If you have been searching for a way to study in Canada without drowning in tuition fees, the University of Winnipeg scholarships might be exactly what you need. The University of Winnipeg, also known as UWinnipeg or UW, is one of Canada’s most welcoming institutions for international students. Every year, the university opens its doors to thousands of students from around the world and makes sure that financial barriers do not get in the way of a quality education.
In this article, we will walk you through every scholarship available at the University of Winnipeg for the 2025-2026 academic year. We will cover who is eligible, how much money you can receive, what documents you need, and exactly how to apply. Whether you are a fresh high school graduate or a student looking to pursue a graduate degree in Canada, there is something here for you.
About the University of Winnipeg Scholarships for International Students
Before we get into the scholarships, it is worth knowing a little about the university itself. The University of Winnipeg was founded in 1871 and is located in the heart of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It is a public university that is well respected for its small class sizes, strong research culture, and genuine commitment to student success.
The university offers programs across six faculties including Arts, Business and Economics, Education, Kinesiology, Science, and Applied Health. It is also home to unique graduate programs that are hard to find elsewhere in Western Canada, such as a Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance and a Master’s degree in Indigenous Development Practice.
The campus itself is known for being diverse and inclusive. More than 1,300 international students from nearly 80 countries study at UWinnipeg, making up over 14% of the total student population. The university also prides itself on being a space where Indigenous students, LGBTQ+ individuals, and students from all backgrounds feel respected and valued.
One of the biggest selling points for international students is the financial support the university provides. According to the official UWinnipeg awards office, the university distributes over $6 million in scholarships, awards, and bursaries each year. That is a significant amount of funding, and a good chunk of it is accessible to international students.
Types of Scholarships at the University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg offers two broad categories of scholarships for incoming and current students: automatic awards and application-required awards. Understanding this distinction is important because it affects what you need to do to receive funding.
Automatic awards are assessed based on your academic performance during the admissions process. You do not need to submit a separate application. The university simply reviews your admission file and awards the scholarship if you qualify.
Application-required awards, on the other hand, need you to actively submit a scholarship application with supporting documents. These tend to be more competitive and often consider factors beyond grades, such as leadership, community involvement, and personal character.
Let us now look at each scholarship in detail.
1. International Special Entrance Scholarship Program
This is the most accessible scholarship for international students who are applying to UWinnipeg straight from high school. The International Special Entrance Scholarship is automatically offered to new international students entering undergraduate studies at UWinnipeg in the academic year following their high school graduation outside of Canada. You do not need to submit a separate scholarship application, which makes this one of the easiest opportunities to take advantage of.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the International Special Entrance Scholarship, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- You must be an international student enrolling in undergraduate studies at UWinnipeg for the first time.
- You must have the equivalent of a Canadian 85% grade average based on your Grade 12 academic courses used for admission. UWinnipeg’s International Credential Evaluators will handle your grade conversion.
- You must not have previously attended another post-secondary institution, except for dual credit high school or post-secondary courses.
- You must submit a complete application for admission no more than six months after your high school graduation.
- You must enroll in a minimum of 18 credit hours for the Fall and Winter terms and maintain full-time registration throughout the academic year.
- You must not have already received a UWinnipeg Entrance award valued at more than $5,000.
The scholarship values range depending on your admission average, so students with higher grades will receive more financial support. The awards are structured in tiers, meaning the higher your grade average, the larger the scholarship you will receive.
It is also important to know that the International Special Entrance Scholarship cannot be held at the same time as the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders. You can only receive one, so think carefully about which you wish to apply for if you qualify for both.
2. President’s Scholarship for World Leaders
The President’s Scholarship for World Leaders is one of the most prestigious awards at the University of Winnipeg. It is open to international students entering any of the university’s divisions for the first time, including Undergraduate, Graduate, Collegiate, and PACE programs. This is a scholarship that rewards academic excellence combined with real-world leadership potential.
Scholarship Value
The value of the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders depends on the level of study. For undergraduate students, the scholarship is valued at $3,500. For graduate students entering a UWinnipeg graduate program for the first time, the scholarship is valued at $5,000.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- You must be a first-time international student entering UWinnipeg in one of the eligible divisions.
- For graduate applicants, you must have a minimum 80% admission average or its equivalent.
- You must demonstrate involvement in activities that show leadership qualities and the potential to make a positive impact on your community and the wider world.
- Qualifying year or Pre-Masters students are not eligible for the graduate version of this award.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders is June 1 each year for undergraduate, graduate, collegiate, and PACE applicants. This is a firm deadline, so you should plan your application well in advance.
How to Apply
To apply for the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders, you must first complete an application for admission to the University of Winnipeg. Your UWinnipeg student number will be assigned once you begin your application, and only applications with a valid student ID number will be reviewed by the scholarship committee.
A complete application package includes a completed application form, a personal statement outlining your leadership qualities, your involvement in extracurricular and community activities, your academic achievements, and your goals for the future. You will also need reference letters that speak to your character and leadership, and all documents must be translated into English if they are in another language.
You can apply for the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders through the UWinnipeg Awards Office.
3. Wu Chung Scholarship
The Wu Chung Scholarship is arguably the most generous award available at the University of Winnipeg. It is a fully funded scholarship that covers nearly every major expense you will have as an undergraduate student, from tuition to airfare. This award is specifically designed for students from Huadu (Guangzhou) or Hong Kong who demonstrate both academic ability and strong leadership potential.
What the Wu Chung Scholarship Covers
Recipients of the Wu Chung Scholarship receive the following financial support while studying at UWinnipeg:
- Full undergraduate tuition and fees for up to 4 calendar years of study, consisting of up to 30 credit hours in Fall and Winter terms and up to 9 credit hours in the Spring term.
- Textbooks, course-related supplies, and incidental costs related to your studies.
- Accommodation and a monthly meal plan in UW Housing.
- Reimbursement of up to $2,500 for air travel to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
This is essentially a full ride scholarship that removes almost every financial obstacle from your path as an international student in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Wu Chung Scholarship, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- You must be from Huadu (Guangzhou) or Hong Kong.
- You must meet all academic and English language proficiency requirements for admission to UWinnipeg as an international student and be eligible to enter Canada with a valid study permit.
- You must not have studied at any other post-secondary institution before.
- You must have a minimum 70% grade average or equivalent from qualifying Level 3 high school courses used for admission. Note that the grade average is competitive, meaning higher averages give you a better chance.
- You must provide evidence of exceptional leadership qualities and the potential to make a positive impact on your community and the world following your studies.
- You must complete a full application for admission to UWinnipeg.
One very important thing to note about the Wu Chung Scholarship is the order of application. Unlike other scholarships, the Wu Chung Scholarship application must be submitted before you apply for admission to the university. This is the reverse of the normal process, so make sure you plan accordingly.
How to Apply
To apply for the Wu Chung Scholarship, you must complete the official web application form and submit all required documents. All documents must be translated into English if they are in another language. Only complete scholarship application packages will be reviewed, and incomplete packages will not be considered under any circumstances.
After the scholarship committee finishes reviewing applications, recipients will then be required to apply for admission to the University of Winnipeg. Each applicant may only submit one application per cycle, so take your time to put together the strongest possible application package.
4. AP and IB Entrance Scholarships
If you took Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams in high school and scored well, you could automatically qualify for additional scholarship money at UWinnipeg. These awards are designed to reward students who challenged themselves academically and performed at a high level.
AP Entrance Scholarship
These scholarships are awarded to students who are entering the University of Winnipeg as an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. To qualify, you must have received an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and scored 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. The admissions department will automatically assess you for this award in the fall term once they have received your final examination results and confirmed your eligibility. No separate application is needed.
IB Entrance Scholarship
The IB Entrance Scholarship is for students entering UWinnipeg for the first time based on the International Baccalaureate Diploma. To be eligible, you must have achieved your IB Diploma with a minimum grade total of 30, including the extended essay and the Theory of Knowledge course, and with no grade below 4 on the three higher level and three subsidiary courses.
To apply, you simply need to submit a completed Request for University Credit form no later than October 31 of the academic year. The AP and IB scholarships may not be held at the same time as the Special Entrance Scholarship.
5. University of Winnipeg Graduate Studies Scholarship (UWGSS)
For students pursuing graduate-level studies at UWinnipeg, the University of Winnipeg Graduate Studies Scholarship (UWGSS) is a significant source of financial support. This award is open to both domestic and international graduate students, whether full-time or part-time, who demonstrate accomplishment and strong potential in their area of study.
Scholarship Value
The UWGSS is valued at $15,000 for one year of full-time study and $7,500 for one year of part-time study. This award is not automatically renewable, meaning you need to be recommended and selected each cycle.
Eligible Programs
As of February 2025, the programs participating in the UWGSS for the 2025-2026 academic year include Applied Computer Science and Society, Applied Economics, Bioscience and Policy (PhD), Bioscience, Technology, and Public Policy (MSc), Criminal Justice, Cultural Studies, Environmental and Social Change, Indigenous Governance, and Master of Marriage and Family Therapy.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the UWGSS, you must:
- Be enrolled full-time or part-time in a participating University of Winnipeg graduate program for the duration of the award.
- Be within your program’s regular time to completion for the entire duration of the award.
- Have achieved and maintain a GPA of 3.75 out of 4.5 or equivalent in your most recent 60 credit hours, which is roughly equivalent to two years of full-time study.
- Be recommended by your department or unit to the Faculty of Graduate Studies for the award.
Each graduate program uses its own criteria to select which students they recommend, so it is worth speaking with your program coordinator about what they prioritize when making their recommendations.
6. In-Course Awards and Bursaries for Current Students
Scholarships at UWinnipeg are not just for students who are just entering the university. Once you are enrolled, there is a wide range of in-course awards and bursaries available to help you continue your studies. The bulk of these awards are distributed in the Fall term, but students can apply online through the UWinnipeg awards portal.
Current international students are welcome to apply for consideration for in-course awards. These awards take into account academic performance, financial need, and sometimes program-specific criteria. The university has a centralized online application system that allows you to apply to multiple awards with a single application.
To apply for in-course awards, you simply need to complete the online application by the relevant term deadline and provide any additional documentation that specific awards may require. The awards office processes applications and notifies recipients after adjudication.
7. Joan Barbara Turek Entrance Scholarship for Women in STEM
This scholarship is specifically designed to support female students entering Science programs at the University of Winnipeg. It is awarded to Grade 12 graduates who identify as female, have been admitted to first-year studies at UWinnipeg, and who are also receiving a top-tier UWinnipeg Special Entrance Scholarship with a 95% or higher admission average. The student must also have declared a Science major on their application for admission.
The scholarship value is an additional $1,000 for the top five entering students for the 2025-2026 academic year. No additional application steps are required beyond submitting your admission application by the Special Entrance Scholarship deadline.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Since you will be studying in an English-language environment, UWinnipeg requires international students to demonstrate English proficiency before admission. This is not just an administrative box to check. It is a genuine requirement that helps ensure you are able to participate fully in lectures, seminars, and academic discussions from day one.
The university accepts the following English language proficiency tests:
- IELTS: A minimum score of 6.5 overall is required for most programs.
- TOEFL: The Test of English as a Foreign Language is also accepted.
- CAEL: The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment is recognized by UWinnipeg.
- Duolingo English Test and other recognized proficiency programs may also be accepted depending on the program.
If your English level does not yet meet the requirements, the university offers English Language Programs (ELP) that can help you improve before you begin your degree. Some scholarships, including the President’s Scholarship, are also available to students entering through ELP programs.
Required Documents for Scholarship Applications
While the exact documents required vary from one scholarship to another, most scholarship applications at UWinnipeg will require some combination of the following:
- A completed application form with your valid UWinnipeg student ID number.
- Official academic transcripts from your high school or previous institution.
- A personal statement or essay describing your leadership qualities, community involvement, academic achievements, and future goals.
- A resume or CV highlighting your experiences, accomplishments, and extracurricular activities.
- Reference letters from teachers, community leaders, or other individuals who can speak to your character and potential. These letters should outline your achievements and demonstrate how you are a leader in your school or community.
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, CAEL, or equivalent).
- A copy of your passport or identity document.
All documents that are not in English must be translated by a certified translator before submission. Incomplete application packages will not be reviewed under any circumstances, so take the time to gather everything before you submit.
How to Apply for University of Winnipeg Scholarships
The application process will differ slightly depending on which scholarship you are applying for, but here is a general step-by-step guide that applies to most awards:
- Start your admission application. Before you can apply for most scholarships, you need to have started the admission process. This gives you a UWinnipeg student ID number that is required for scholarship applications.
- Check the specific scholarship deadline. Deadlines vary by scholarship. The President’s Scholarship for World Leaders deadline is June 1. The Wu Chung Scholarship deadline is usually announced separately, so keep an eye on the official awards page.
- Gather all required documents. Make sure your academic transcripts, personal statement, reference letters, and language proficiency results are all ready before you start filling out forms.
- Complete the scholarship application form. Fill out every section carefully and completely. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Merge all documents into a single PDF. Scan your complete application package and merge all pages into one PDF file before submitting. If you do not have a scanner, a scanner app on your smartphone works well for this.
- Submit your application. Depending on the scholarship, you will either submit your application through the UWinnipeg online awards portal or email it to awards@uwinnipeg.ca.
- Wait for notification. After the adjudication process, successful applicants will be notified by the awards office.
You can find all scholarship application forms and detailed instructions on the official UWinnipeg International Students Awards page.
Scholarship Deadlines Summary
Here is a quick summary of the key deadlines you should have on your calendar:
- President’s Scholarship for World Leaders: June 1 (for Undergraduate, Graduate, Collegiate, and PACE applicants).
- Special Entrance Scholarship (Domestic and International): Application for admission must be completed by March 1.
- AP/IB Entrance Scholarships: Request for University Credit must be submitted by October 31.
- Wu Chung Scholarship: Deadline for the 2025-2026 cycle is yet to be officially announced. Check the official awards page regularly and prepare your documents in advance.
- In-Course Awards: Deadlines vary by term. The bulk of awards are distributed in Fall, so check the online portal for specific dates.
Tips to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application
Applying for a scholarship is not just about ticking boxes. A strong application tells a story about who you are and why you deserve the opportunity. Here are a few tips that can help you stand out from other applicants:
Be specific in your personal statement. Vague statements like “I am a hard-working student” do not impress scholarship committees. Instead, describe specific experiences that shaped your leadership skills or motivated you to pursue your chosen field of study. Give examples. Tell real stories.
Choose references who know you well. A reference letter from a teacher who has seen you grow over several years is more powerful than one from someone who barely knows you. Choose people who can speak directly about your character, your strengths, and your potential.
Apply early. Even if a scholarship has a deadline of June 1, submitting your application in April or May gives you time to fix any issues if the awards office reaches out for additional information.
Highlight community involvement. UWinnipeg places a lot of emphasis on leadership and making a positive impact in your community. If you have volunteered, organized events, mentored others, or held leadership roles in school or community groups, make sure to highlight these experiences clearly.
Do not apply for conflicting scholarships. Remember that some scholarships at UWinnipeg cannot be held at the same time. The President’s Scholarship for World Leaders and the International Special Entrance Scholarship cannot be combined. Review the terms carefully before deciding which scholarship to pursue.
Living and Studying in Winnipeg, Canada
Winnipeg is the capital city of Manitoba and sits in the heart of Canada. It is known for being a culturally rich and diverse city with a strong sense of community. Winters in Winnipeg are cold, so you will want to pack appropriately if you are coming from a warmer climate, but the city more than makes up for its weather with a lively arts scene, excellent food culture, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere.
The cost of living in Winnipeg is generally lower than in cities like Toronto or Vancouver, which is another reason why studying at UWinnipeg can be a very smart financial decision. Student housing is available on campus, and the city has good public transportation options for getting around.
The university itself is located right in downtown Winnipeg, which means students have easy access to restaurants, cafes, cultural events, and community spaces. For international students, this is particularly valuable because it helps you engage with the broader community beyond the campus walls.
Why Choose the University of Winnipeg?
There are many universities in Canada to choose from, so it is fair to ask why UWinnipeg should be on your list. Here are some of the strongest reasons:
First, the university is genuinely committed to supporting international students, financially and academically. The over $6 million in annual awards and scholarships is a direct reflection of that commitment.
Second, class sizes at UWinnipeg are small compared to larger Canadian universities. This means more direct access to professors, more personalized learning experiences, and stronger academic relationships that can help you long after you graduate.
Third, UWinnipeg offers some programs that are simply not available at most other institutions in Western Canada. If you are interested in Human Rights, Indigenous Studies, Environmental and Social Change, or applied interdisciplinary research, UWinnipeg may be the best fit for your academic goals.
Fourth, the university ranks highly in domestic studies for its general reputation, academic excellence, and environmental engagement. That reputation translates into a degree that is recognized and respected across Canada and beyond.
Final Thoughts
The University of Winnipeg scholarships in Canada offer genuine, meaningful financial support for international students at every level of study. Whether you are just finishing high school and dreaming of studying abroad for the first time, or you are an experienced student ready to take your graduate studies to the next level, UWinnipeg has a scholarship that could be the right fit for you.
The key is to start early, understand the requirements of each scholarship clearly, and put together an application that honestly represents your achievements, your character, and your goals. Do not leave money on the table because you missed a deadline or submitted an incomplete application. Take your time, prepare well, and submit confidently.
For the most up-to-date information on all available scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines, always refer to the official source. You can visit the official UWinnipeg Awards page for international students to get started today.
We wish you the very best as you take this exciting step toward your future. Studying in Canada is a life-changing experience, and with the right scholarship behind you, it is well within your reach.
