Research Manitoba
You can apply directly to Research Manitoba, which provides funds for research in the health sciences through a number of grants and awards programs.
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Funding, awards and financial aid
We want you to succeed as a graduate student. Find out how you can access funding so you can focus on your studies.
Award winners
UM Vanier Scholars
PhD candidates from the departments of psychology and Indigenous studies can now count themselves among Canada’s top graduate students. .
Vanier Scholars are Canada’s top graduate students, chosen for their academic excellence, research potential, and leadership – united by a passion to create a better world. They will receive $150,000 over three years towards their research.
Aurora Robert named a 2024 Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship Finalist
Aurora Robert, a PhD student from the University of Manitoba, has been named as one of 30 finalists in the highly competitive Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship process. The prestigious scholarship, which recognizes exceptional doctoral students who are committed to solving complex societal issues, has acknowledged Aurora’s research in computational modeling and its potential impact on policy formation, particularly in the realm of climate change mitigation.
Robert (Bobby) McHardy is a recipient of the Canada Graduate Scholarship to honour Nelson Mandela
This prestigious recognition is awarded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) to outstanding doctoral students whose research aligns with the values championed by Nelson Mandela, including national unity, democracy, freedom and human rights, leadership, and children’s participation in society and children's health.
- Read about Bobby's research
- Learn more about the Canada Graduate Scholarships to Honour Nelson Mandela
Distinguished Dissertation Award Winners
University of Manitoba Distinguished Dissertation Awards are given to graduating doctoral students who have been nominated by their faculty/college/school for a dissertation that represents a ground-breaking piece of original work. Each year, one award is offered in each of the following categories: applied sciences, health sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Awardees receive a $3,000 prize.
2024 Winners
Ali Safian
The smart sensors Ali created are hidden inside industrial machines and will make the environments they operate in safer and more efficient.
Qian Liu
Using the latest in advanced artificial intelligence (AI), Qian developed new models that can improve the interpretation of MRI scans, enhancing the early detection and accurate diagnosis of breast cancer.
Ying Yang
Ying Yang delved into the complex world of light-matter interaction.
Previous Distinguished Dissertation Award Winners
Award opportunities
These are a sampling of the many awards available to UM graduate students.
Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) Statement on Transcripts for Tri-Agency Award Competitions at the University of Manitoba
This statement applies to the following Tri-Agency award competitions for the CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC:
- Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s (CGRS-M)
- Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
Students are responsible for obtaining official, up-to-date, and complete transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended and attaching them to their Tri-Agency award application. This includes all undergraduate and graduate studies, completed or ongoing. ONLY official transcripts will be accepted; web or unofficial transcripts will not be accepted and will result in an application being ineligible for the competition.
The following documents must also be included in their application:
- Transcripts associated with transfer credits
- The transcript key/legend for each institution
- An official University of Manitoba transcript showing current Fall registration is required, regardless of whether or not grades are displayed
FGS does not provide students with copies of transcripts from student records or copies of previously submitted transcripts. This includes transcripts from other Canadian and international post-secondary institutions, UManitoba, and transcripts submitted as part of previous or current admission or award applications.
For transcripts from international institutions ONLY (outside Canada and USA), certified true copies of official transcripts are acceptable. If the transcripts are not presented in one of Canada’s two official languages (English or French), a certified translation must be provided, in addition to the official transcripts in its original language. Applicants can contact their home department to request these.
Missing, unofficial, illegible, or untranslated transcripts WILL deem students’ applications incomplete or ineligible and will not be considered for the competition.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)
For: Master’s and doctoral students
New annual rates effective September 1, 2024
The UMGF Fellowships are valued for a 12-month period at $20,000 for Master's students and $25,000 for PhD students. Please check with your department for how to be considered for a UM Graduate Fellowship.
Application deadline: Please contact your department.
G. Clarence Elliott Fellowship
For: Master’s and doctoral students
Established in honour of a former Winnipeg vice-president and treasurer of The Great-West Life Assurance Company, the fellowship is awarded to a maximum of $10,000.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
For: Doctoral students
These scholarships help Canadian institutions attract highly qualified doctoral students. They are valued at $50,000 per year for three years during doctoral studies.
Departmental awards
Many University of Manitoba departments have internal awards based on academic merit, the values of which vary by department. Please check with your department for deadlines and details.
Upcoming and recorded award information sessions
Canada Graduate Research Scholarships – Doctoral 2025: Applicant Workshop
Virtual, presentation-style workshop hosted by Dr. Dawn Sutherland Associate Dean and Allison Aubin, Awards Coordinator, Faculty of Graduate Studies
For: Full-time PhD Students
Details: For eligible PhD Students who are considering applying for the CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral (CGRS-D) program in the Fall of 2025.
When: July 29, 2025 10:00 - 11:00 am
Workshop Recording - Scholarships for Indigenous students 2024
For more information on Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master’s programs, please visit: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/PG-CS/CGSM-BESCM_eng.asp
Workshop Recording - Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s 2024: Applicant Workshop
For more information on Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master’s programs, please visit: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/PG-CS/CGSM-BESCM_eng.asp
Workshop Recording Canada Graduate Scholarships - Doctoral 2024
Research funding
Find available research funding for master’s and doctoral students.
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Mitacs
Mitacs is a national research network and funding agency that supports collaborative industrial-academic research projects and the training of highly qualified personnel.
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Tri-Council awards (federal funding)
Explore the three major government funding bodies that provide funding for scholarly research in Canada.
There are a number of funding opportunities available specifically for Indigenous and international students.
Indigenous graduate student awards
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Master’s Award for Indigenous Students
In years when funds are available, this merit-based award is open to Indigenous students who are enrolled full-time in a master’s program at the University of Manitoba.
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Doctoral Award for Indigenous Students
This merit-based award is open to Indigenous students who are enrolled full-time in a PhD program at the University of Manitoba.
International graduate student awards
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International Graduate Student Entrance Scholarships
These scholarships reward the excellence of incoming international graduate students. The scholarship value is equivalent to the international student differential tuition fee.
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International Graduate Student Scholarships
These scholarships reward the excellence of international graduate students enrolled full-time in master’s or doctoral programs at UM. Their value is equivalent to the amount of the international differential tuition fee.
Upcoming award deadlines
July 1, 2025 - Indigenous Manitoba Wildlife Fellowship Endowment Fund
Value: Value is up to $5,000 but may exceed this amount upon discretion of the Canadian Wildlife Foundation
For: Master’s & PhD students
Details: For Full-Time Master’s or PhD students enrolled in a Canadian post secondary institution
Research field(s): To support research students focused on the conservation of wildlife in Northern Manitoba, which integrates Indigenous perspectives regarding sustainability and management strategies.
July 17, 2025 - Doctoral Scholarship for Indigenous Students
Value: $10,000 Scholarships
For: Full-Time PhD students
Details: The awards are offered to meritorious Canadian Indigenous doctoral students who demonstrate significant research ability and scholarly potential who have a demonstrated connection to the Indigenous community.
Research field(s): Any
July 17, 2025 - Master's Scholarship for Indigenous Students
Value: $8,000 Scholarships
For: Full-Time Master's students
Details: This award is offered to meritorious Canadian Indigenous master’s students who demonstrate significant research ability and scholarly potential who have a demonstrated connection to the Indigenous community.
Research field(s): Any
July 17, 2025 - President’s Graduate Scholarship for First Nations, Inuit, And Métis Students
Value: One scholarship valued at $18,975
For: Full-Time PhD students
Details: This award will be offered to the highest ranked applicant from the 2025-2026 Doctoral Scholarship for Indigenous Students competition pool. (No application required)
Research field(s): Any
July 18, 2025 - Arthur V. Mauro Senior Student Award
Value: (1) Scholarship valued at approximately $1,000
For: Full-time Master's & PhD students
Details: This annual gift supports graduating undergraduates continuing to their first year of graduate studies at the University of Manitoba who have demonstrated their contributions to the university community and to the larger community outside the university.
Research field(s): Any
November 1, 2025 - 2025 John W. Davies Memorial Award from the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers – Arctic Section
Value: One Scholarship of $3,000
For: Full-time Master’s & PhD students
Details: Open to full-time Master’s and Ph.D. students at a recognized University in Canada
Research field(s): Research assists in providing solutions to problems specifically encountered in marine cold regions (such as in the Arctic, subarctic, Antarctic, Polar, subpolar, or other cold ocean/sea environments)
Mitacs Globalink Research Award
Value: $6,000
For: Master's, PhD and postdoctoral students
Research field(s): Unrestricted
Recommended to apply 16 weeks in advance of planned start date
NSERC Student Ambassadors
Value: $1,000
For: Master's and PhD students
Research field(s): Science, Engineering
Applications must be submitted at least two months before the start of a proposed outreach activity.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)
Value: Master's scholarship $20,000; Doctoral scholarship $25,000
For: Full-time Master's & PhD students
Details: Open to Canadian and International students who have demonstrated superior intellectual ability and academic accomplishment. Applications are submitted to students’ home department/unit.
Research field(s): Research-based program that is eligible for tri-council graduate student awards
Deadline: Contact your home department for deadline and application details
Financial aid
If you're facing financial hardship, or need support to pay your expenses as a student, there are programs available to help you. Apply for a loan, find on-campus employment or use our on-campus food bank.
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Teaching and research assistantships
Contact your department regarding teaching assistantships, where you help conduct undergraduate classes and laboratories, and research assistantships, where you may be able to use the research undertaken for your thesis.
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Work-study program
The Work–study program at UM provides supplementary financial assistance for students who are currently receiving government student loans.
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Government student loans
If you are a full-time Canadian or permanent resident you can apply for student loans from the federal and provincial governments to support your studies.
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Emergency loans
The University offers short-term loans to students facing unanticipated living costs and unexpected delays in government loans or other award funding.
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U.S. student loans
Learn about financial aid available to U.S. students, including government student loans.
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Bursaries
The University of Manitoba offers a wide range of bursaries ranging from $100 to $1,000 to support students with financial need. Complete the University of Manitoba General Bursary application to be considered.
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UM food bank
Students can use the food bank to help offset the costs of groceries during times of financial distress.
Support
Contact us
Faculty of Graduate Studies
500 University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
204-474-9377
(204) 474-7553