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.
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
Students are responsible for obtaining official, up-to-date, and complete transcripts and for ensuring transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended are included in their application(s).
FGS does not provide students with copies of transcripts from student records or copies of previously submitted transcripts. This includes transcripts from other Canadian or international post-secondary institutions, UManitoba, and transcripts submitted as part of previous or current admission or award applications.
Missing, unofficial, illegible, or untranslated transcripts may deem students’ applications incomplete or ineligible and will not be reviewed.
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
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
January 24, 2025 - Carolynne Boivin Scholarship for Research in Family or Gender-Based Violence
Value: (2) Scholarships valued at $5,000 each
For: Master's & PhD students
Details: Preference to a student who has self-declared as a First Nations, Metis, or Inuit form Canada, and second preference to a student who is conducting Indigenous-focused research.
Research field(s): Area of family or gender-based violence.
February 3, 2025 - Mackenzie King Open Scholarship
Value: (4) $13,000 subject to change
For: Master's & PhD students across Canada
Details: All required materials including application, non-UM certified University transcripts and confidential references must be received by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Research field(s): Restricted to graduate students who hold a Canadian university degree of any level in any discipline.
February 3, 2025 - Mackenzie King Travelling Scholarship
Value: (4) $15,000 subject to change
For: Master's & PhD students across Canada
Details: All required materials including application, non-UM certified University transcripts and confidential references must be received by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Research field(s): Restricted to graduate students who engage in study in the United States or United Kingdom, of international or industrial relations..
February 5, 2025 - Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship in Human Rights
Value: Scholarship may be divided into more than one award; total value $10,800
For: Full-time Master's & PhD students
Details: Preference to students working in collaboration with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Research field(s): Currently undertaking research with a focus in human rights, social justice, or peace and conflict studies
February 5, 2025 - Pawan K. Singal Graduate Student Scholarship in Cardiovascular Sciences
Value: Scholarship may be divided into more than one award; total value $15,400
For: Full-time Master's & PhD students
Details: Have completed one regular session or two terms, cumulative GPA of 3.50 in their program to date, and may not hold the award more than once
Research field(s): Enrolled full-time in the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the UM delivered by the Max Rady College of Medicine and affiliated with the St. Boniface Hospital Research’s Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences
February 12, 2025 - G. Clarence Elliott Fellowship
Value: Scholarship may be divided into more than one award; total value $15,000
For: Full-time Master’s and Ph.D. Students
Details: Have demonstrated their academic interest(s) and study focus, extra-curricular activities, and their interest in commitment to their community. Recipients will be presented with a certificate and recognized at an award event.
Research field(s): Agricultural Economics, Architecture, Business Administration/Management, City Planning, Economics, Statistics
February 12, 2025 - Sheu L. Lee Family Scholarship in Oncology Research
Value: (2) Scholarships valued at $3,000 each
For: Master’s and Ph.D. Students
Details: Conducting or plan to conduct research consistent with the strategic priority areas set out in the National Strategy for Cancer Control; prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and end of life care
Research field(s): Candidates must be in College of Nursing Master’s (Oncology focus), College of Nursing Doctoral (Cancer Control) or Department of Psychology or Max Rady College of Medicine.
February 15, 2025 - Aboriginal Issues Press (AIP) Scholarship
Value: Approximately $500 - $1,500
For: Master's & PhD students
Details: Part-Time or Full-Time students in the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Manitoba, either in a Master’s or Ph.D. program
Research field(s): Currently undertaking research with a focus on Indigenous issues
February 15, 2025 - Berkes Graduate Scholarship in Community-Based Research
Value: Approximately $12,000
For: Full-time Master's & PhD students
Details: Full-Time students in the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Manitoba, either in a Master’s or Ph.D. program
Research field(s): Currently pursuing studies in community-based research methods, including but not limited to community-based resource and environmental management, conservation, and planning
February 15, 2025 - Oakes-Riewe Environmental Studies Research Award
Value: Minimum $500 to Maximum $5,000
For: Master's & PhD students
Details: Part-Time or Full-Time students in the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Manitoba, either in a Master’s or Ph.D. program and be affiliated with any faculty
Research field(s): Conducting or proposing to conduct interdisciplinary environmental research (integration of physical, biological, and human processes) within an Indigenous context.
February 28, 2025 - University of Manitoba Distinguished Disseration Award
Value: $3,000 prize plus citation certificate
For: PhD students
Details: This prize honours exceptional doctoral dissertations that were defended and submitted during the 2024 calendar year (January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024). Nominations (max. of two) must be submitted by each Faculty/School/College via email to graduate.awards@umanitoba.ca Attention: Allison Aubin prior to the deadline
Research field(s): Applied sciences, Health sciences, Humanities, Natural sciences, and Social sciences
February 28, 2025 - University of Manitoba Distinguished Master’s Thesis Prize
Value: $1,000 prize plus citation certificate
For: Master's students
Details: This prize honours exceptional master’s theses that were defended and submitted during the 2024 calendar year (January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024). Nominations (max. of two) must be submitted by each Faculty/School/College via email to graduate.awards@umanitoba.ca Attention: Allison Aubin prior to the deadline
Research Fields: Applied sciences, Health sciences, Humanities, Natural sciences, and Social sciences
March 28, 2025 - Governor General's Gold Medal
Value: (1) Gold Medal for a Master’s student – (1) Gold Medal for a Doctoral student
Details: The Governor General of Canada offers two annual gold medals to recognize the outstanding performance of graduate students. These awards are based on overall academic excellence. Open to Master’s and Doctoral students who intend to convocate in May 2025, who convocated in February 2025 or convocated in October 2024 are eligible for this competition. Nominations (max. of two) must be submitted by each Faculty/School/College via email to graduate.awards@umanitoba.ca Attention: Allison Aubin prior to the deadline
Research field(s): Unrestricted
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.
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