The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) is a highly competitive and fully funded scholarship program for outstanding domestic and international students pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees in Canada. Offered annually by the University of Manitoba, this prestigious fellowship supports high-achieving graduate students across a wide range of disciplines who demonstrate strong academic performance and research potential. With generous financial support of up to $40,000 for Master’s and $100,000 for PhD students, the UMGF enables scholars to focus on their studies and contribute to advanced research at one of Canada’s leading research institutions.

Whether you are a new applicant or a continuing graduate student, this fellowship is an excellent opportunity to study in Canada with substantial financial assistance. Eligible students must be nominated by their academic department, meet the required GPA, and be enrolled full-time in an eligible graduate program.

summary table of the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF):

Eligibility Criteria for UMGF

To be considered for the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF), applicants must meet the following academic, programmatic, and institutional requirements:

1. Academic Standing

• Minimum GPA: Students must have a minimum admission GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.5 scale) to be eligible for nomination.

• Departmental Requirements: Individual departments may set higher GPA thresholds based on program competitiveness.

• Ongoing Academic Performance: Once awarded, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and not receive any grade lower than C+, including AX (auxiliary) courses, to retain the fellowship.

2. Program Enrollment

• Students must be admitted to and enrolled full-time in a Master’s or PhD program at the University of Manitoba.

• Pre-Master’s and Occasional students are not eligible for this fellowship.

• The student must be in a program eligible for Tri-Agency funding, meaning the program should qualify for support from Canada’s three major research funding agencies (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC).

3. Citizenship

• Open to all students, regardless of citizenship or country of origin. Both domestic and international applicants are eligible.

4. Time in Program (Funding Duration Limits)

UMGF awards are time-sensitive and linked to how far the student is into their program at the time of application:

For Master’s Students:

For PhD Students:

5. Other Conditions

• Registration Status: Must be registered as a full-time graduate student in the same unit that recommends them for the award.

• Good Standing: Must be progressing satisfactorily in their program (academically and in research).

• Maximum Support Limit: A student may receive UMGF funding for a maximum of four years in total, combining Master's and PhD support if applicable.

• No Overlapping Awards: Students cannot hold another scholarship or award of equal or higher value than the annual UMGF amount. If they are offered such a scholarship, they must decline the UMGF and notify the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

• No Program Transfers: Students cannot change their program or academic unit while receiving UMGF funding.

• No Holds on Account: Students must not have an active admission-related hold on their student account during their provisional admission period.

Important Notes:

• Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection. Departments nominate students based on available funding and competitive merit.

• For complete conditions, students should refer to the FGS Award Holder’s Guide or consult with their academic department.

How to Apply for the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)

The UMGF does not have a centralized online application. Instead, applicants must follow a department-specific nomination process. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Secure Admission to a Graduate Program

• Apply and receive admission to an eligible full-time Master’s or PhD program at the University of Manitoba.

• Ensure that the graduate program is eligible for Tri-Agency funding.

• Note that Pre-Master’s and Occasional students are not eligible for UMGF.

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

• Make sure you meet the minimum GPA requirement (3.0 or higher) as per university guidelines.

• Check with your academic department or unit as they may have stricter GPA criteria or other specific conditions.

• You must not already hold a scholarship or fellowship equal to or greater than the value of the UMGF.

Step 3: Contact Your Department or Unit

• Reach out to the graduate program coordinator or departmental office to inquire about:

  • Department-specific application deadlines

  • Required documents

  • Internal selection criteria

  • Nomination timeline and availability of funding

Step 4: Prepare Your Application Materials

Your department may ask you to submit the following:

• Updated CV or academic resume

• Academic transcripts

• Letter of intent or personal statement

• Research proposal (for research-based programs)

• Letters of recommendation (if required by department)

Note: These documents are usually submitted to your department, not directly to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Step 5: Departmental Nomination

• The department reviews all applications and shortlists top candidates based on academic merit and research potential.

• If selected, your department will nominate you to the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) for the UMGF.

Step 6: Final Review by Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS)

• The FGS reviews departmental nominations for compliance with UMGF regulations and eligibility.

• If approved, the FGS will issue an official offer letter via email to the selected students.

Step 7: Accept Your Award

• Follow the instructions in the award letter to formally accept the UMGF.

• If you do not accept the award within the academic year, you may have to decline and reapply through your department the following year.

Step 8: Maintain Eligibility During Tenure

• Remain a full-time registered student in the same program/unit throughout the award period.

• Maintain the minimum academic standards and make satisfactory progress.

• Notify the FGS if your enrollment status, academic unit, or scholarship status changes during the award period.

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How Pakistani students can apply for the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF):

Pakistani students interested in applying for the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) must first secure admission into a full-time Master’s or PhD program at the University of Manitoba, Canada. The first step is to research eligible graduate programs that align with their academic background and career goals, ensuring that the program qualifies for Tri-Agency funding. Once the student has identified a suitable program, they must apply for admission through the university’s official graduate admissions portal. Strong academic credentials are essential—Pakistani applicants must typically present a competitive GPA equivalent to at least 3.0 on a 4.5 scale, though higher scores may be required by individual departments. It’s advisable to contact the chosen department directly to understand specific entry requirements, deadlines, and available UMGF funding opportunities.

After receiving an offer of admission, the student should express interest in the UMGF to their academic department as early as possible. Since the UMGF does not have a centralized application process, all applications are handled internally by each department. Pakistani students must submit the required documents—such as academic transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and possibly a research proposal—directly to their department or graduate unit. The department then reviews applications and nominates the most qualified candidates to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. If nominated and approved, the student will receive an official offer letter via email from the university. Throughout the process, maintaining strong academic performance, timely communication, and a clear research focus are critical for Pakistani students aiming to secure this prestigious fellowship.