by program and may include both academic and non-academic criteria.

For a complete list of programs and to learn more, visit umanitoba.ca/admissions.

Review program information

Additional information

Admission requirements
  Admission requirements Choose if:
University 1 (U1) Three (3) courses at HL and three (3) courses at SL with a minimum grade of 4 average and a minimum grade of 3 in a English or first language literature course (in either HL or SL).
  1. You are interested in a program that requires one or more year(s) of prior university study.
  2. You are undecided about which program you want to study.
  3. You do not meet the admission requirements for another program with a direct entry option.
  4. You prefer to work with academic advisors who specialize in the transition from high school to university, and will help you with all your academic planning and support needs.
Faculty Direct Entry 1 Minimum grade of 6 average across a specific set of academic courses.
  1. You are interested in one of the programs that offer direct entry admission.
  2. You are academically strong in the prerequisite courses for this program.
  3. You meet the admission requirements for this program.
  4. You prefer to work with program-specific advisors and access services and supports exclusive  to your chosen academic program.
  1. If you don’t meet the admission requirements of the direct entry program you have applied to, you will automatically be considered for admission to University 1. Unless you want to be considered for an additional direct entry program (other than University 1) you do not need to submit two applications.

English language proficiency requirements

In addition to academic requirements, students must also meet the English language proficiency requirements. This may be done by writing a standardized test such as:

  • IELTS (6.5 overall band score)
  • TOEFL IBT (86 total score with a min. of 20 in each component)

For a complete list of ways to demonstrate English language proficiency visit the English language proficiency requirements page.

English language proficiency requirements

Conditional admission

Students who do not meet the English language proficiency requirements can apply to the English Language Centre (ELC)  for conditional admission. Conditional admission to the U of M  is available to students who meet academic requirements  pending successful completion of the Intensive Academic  English Program (IAEP).

English language proficiency waiver

Waivers may be granted to students who meet certain qualifications, such as acheiveing a grade of four (4) or greater on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level English course or graduation from a Canadian curriculum secondary school with a year 12 English literature grade of 75% or higher. (In Manitoba, students present two English credits at the 40S or U level with an average grade of 75% over the two English credits.)

Students from select countries are exempt from the English Language Proficiency Requirements. To learn more, visit the English language proficiency requirements page.

English language proficiency requirements

High school prerequisites

Many programs require or recommend specific high school courses over and above their admission requirements. These high school prerequisites are not always required to enter the program, but must be completed in order to enroll in certain university courses once admitted. To learn more, visit the First Year Centre page.

Find resources from the First Year Centre

Document submission

Proof of graduation and high school transcripts are required  for admission.

Final official documents must be submitted to:

Undergraduate Admissions
University of Manitoba
424 UMSU University Centre
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2 Canada

Documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by a notarized English translation.

Scanned documents will only be accepted as official if sent by the high school counsellor from their official school domain email address. Scanned documents can be sent to international.applications@umanitoba.ca.

International Baccalaureate transfer credit

The University of Manitoba recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for admission, scholarships, and university transfer credit.

Credits will be transferred as follows:

IB: 4=B; 5=B+; 6=A; 7=A+

For information on how to claim these credits and for a list of university transfer credit granted, visit:

Transfer credit information

Admission requirements

Three (3) courses at the higher level (HL) and three (3) courses at the standard level (SL) are required: a minimum grade of 4 in each course with an overall minimum grade of 24. Advanced credits can be granted for select HL and SL courses with a minimum grade of 4.

ProgramAdmission requirementsApplication deadlines
University 1

An equivalent minimum average grade of 4 (70%) over the following courses (at least two of these courses at the HL) with no grade less than 3 (60%) in each course:

  1. English or first language literature course
  2. Mathematics
  3. A third academic course
  4. A fourth academic course

Fall Term (September):
March 1 (recommended)
August 1 (final deadline)

Winter Term (January):
October 1

Summer Term (May):
February 1

Intensive Academic  English ProgramConditional admission to ELC based on meeting University 1 admission requirements. Upon entrance to the ELC,  students will take a Placement CanTEST© to determine their level. An IELTS score of 4.5 guarantees placement in the program. Students presenting a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or minimum TOEFL iBT score of 70 with 16 in each component will be placed directly in Level 5 of the program.

Fall Term (September):
August 1

Winter Term (January):
November 15

Summer Term (May):
April 1

Faculty/schoolDegree programDirect entry admission requirementsApplication deadlines
Agricultural and
Food Sciences

Agribusiness

Agriculture

Agroecology

Food Science

Human Nutritional Sciences

An equivalent minimum average grade of 4 (70%) over the following courses (at least two of these courses at the HL) with no grade less than 3 (60%) in each course:

  1. English
  2. Mathematics
  3. A third academic course
  4. A fourth academic course
Fall Term (September): March 1
ArtsArts

An equivalent minimum average grade of 4 (70%) over the following courses (at least two of these at the HL) with no less than a 3 (60%) in each course: 

  1. English
  2. Mathematics
  3. A third academic course
  4. A fourth academic course
Fall Term (September): March 1
Winter Term (January): October 1
Summer Term (May): February 1
BusinessCommerce

An equivalent minimum average grade of 6 (85%) over the following courses (at least two of these courses at the HL) with no grade less than 4 (70%) in each course: 

  1. English
  2. Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL or SL) or Applications and Interpretation (HL)
  3. A third academic course
  4. A fourth academic course
Fall Term (September): March 1
EngineerEngineering

An equivalent minimum average grade of 6 (80%) over the following courses (at least two of these courses at the HL) with no grade less than 4 (70%) in each course: 

  1. English
  2. Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL or SL) or Applications and Interpretation (HL)
  3. Chemistry
  4. Physics

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents with an aim  to admit a minimum of 10% international students.

Fall Term (September): March 1
Environment, Earth,
and Resources

Environmental Science

Physical Geography

An equivalent minimum average grade of 4 (70%) over the following courses (at least two of these courses at the HL) with no grade less than 3 (60%) in each course: 

  1. English
  2. Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL or SL) or Applications and Interpretation (HL)
  3. Physics
  4. Chemistry
Fall Term (September): March 1
Winter Term (January): October 1
Summer Term (May): February 1

Environmental Studies

Geography

An equivalent minimum average grade of 4 (70%) over the following courses (at least two of these courses at the HL) with no grade less than 3 (60%) in each course: 

  1. English
  2. Mathematics
  3. A third academic course
  4. A fourth academic course
Fall Term (September): March 1
Winter Term (January): October 1
Summer Term (May): February 1
Earth Sciences

An equivalent minimum average grade of 4 (70%) over the following courses (at least two of these courses at the HL) with no grade less than 3 (60%) in each course: 

  1. English
  2. Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL or SL) or Applications and Interpretation (HL)
  3. Physics
  4. Chemistry
Fall Term (September): March 1
Winter Term (January): October 1
Summer Term (May): February 1
Fine ArtsFine Arts

An equivalent minimum average grade of 4 (70%) over the top three senior level courses (at least two of these courses at the HL) and:

1. Minimum grade of 3 (60%) in a first language literature course (in either HL or SL).

A portfolio with a supporting written statement is required.

Fall Term (September): March 1
Interdisciplinary HealthHealth Sciences

An equivalent minimum average of 6 (85%) over the following senior level courses (at least two of these courses at the HL), with no less than 3 (60%) in each course:

  1. English
  2. Mathematics
  3. Biology
  4. Chemistry
Fall Term (September): March 1
Health Studies

An equivalent minimum average grade of 6 (85%) over the following courses (at least two of these courses at the HL) with no grade less than 3 (60%) in each course:

  1. English
  2. Mathematics
  3. Biology or Chemistry
  4. A fourth academic course
Kinesiology and
Recreation Management

Kinesiology

Physical Education

An equivalent minimum average grade of 6 (85%) over the following courses (at least two of these courses at the HL) with no grade less than 3 (60%) in each course: 

  1. English
  2. Mathematics
  3. One of Biology, Chemistry or Physics
  4. A fourth academic course
Fall Term (September): March 1
Recreation Management and Community Development

An equivalent minimum average grade of 6 (85%) over the following courses (at least two of these courses at the HL) with no grade less than 3 (60%) in each course:

  1. English
  2. Mathematics
  3. A third academic course
  4. A fourth academic course
Fall Term (September): March 1
Music

Music

Jazz Studies

An equivalent minimum average grade of 4 (70%) over the following courses (at least two of these courses at the HL) with no grade less than 3 (60%) in each course:

  1. English
  2. Mathematics
  3. A third academic course
  4. A fourth academic course

An audition, theory test, and letters of recommendation are required.

Fall Term (September): January 15
ScienceScience

An equivalent minimum average grade of 6 (80%) over the following courses (at least two of these courses at the HL) with no grade less than 3 (60%) in each course:

  1. English
  2. Mathematics
  3. One of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Computer Science
  4. A fourth academic course
Fall Term (September): March 1
Winter Term (January): October 1
Summer Term (May): February 1

In cases where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces, applicants will require higher averages than stipulated to be successful in the admissions competition.

Contact us

Admission and application inquiries

Mailing address
Undergraduate Admissions
424 UMSU University Centre
University of Manitoba
65 Chancellors Circle
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

Office location
Room 424 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)

Submit a question
Phone: 204-474-8808
Toll-free: 1-800-224-7713 ext 8808

Student Accessibility Services
520 UMSU University Centre
66 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry Campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V6 Canada

student_accessibility@umanitoba.ca
204-474-7423