Awards and scholarships
The College of Rehabilitation Sciences strives to reward exceptional students for their efforts at every stage of their studies. We offer numerous awards, scholarships, prizes and bursaries to students enrolled in the programs offered by the College.

Types of Awards
Scholarship
A scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic achievement. To be eligible a student must complete with high, often highest, standing, a full normal year's work and must elect a full year's work in the year in which the scholarship is tenable.
Bursary
A bursary is awarded based on need. Students can apply for the University of Manitoba General Bursary by applying online through their Aurora student account. Completion of one application will qualify students for most bursaries offered by the college.
External awards
External awards are offered by industry, government and private organizations outside of the University of Manitoba. There are also many other external awards for which you may be eligible and we encourage you to also do a wider search. If you are the recipient of an external award, please contact the department to ensure you are acknowledged at the awards luncheons.
Prize
A prize is given according to the terms of each award and may be of high achievement in a single course, in a group of courses, in a year's work, or in a cumulative study program. Terms of award often include the requirements of a grade point average at or above the given minimum, high standing in cognate courses, and other specific considerations.
Dean’s Honour List (undergrad only)
Highest sessional GPA of 3.7 or over, full-time, no transfers. Transfer credit will be considered.
CoRS Gold Medal and Program Medals (undergrad only)
Cumulative (all three years) GPA of 4.0 or over 100 per cent of the full load of credit hours, full-time. Transfer credits will be considered.
How to apply
Each year awards are offered based on the availability of funds. If funds become unavailable, for whatever reason, the award cannot be offered. Convocation awards are selected in October and winter awards are selected in November. Applicants are selected using a multiple member committee that is appointed by the awards chair. When the terms of reference stipulate, the donor is also involved in the selection process.
To apply:
- Search for eligible awards: Search under the program award links below to learn what scholarships, awards and bursaries you are eligible for.
- Know your deadlines: Awards applications will not be accepted past the deadline.
- Apply: Fill out the online application fully. Be aware that incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- Accept offered awards: Don’t forget to log in and check your Aurora Student Portal to see if you have been offered any scholarships, bursaries, and/or awards. They will be offered, but you have to electronically “accept” them. For more detailed information, please consult the instructions provided by Financial Aid and Awards on accepting awards.
We're here to help. Contact us with your questions or concerns.
Occupational therapy
First year (MOT1) winter awards
Award Name |
Donor |
Criteria |
Amount |
MMCF Entrance Scholarship |
Manitoba Medical College Foundation |
Enrolled full-time in the MOT program; high academic standing upon entrance to the program. Cannot be held in conjunction with the UMGF. |
$1,125 |
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) |
University of Manitoba |
Incoming Students, when available At the time of admission, determined solely on the basis of the highest GPA in the last 60 credit hours. The distribution of the awards will depend on the number of awards available in any given year and the number of students currently in the program that already hold the award. |
$14,000/year None Required |
|
Second year (MOT2) winter awards
Note: Applications are due October 10.
Award Name |
Donor |
Criteria |
Amount |
Dr. Ron Bowie Scholarship |
Community Therapy Services |
Minimum GPA 3.5; 750 word essay outlining your understanding of OT in community practice in MB, your vision for community practice in MB, your experiences in community practice (clinical, fieldwork or other), your future goals for community practice. Application required |
$750 |
E. J. Thomas Prize |
Colleagues and friends of E.J. Thomas |
Maintained 3.5 GPA; Completion of MOT Year 1; Supplemental application outlining community involvement. Application required |
$250 or Annual Amount Available |
Manitoba Blue Cross Medical Rehabilitation Scholarship |
Manitoba Blue Cross |
Highest standing in previous academic year; not available to students receiving awards totaling more than $750 in same academic year. |
$750 |
Manitoba Public Insurance Tuition Scholarship | Manitoba Public Insurance | Resident of Manitoba; enrolled full-time in MPT2; minimum degree GPA of 3.75 with no grade lower than C+; demonstrated leadership qualities; demonstrated interest in furthering learning through professional development. Application required along with a completed referee form and letter of support | Four available scholarships, valued at $2500 each shared with MPT program |
Mary Pflueger Award |
Friends & family of Mary Pflueger |
Highest standing in Human Determinants (OT 6100) |
$225 or Annual Amount Available |
MSOT Student Research Award |
MSOT |
Highest standing in MOT Research Methods for Evidence Based Practice (OT 6352) |
$100 |
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship None Required |
University of Manitoba |
Incoming Students, when available At the time of application, determined solely on the basis of the highest GPA in the last 60 credit hours. The distribution of the awards will depend on the number of awards available in any given year and the number of students currently in the program that already hold the award. |
$14,000/year |
Convocation awards
NOTE: Applications are due August 31
Award Name |
Donor |
Criteria |
Amount |
Governor General’s Gold Medal | Governor General of Canada | Recognizes outstanding performance of graduate students, and is based on overall academic excellence. The gold medal will be awarded to one student in the Faculty of Graduate Studies. CoRS can nominate up to two students. Students who wish to be nominated should contact their program advisor by August 31st for details on eligibility. | Medal |
Future Leader Award in OT |
Dr. Marcia Finlayson |
Minimum GPA 3.0; Role-emerging fieldwork participation and/or other selected activities; Demonstrates characteristics and behaviours of a leader. Application form (doc.) |
1 year MSOT membership; Donation of book to NJM Library |
Mrs. Mary Judd Prize |
Ms. Lynda Wolf |
Demonstrates interest in working with older adults; submit a 1-2 page essay describing your interest, experience, and future career aspirations in working with older adults. Application form (.doc) |
Determined Annually |
CoRS SA Prize of Excellence | College of Rehabilitation Sciences Student Association | Has completed the requirements of the MOT degree; has been a member of the CORS-SA for at least two years; has achieved a minimum GPA of 3.5 based on previous 60 hours. Application form (.doc) | $500 |
CAOT Student Award |
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists |
Highest academic standing among all graduating students in the OT degree program. |
$200 voucher for CAOT serv/ publications |
Excellence in Communications Prize in OT |
Anonymous |
Nominated by OT department faculty member who teaches communications skills; ranked in the top ten students for communication skills as demonstrated by marks in a combination of sections of assignments and fieldwork that relates to communication skills. |
$200 |
COTF Future Scholar Award |
Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation |
Successfully completed the requirements for a Master of Occupational Therapy degrees; received the highest combined numerical grade in Research Methods for Evidence-based Practice (currently numbered OT 6352) and Independent Study (currently numbered OT 7752). |
$100 |
MSOT Prize |
Manitoba Society of Occupational Therapists |
Second highest standing in final year of OT program; recipient must have carried a full, normal course load in final year |
$100 |
Naomi Rosenberg Polansky Award |
|
Enrolled full-time in the MOT program Minimum degree GPA of 3.5 highest overall standing on pediatric assignments in OAA (OT 6300) and Advanced Practice in OT (OT 7572) and the macro client-centred practice assignment in Advanced Enabling and Professional Development Skills 2 (OT 7742) |
$50 |
Solita Egert Practice Skills Prize |
Jason Egert |
Enrolled full-time in MOT program Minimum degree GPA of 3.5 Highest overall standing in the four MOT Practice Skills courses |
$500 |
Theresa Sullivan Prize for Professionalism and Professional Reasoning Skills | Family, friends and students in memory of OT faculty member Theresa Sullivan | Enrolled full-time in MOT program; minimum degree GPA of 3.5; has been nominated by a fieldwork educator of Advanced Fieldwork (currently OT 7800); has attained a B+ or above in the course Professionalism and Enabling Occupation (currently OT 6142). | $925 |
Bursaries
NOTE: Applications are due September 30.
Bursaries are awarded based on financial need. All students with government assessed or calculated need will be considered for bursaries by the College of Rehabilitation Sciences.
To be considered, you must apply for the University of Manitoba General Bursary online through your Aurora Student Account.
Award Name |
Criteria |
Amount |
Alice M. Chisolm Bursary |
For students who have completed at least one year in the Department of Occupational Therapy who are in good academic standing and have demonstrated financial need. |
$350 |
Mary Pflueger Bursary |
For full-time students who have completed at least one year in the Master of Occupational Therapy program. Application form (.doc) |
$550 |
Occupational Therapy Memorial Bursary |
For full-time students who have completed at least one year in the Master of Occupational Therapy program. Application form (.doc) |
$300 |
College of Rehabilitation Sciences Endowment Fund Student Bursaries |
For full-time students in the Master of Occupational Therapy program with good academic standing and demonstrated financial need. |
Determined annually |
College of Rehabilitation Sciences Student Association Bursary |
For a full-time student in his or her final year of the Master of Occupational Therapy program who has achieved high academic standing, participates in extracurricular activities, and has demonstrated financial need. |
$200 |
Dr. Ruth Grahame Bursary |
For a full-time student in the first year of the Master of Occupational Therapy program with good academic standing and demonstrated financial need. |
$1,200 approx., determined annually |
External awards and bursaries
We encourage you to also do a wider search, as many groups and institutions (i.e.: school divisions, cultural organizations, unions, employers, financial institutions, etc.) offer scholarships or bursaries. Please note that external awards are not administered or monitored by the University, do not appear on an official transcript and are payed directly by the external organization.
Some examples include:
Physical therapy
First year (MPT1) winter awards
NOTE: Applications are due October 10
Award | Donor | Criteria | Amount |
---|---|---|---|
Manitoba Medical College Foundation (MMCF) Entrance Scholarship | MMCF |
Enrolled full time in the first year of the MPT program; Highest admission GPA (minimum 3.0); This award cannot be held in conjunction with the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship. No application required. |
$1,000 approx. |
Marjorie Spence Physical Therapy Entry Level Scholarship | Marjorie Spence; first head of PT. |
Enrolled full-time in the first year of the MPT program; High admission GPA (minimum 3.75); History of community involvement and leadership. |
$3,000 approx. |
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship | University of Manitoba |
Two one-year University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships will be offered to incoming MPT students who fit all eligible criteria and have the highest GPAs. GPA will be calculated based on the last 60 credit hours. No application required. |
$14,000 approx. |
Second year (MPT2) winter awards
NOTE: Applications are due October 10
Award | Donor | Criteria | Amount |
Dr. Ron Bowie Scholarship | Community Therapy Services in honour of Dr. Ron Bowie | Enrolled full-time in MPT2; minimum degree GPA of 3.5; demonstrates an interest in community practice. Application required | $750 |
E.J. Thomas Prize | Colleagues and friends of E.J. Thomas | Enrolled full-time in the second year of the MPT program; minimum GPA of 3.5; demonstrated outstanding interest/involvement in the community. Application required | $275 approx. |
Helen Humphrey Ross Award of Excellence | Manitoba Physiotherapy Association | Enrolled full-time in MPT2; minimum degree GPA of 3.5; high standing in courses: PT6124, PT6250, PT6260; student member of MPA; may not be held with any other scholarship or prize with a value greater than $300. No application required. | $300 |
Manitoba Blue Cross Medical Rehabilitation Scholarship | Manitoba Blue Cross | Resident of Manitoba at time of admission; enrolled full-time in MPT2; highest academic standing in MPT1; may not be held with any other scholarship or prize with a value greater than $750. No application required. | $750 approx. |
Manitoba Public Insurance Tuition Scholarship | Manitoba Public Insurance |
Resident of Manitoba; enrolled full-time in MPT2; minimum degree GPA of 3.75 with no grade lower than C+; demonstrated leadership qualities; demonstrated interest in furthering learning through professional development. Application required along with a completed referee form and letter of support |
Four available scholarships, valued at $2,500 each shared with MPT program. |
Vesalius Prize | The Estate of Professor Josephine Stack-Haydon | Enrolled full-time in the MPT program; highest standing in PT 6140 Anatomy for Physical Therapy. No application required. | $275 approx., determined annually. |
Convocation Awards
NOTE: Applications are due August 31.
Award |
Donor |
Criteria |
Amount |
CoRS SA Prize of Excellence | College of Rehabilitation Sciences Student Association | Has completed the requirements of the MPT degree; has been a member of the CORS-SA for at least two years; has achieved a minimum GPA of 3.5 based on previous 60 hours. Application form (.doc) | $500 |
Governor General’s Gold Medal |
Governor General of Canada |
Recognizes outstanding performance of graduate students, and is based on overall academic excellence. The gold medal will be awarded to one student in the Faculty of Graduate Studies. CoRS can nominate up to two students. Students who wish to be nominated should contact their program advisor by August 31 for details on eligibility. |
Medal |
Diamond Athletic Medical Supplies Award of Excellence |
The Diamond family in honour of their father Sam Diamond |
Resident of Manitoba; minimum degree GPA of 3.5 with no grade lower than a B; strong and consistent history of community or sports involvement; leadership qualities; demonstrated an interest in health promotion and wellness. Application form |
$500 |
Gisele Pereira Excellence in Communications Prize |
Endowment fund in recognition of the retirement of Gisele Pereira |
Minimum degree GPA of 3.5; high academic standing in PT6100, PT6260 and PT7160; excellence in clinical performance for communication and professionalism. No application required. |
$450 approx |
Lifemark Convocation Prize |
Lifemark Health Group |
Second highest academic standing in the MPT program; minimum degree GPA of 3.5. No application required. |
$250 |
Marjorie Spence Physical Therapy Achievement prize |
Estate of Marjorie Spence |
Minimum degree GPA of 3.5; shown consistent history of community involvement; demonstrated leadership qualities through community and school involvement. Application form |
$1,000 |
Bursaries
NOTE: Applications are due September 30.
Award | Criteria | Amount |
Alice M. Chisolm Bursary | For students who have completed at least one year in the Department of Physical Therapy who are in good academic standing and have demonstrated financial need. | $350 |
College of Rehabilitation Sciences Endowment Fund Student Bursaries | For full-time students in the Master of Physical Therapy program with good academic standing and demonstrated financial need. | Determined annually |
College of Rehabilitation Sciences Student Association (CORSSA) Bursary | For full-time students in their final year of the Master of Physical Therapy program who has achieved high academic standing, participates in extracurricular activities, and has demonstrated financial need. Application (docx) | |
Dr. Ruth Grahame Bursary | For a full-time student in the first year of the Master of Physical Therapy program with good academic standing and demonstrated financial need. | $1,200 approx., determined annually |
Laurel Maley Memorial Bursary | For a Manitoba resident who is a full-time graduate student in their final year and in good academic standing in the Master of Physical Therapy program in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences with demonstrated financial need. | $1,900 approx., determined annually |
External awards and bursaries
We encourage you to do a wider search, as many groups and institutions (i.e.: school divisions, cultural organizations, unions, employers, financial institutions, etc.) offer scholarships or bursaries. Please note that external awards are not administered or monitored by the University, do not appear on an official transcript and are payed directly by the external organization.
Some examples of external awards:
Respiratory therapy
First year (BRT1) winter awards
Award Name |
Donor |
Criteria |
Amount |
Manitoba Medical College Foundation (MMCF) Entrance Scholarship |
Manitoba Medical College Foundation |
Enrolled full time in either the first year of the Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation – Respiratory Therapy program or the first year of the Master of Occupational Therapy, Master of Physical therapy or Master of Science in Rehabilitation program in the School of Medical Rehabilitation at the University of Manitoba; Have achieved the highest admission grade point average upon entrance into their program with a minimum of 3.0 (or equivalent) Available Annual Income None Required |
Available Annual Income |
Second year (BRT2) winter awards
Award Name |
Donor |
Criteria |
Amount |
Alice Chisholm Bursaries |
Bequest of Mrs. Chisholm to the University of Manitoba |
Has completed at least one year in CoRS; is enrolled full-time in the next ensuing academic year; has demonstrated financial need on the standard University of Manitoba bursary application form. |
Determined Annually |
College of Rehabilitation Sciences Endowment fund Student bursaries |
CoRS Student Body |
Enrolled full-time in (i) CoRS, in either the Bachelor of Medical Respiratory Therapy program or (ii) Faculty of Graduate Studies in either the Master of Occupational Therapy or the Master of Physical Therapy program; Has achieved a minimum degree grade point average of either (i) 2.0 if they are an undergraduate student or (ii) 3.0 (or equivalent) based on the last 60 credit hours of study if they are a graduate student; Has demonstrated financial need on the standard University of Manitoba bursary application form. |
Determined Annually |
Dr. A.W. Hogg Undergraduate Scholarships |
|
Highest average standings irrespective of year and course (students in the graduating year are excluded); Students must have qualified for the Dean’s Honour List; Must register for, and remain enrolled in, a full normal course load in the next succeeding year |
$1500 Scholarship |
Isbister Undergraduate Scholarships |
|
Isbister Undergraduate Scholarships Ranked above all competitors in the average of the grades on the subjects for which the scholarships are given (or in cases where more than one scholarship is offered are members of a group that has been so ranked) or have become eligible through reversion; University wide undergraduate award. |
Determined Annually |
Third year (BRT3) winter awards
Award Name |
Donor |
Criteria |
Amount |
Alice Chisholm Bursaries |
Bequest of Mrs. Chisholm to the University of Manitoba |
Has completed at least one year in CoRS; is enrolled full-time in the next ensuing academic year; has demonstrated financial need on the standard University of Manitoba bursary application form. |
Determined Annually |
School of College of Rehabilitation Sciences fund Student Bursaries |
CoRS Student Body |
Enrolled full-time in CoRS in the Bachelor of Respiratory Therapy program. Has achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 2.0 Has demonstrated financial need on the standard University of Manitoba bursary application form. |
Determined Annually |
CoRSSA Bursaries |
College of Rehabilitation Sciences Student Association |
Minimum degree grade point average of 3.0; Participated in student extracurricular activities; enrolled full-time in the final year of their program; demonstrated financial need |
$200 |
E.J. Thomas Prizes |
Colleagues and friends of E.J. Thomas |
Enrolled full-time in the third year of the BRT program. Minimum GPA of 3.5; Demonstrated interest/involvement in the community. |
Determined Annually |
Manitoba Blue Cross Medical Rehabilitation Scholarship |
Manitoba Blue Cross |
Highest standing in previous academic year; Not available to students receiving awards totaling more than $750 in same academic year. |
$750. |
Convocation awards
Award Name |
Donor |
Criteria |
Amount |
BOMimed Clinical Excellence Award |
BRT |
Has completed the third year of study in the BRT program and is graduating; Has achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0; Has demonstrated excellence in clinical work and interpersonal skills as judged through the program’s clinical rotation evaluations; Has demonstrated active involvement in professional and/or community activities. |
$500 |
Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists Award |
Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists |
Has completed the third year of study in the BRT program; has achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0; has demonstrated involvement in the professional association; has promoted the profession to the program and community. |
Registration for CSRT annual education forum |
CoRS SA Prize of Excellence | College of Rehabilitation Sciences Student Association | Has completed the requirements of the MOT degree; has been a member of the CORS-SA for at least two years; has achieved a minimum GPA of 3.5 based on previous 60 hours. Application form (.doc) | $500 |
College of Rehabilitation Sciences Medal in Respiratory Therapy | College of Rehabilitation Sciences | Has achieved the highest cumulative grade point average (3.75 or above); Has carried a full, normal course load throughout the program. | Medal |
Elenore Haywood Lung Association Manitoba Convocation Prize |
|
Enrolled full-time in the final year of the Bachelor of Respiratory Therapy program; Have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.5; Have successfully completed the Clinical Assessment in Respiratory Care course (RESP 2220) with the highest GPA. |
$1000.00 |
University Gold Medal |
University of Manitoba |
Has achieved the highest grade point average (minimum 3.75) on courses constituting the last two years of an eligible program (refer to individual Faculty / School guidelines regarding the acceptance of transfer courses for Gold Medal calculations); Has completed at least 80 percent of what is considered to be the normal full course-load in each of the last two years of the eligible program. |
Medal |
Bursaries
Bursaries are awarded based on financial need. All students with government assessed or calculated need will be considered for bursaries by the College of Rehabilitation Sciences.
To be considered, you must apply for the University of Manitoba General Bursary online through your Aurora Student Account.
Please note that some bursaries are awarded based on involvement in student activities or other attributes, including the College of Rehabilitation Sciences Students' Association (CoRSSA) bursary (applications closed).
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences
Awards
- University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF; no application required)
- Manitoba Medical College Foundation (MMCF) Entrance Scholarship (no application required)
- Jal Tata Award
External awards and bursaries
In addition to pursuing bursaries, awards and scholarships offered by the University of Manitoba, we encourage you to look beyond our institution for funding opportunities.
Many groups and institutions also offer scholarships or bursaries, including school divisions, cultural organizations, unions, employers, financial institutions and more.
Be aware that these types of external awards are not administered or monitored by the university. This means that are paid directly by the external organization and they will not appear on your official transcript.
Some examples of external awards and bursaries are::
- Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation Graduate Scholarships
- Manitoba Society of Occupational Therapists – Mary Judd Research Grant
- Canadian Physiotherapy Association Foundation – Ann Collins Whitmore Memorial Scholarship
- Canadian Physiotherapy Association Foundation – Neuroscience or Cardiovascular Division Scholarships
Other UM sources of funding
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UM Financial aid and awards
The University of Manitoba distributes over $17 million in awards each year, including $2.5 in the form of entrance scholarships to new students.
-
UM Bursaries
UM offers a wide range of bursaries to both new and continuing full-time and part-time students who have a demonstrated financial need and a minimum academic standing.
-
Faculty of Graduate Studies awards database
The Faculty of Graduate Studies keeps an up-to-date record of funding opportunities available to students and researchers at UM.
-
Indigenous student awards
A wide range of financial aid opportunities for Indigenous students are available, both through the University of Manitoba and external partners.
Contact us
College of Rehabilitation Sciences
R106 - 771 McDermot Avenue
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T6 Canada