What is the UMGF Scholarship?

The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) is a highly sought-after merit-based scholarship that aims to bring in and assist top graduate students from all over the world. This fellowship is given out by the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) to master’s and doctoral students who have shown academic distinction and the aptitude to pursue research.

 The UMGF gives students more than $2 million a year so they can study and do research without worrying about money. This encourages new ideas and academic advancement at one of Canada’s top research-intensive schools.

The UMGF is quite competitive and only gives money to students who show that they are very smart and very dedicated to their subject of study. It is accessible to students from all around the world and from all fields that are eligible for Tri-Agency funding (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC). 

The fellowship not only gives money to students, but it also helps them build their academic profiles by giving them chances to network and grow professionally in a broad intellectual community.

Eligibility Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.5 scale; some departments may require 3.5–4.0
• International students: GPA calculated on last two years of full-time study, converted to University of Manitoba’s grading scale; credit allocation varies by country
• Must be accepted into a full-time master’s or doctoral program at the University of Manitoba
• Pre-master’s, occasional, or dual-program students are ineligible

Citizenship and Residency

• Open to domestic and international students; no citizenship restrictions
• International students must meet Canadian study permit requirements
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) required for study permit applications starting January 2025; university assists post-acceptance

Program and Research Criteria

• Must be in a program eligible for Tri-Agency funding (NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR)
• Demonstrate strong research potential via prior research, publications, or a compelling statement of purpose

Other Conditions

• Recipients must maintain full-time status and a minimum GPA of 3.0; grades below C+ not permitted
• Cannot hold UMGF with another scholarship of equal or greater value; must decline other awards if they exceed UMGF stipend

Funding and Duration

Master’s Students

• Annual Stipend: $20000 per year
• Duration: 12 or 24 months (up to $40000)
• Eligibility based on program duration:
  • 0 months at program start: 24 months funding
  • 1–12 months completed: 12 months funding
  • 13+ months: Ineligible

Doctoral Students

• Annual Stipend: $25000 per year
• Duration: 12, 24, 36, or 48 months (up to $100000)
• Eligibility based on program duration:
  • 0 months at program start: 48 months funding
  • 1–12 months completed: 36 months
  • 13–24 months completed: 24 months
  • 25–36 months completed: 12 months
  • 37+ months: Ineligible

Key Notes

• Maximum UMGF funding duration: 4 years per student
• Awards non-renewable beyond specified duration; continued funding requires satisfactory academic progress

How to Apply

Step 1: Apply for Admission

• Apply to a master’s or doctoral program at the University of Manitoba up to 16 months before start date
• Prepare required documents:
  • Unofficial transcripts from all attended institutions
  • English proficiency proof (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) for non-English education backgrounds
  • Letters of recommendation submitted via online system
  • Research proposal or statement of purpose
• Pay application fee: $100 (domestic), $130 (international)

Step 2: Apply for UMGF through Department

• Contact academic department for specific UMGF application deadlines and procedures
• Most departments require:
  • Completed UMGF application form
  • Academic transcripts
  • Evidence of research ability (e.g., CV, publications, research proposal)
• Departments evaluate candidates’ academic records and research potential, nominating top applicants to Faculty of Graduate Studies

Step 3: FGS Selection and Notification

• Faculty of Graduate Studies reviews departmental nominations and makes final decisions
• Successful applicants receive official award letter via email
• Unsuccessful applicants notified by their department

Key Dates

• Program application deadlines: Vary by department, typically November 2025–January 2026
• UMGF application deadlines: Vary by department, often align with admission deadlines

Additional Opportunities and Resources

Other Funding Options

• Tri-Agency Awards: Scholarships like Canada Graduate Scholarships (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC)
• International Student Bursaries: Need-based financial aid
• Departmental Awards: Merit-based internal awards

Research Support

• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and expert mentorship
• Collaboration opportunities with organizations like Mitacs and Research Manitoba

Professional Development

• Networking with faculty and peers
• Workshops and conferences to enhance field knowledge and career skills

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Start Early: Prepare application well in advance to meet deadlines and gather documents
2. Excel Academically: Maintain high GPA and highlight research achievements
3. Contact Potential Supervisors: Discuss research opportunities and secure strong recommendation letters
4. Tailor Materials: Align statement of purpose with department’s research strengths and faculty expertise
5. Verify Eligibility: Ensure all criteria, including program-specific requirements, are met

Contact Information and Resources

• Faculty of Graduate Studies Awards Office: Graduate.Awards@umanitoba.ca
• Academic Departments: Check departmental contacts for program-specific details
• International Centre: Assistance with study permits and PAL
• 

Final Thoughts

The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) 2026 is a life-changing chance for graduate students in Canada who want to move up in their academic and research careers. With considerable money, full support, and a dedication to quality, the UMGF lets grantees focus on doing new research and growing as professionals. Applicants should carefully read eligibility requirements, prepare strong applications, and contact academic departments to maximize their chances. Visit the official UMGF website for further details.

Always verify information with academic departments, as details may change.