University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) 2025/2026 for International Students (Fully Funded)
The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) is one of Canada’s most prestigious graduate funding opportunities. Every year, the University of Manitoba awards UMGF scholarships to outstanding international and domestic master’s and PhD students who demonstrate superior academic excellence and research potential. With awards valued at up to $25,000 per year, this fellowship provides critical support for graduate students pursuing advanced studies across all eligible fields.
If you are an international student looking for a fully funded master’s or PhD scholarship in Canada, this guide will give you everything you need to know about the UMGF program, including eligibility requirements, funding details, application process, deadlines, and FAQs.
Overview of the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)
The UMGF recognizes and supports students who show strong intellectual ability, academic accomplishments, and research promise. Unlike many scholarships restricted to citizens, the UMGF is open to all students regardless of nationality, making it one of the most inclusive scholarships in Canada.
- Fellowship Name: University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)
- University: University of Manitoba, Canada
- Level of Study: Master’s and PhD
- Eligible Students: All nationalities (including international students)
- Annual Value: $20,000 (Master’s), $25,000 (PhD)
- Duration: Up to 2 years (Master’s), up to 4 years (PhD)
- Total Value: $40,000 (Master’s), $100,000 (PhD)
- Application Deadline: Varies by department – students must check with their program
Value and Duration of the UMGF
The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship provides substantial financial support to help cover tuition fees and living costs. The fellowship values differ depending on the level of study:
For Master’s Students
- Annual Value: $20,000 per year
- Duration: 12 or 24 months
- Total Maximum Value: $40,000
For PhD Students
- Annual Value: $25,000 per year
- Duration: 12, 24, 36, or 48 months
- Total Maximum Value: $100,000
The duration and value of each award are determined by the student’s department or faculty unit, but all selected candidates must meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS).
Eligibility Criteria for International Students
The UMGF is highly competitive. To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Standing: Minimum admission GPA of 3.0. (Note: Some departments may require higher GPAs.)
- Citizenship: Open to all students worldwide, including international applicants.
- Fields of Study: Available across all graduate programs eligible for Tri-Agency funding.
- Admission: Applicants must be admitted to a full-time Master’s or PhD program at the University of Manitoba.
- Program Stage: Students must be within the eligible time frame for receiving funding (see below).
Funding Period Eligibility
The number of months of UMGF support depends on how long the student has already been in their program:
Master’s Students
- Start of Program (0 months): Eligible for 24 months of funding
- 1–12 months in program: Eligible for 12 months of funding
- 13+ months: Not eligible
PhD Students
- Start of Program (0 months): Eligible for 48 months of funding
- 1–12 months: Eligible for 36 months of funding
- 13–24 months: Eligible for 24 months of funding
- 25–36 months: Eligible for 12 months of funding
- 37+ months: Not eligible
Important: Students cannot hold a UMGF for more than 4 years in total.
How to Apply for the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship
The application process is slightly different from many other scholarships because students cannot apply directly. Instead, they must be recommended by their academic department or unit.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Consult Your Department: Each department has its own deadline and application procedure. Contact your graduate program office early.
- Prepare Your Documents: Most departments require transcripts, research proposals, CVs, and reference letters.
- Departmental Recommendation: Your department will review applicants and recommend candidates to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
- Faculty Review: The Faculty of Graduate Studies evaluates all nominations and selects recipients.
- Notification: Successful candidates receive an official award letter via email.
Tip for International Students: Contact your department well before applying, as UMGF deadlines often differ from admission deadlines.
Why International Students Should Apply for the UMGF
For international students, funding is often the biggest challenge when studying abroad. The UMGF provides a solution by offering:
- Generous financial support covering tuition and living costs.
- No separate scholarship application for many programs – eligibility is automatic through your admission application.
- Global eligibility – open to students of any nationality.
- Prestige and recognition – being awarded a UMGF highlights your academic excellence and research promise.
- Pathway to research opportunities – enhances your chances for academic and professional growth in Canada.
Application Deadlines and Award Timeline
The UMGF does not have a centralized deadline. Instead, each department sets its own application period. Generally:
- Application Period: Varies by department (usually between December and March).
- Departmental Review: January–April.
- Faculty of Graduate Studies Decision: February–June.
- Award Notification: Official award letters are sent via email.
Important: To maximize your chances, apply to your graduate program early and stay in touch with your department about their UMGF process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can international students apply for the UMGF?
Yes. The fellowship is open to all students regardless of citizenship, making it one of the best Canadian graduate funding options for international students.
2. Do I need a separate scholarship application?
No. In most cases, you are automatically considered for the UMGF when you apply to your graduate program. However, some departments may request additional documents.
3. What GPA is required to qualify?
The minimum admission GPA is 3.0, but some departments set higher requirements due to competition. It’s best to aim for at least a GPA of 3.5.
4. Can I hold other scholarships alongside the UMGF?
No. If you receive another award of equal or higher value than the UMGF, you cannot hold both. You must choose one.
5. How long can I hold the fellowship?
Up to 2 years for Master’s students and up to 4 years for PhD students, depending on your program stage and department recommendation.
Final Thoughts
The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) is one of the most generous and inclusive scholarships available to graduate students in Canada. With funding up to $100,000 for PhD students, it provides the financial security needed to focus on research and academics without the burden of tuition fees. For international students seeking to study in Canada, the UMGF represents not only a chance to receive funding but also to become part of a globally recognized research community at the University of Manitoba.
If you’re planning to pursue your Master’s or PhD studies in Canada, we strongly recommend applying early and contacting your department for details about the UMGF application process.
