Smiling female Access Program student standing by trees.
  • Domestic students info session

Virtual information session

  • Wednesday, April 5 at 2 pm

Join us to learn more about our program.

Register and receive the Zoom link
accessafp@umanitoba.ca

  • Apply key on keyboard

Application deadline

Applications are due May 1. Only complete applications will be considered.

  • Access students gathered in a circle

Access UM with supports

When you are accepted into the Access Program, you have the support you need to forge your way to a successful academic future. Access students are supported with:

Academic Advising

An academic advisor to assist you in course selection, registration, degree planning and other related academic questions or issues.

Personal Counselling

A personal counsellor to help you transition to university, manage your time and just to talk. Full-time Indigenous Unkan (Grandfather) The Unkan (Grandfather)-in-Residence brings great knowledge, culture and balance to the program. His door is always open.

Financial Advisor

Providing help with application for Manitoba Student Aid, any questions or issues with your loans, communication with the band office and scholarship and bursary applications.

Smaller Classes

Take the UM Common First Year in smaller classes with fellow Access student, taught by Access instructors.

Common First Year

Students complete the UM Common First Year courses and are then streamed for the faculty of their choice. Common first year courses have been selected to prepare students for success at university, and in a health profession if applicable.

Learning Labs

Access holds weekly Learning Labs to enhance first year courses, personal development and cultural wisdom.

Tutoring Hours Included

Five hours of tutoring per week

Connection to the Indigenous Community

Situated in Migizii Agamik (Bald Eagle Lodge) on the Fort Garry Campus, Access provides an excellent opportunity to connect with the Indigenous community.

  • Access students on campus

The Access Program

The Access Program offers three streams:

University of Manitoba Access Program (UMAP)

UMAP is open to students choosing an academic path leading to most degrees or diplomas at the University of Manitoba.

Health Careers Access Program (HCAP)

HCAP is exclusive to Indigenous (Métis, Status, Non-Status, Inuit) residents of Manitoba, and is designed to prepare you for entry to health-related professions such as medicine, dentistry, dental hygiene, pharmacy, medical rehabilitation (physical, occupational, and respiratory therapy), nursing and midwifery.

Professional Health Program (PHP)

The PHP is designed to support Indigenous (Status, Non-Status, Métis, Inuit) HCAP students already accepted into one of the professional health programs:

  • medicine
  • dentistry
  • physical therapy
  • occupational therapy
  • respiratory therapy
  • pharmacy
  • dental hygiene
  • nursing
  • midwifery

Study space is available in the Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing Ongomiizwin Education at the Bannatyne Campus, where there is also a support network.

Program details

This program is for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Information for international students who wish to study with us can be found at Intensive program packages.

To be accepted into the Access Program at the University of Manitoba, the following eligibility criteria must be met:

  • Applicants must be admitted to the University of Manitoba.
  • Applicants must normally have completed 24 or less credit hours of university or community college credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Applicants to the Health Careers Access Program may have completed more than 24 credit hours but must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Applicants require personal and/or academic supports to pursue a university degree.
  • Applicants must reside in Manitoba.

Exceptions to these requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis and require the final approval of the Area Director of the Access Program.

Admission requirements: You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, and resident of Manitoba. You must qualify for regular university entrance, or as a mature student of 21 or older who is admissible to University 1.

The Access Program will also consider:

  • Applicants with 27 or fewer successfully completed credit hours of recognized university course work who are in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher)
  • Applicants who have achieved more than 27 credit hours and are in good standing may be considered for admission to the Health Careers Access Program
  • Applicants who have less than one year of successfully completed community college credits and are in good standing

In addition to the criteria listed above, students must be eligible for the Common First Year based on the academic offer for the year in which admission is sought.

Fees: There is no fee to be part of the Access Program. University tuition and other fees still apply.

Application deadline: Manitoba residents starting university this fall must apply by May 1.

The selection process: In mid-May, all completed applications are screened by a committee. Applicants who have been recommended by the committee are invited to Winnipeg for interviews. Each applicant is interviewed by a committee who recommends those applicants suited for the program to the director. Applicants are then notified of the director’s decision by phone or mail.

Starting the program: The university term starts in September. First year Access students are required to attend an extensive orientation in August.

How to apply

Apply now in two steps:

  1. Complete your online Application Form.
  2. Gather your documentation and email it to us.

Learn more about the program

  • Welcome to the Access Program at the University of Manitoba

    Since 1975, the Access program has been supporting the hearts, minds, bodies and spirits of a diverse student population on their journey to academic success. With us, over 700 students have achieved their academic goals. Join the Access Program and make it your home for learning and success at the University of Manitoba.


  • Brandon Wozniak
    Access Program, Student
    Métis living in Winnipeg
     

  • Prairie-Rose Hapa
    Access Program, Student
    Dakota from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation

  • Kaitlin Fosseneuve
    Access Program, Student and UM Graduate
    Métis and Cree from Cranberry Portage

The people at Access work hard to see our need, and then they fill it. They care so much about us.
Charlene Hallett Access Program Student, Métis Cree from Winnipeg

Request more information

If you have questions about this or any other programs and courses we offer, please use this form to let us know.

Where did you hear about this?
Social media
Online Ads

Contact Access and Aboriginal Focus Programs

Migizii Agamik
Room 221 – 114 Sidney Smith St.
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

204-474-8000 (General Inquiries)
Toll-free in Manitoba: 1-800-432-1960 ext. 8000

Extended Education
185 Extended Education Complex
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

204-474-8800
Toll free: 1-888-216-7011