Did you know that Manitoba was the first province in Western Canada to establish a university?

The University of Manitoba was established in 1877 and granted its first degrees in 1880. Known as a research powerhouse, U of M has produced groundbreaking research in nanotechnology and the life sciences, and has produced more Rhodes Scholars than any university in Western Canada.

Aside from the U of M, Manitoba has other public, private, or technical schools, and community colleges. If you’re an international student interested in studying in Canada, or a Manitoban high school student graduating soon, here are a few other facts you may want to know:

1. Manitoba education is world class yet affordable

   Manitoba adheres to the highest academic standards, making its graduates highly regarded the world over. Despite this, Manitoba’s tuition fees, especially for international students, are among the lowest compared to the United States, United Kingdom, and other Canadian provinces.

   To get an idea of tuition rates at the U of M, go to: Tuition and fee estimates

2. You have a variety of educational institutions to choose from . . .

   Manitoba boasts of five public universities, three colleges (two English-language and one French), four religious denominational post secondary institutions, and a technical institute (go to Post-Secondary Education for a complete list). Whether you are looking to complete a degree, a short-term program, or vocational training, there is an educational institution that’s right for you.

3. … and a host of programs available

   Professional degree programs in more than 90 disciplines await you from the U of M alone. These include agriculture, environmental studies, the arts and sciences, commerce, education, engineering, fine arts, human ecology, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, social work, and even courses in theology and divinity. There are also credit and non-credit diploma and certificate programs, as well as vocational programming and apprenticeship in various trades. Visit the websites of colleges or universities you are interested in and check curriculum and program offerings to know more.

4. You can enjoy a multicultural campus experience here

   Manitoba is one of the most culturally diverse provinces in Canada, with more than 100 languages spoken here. Also, the province has the distinction of having more restaurants per capita than any other place in North America, with many of the restaurants serving authentic international cuisine that are owned and operated by immigrants themselves.

   To have a glimpse of what it’s like to study in Manitoba, here’s a video from the U of M on Campus Living, Student life:
   

5. Scholarships and bursaries are available for you

   Residents can avail of bursaries, grants, and loans to fund their education here. If you’re an internationally educated/trained professional looking to upgrade your education or take bridging courses towards qualifications recognition or licensure, there are several financial support or funding programs you can look into. Some financial supports are available to individuals pursuing any profession or trade. Others are specific to a profession or trade and are offered only to individuals pursuing that occupation. Some supports are offered as a grant, meaning you do not need to repay the money, while others are offered as loans, where you have to pay back the money with interest. To see some options, here’s a list from Immigrate Manitoba: Financial Supports for Internationally Educated Professionals.

6. Great for international students

   Aside from comparatively lower tuition rates, studying in Manitoba can be a great experience for international students. They can enjoy an affordable cost of living, and feel at home in friendly Manitoban communities. International students can also benefit from world-class English as an Additional/ Second Language(EAL/ESL) training, opportunity to work after graduation, and assessment eligibility for permanent residency status. To know more about getting a study permit, go to Manitoba.ca’s International Students page. More information can be found on the Study in Canada and Designated Learning Institutions List (IRCC) pages.

 
Article updated August 9, 2024.
 
Sources: Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Manitoba.ca, and the University of Manitoba site.