[APPLY] The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) Spring 2025

The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) Spring 2025 stands as one of Canada’s most prestigious and competitive academic awards, tailored for high-achieving master’s and Ph.D. students. Each year, this fellowship disburses over $2 million to deserving graduate students across various disciplines, excluding only a few professional programs. For students who dream of pursuing advanced research or delving deeper into their academic interests without the stress of financial burdens, the UMGF represents a golden opportunity.

This fellowship is more than just funding – it’s a recognition of intellectual promise and academic brilliance. In a world where quality education can be financially challenging, especially for international students, the UMGF provides the support needed to thrive.

The fellowship is strategically designed to reward students who have already demonstrated excellence in their academic journey and have a clear potential for contributing to research in their field. What makes the UMGF especially appealing is not just the amount of funding it offers but the flexibility and inclusiveness of its eligibility across nearly all research-oriented graduate programs at the University of Manitoba. This inclusivity makes it a beacon of opportunity for both domestic and international students from diverse backgrounds.

Whether you’re studying sciences, humanities, engineering or any other graduate-level research discipline, the UMGF could be your key to academic advancement in Canada.

Another aspect that elevates the UMGF’s reputation is the level of prestige attached to it. For recipients, being awarded this fellowship doesn’t just look good on paper – it opens doors to research collaborations, international academic networks and even additional scholarship and grant opportunities.

It’s a credential that speaks volumes about a student’s capabilities, positioning them as a leader in their academic space. Moreover, it helps students focus fully on their research without having to juggle multiple part-time jobs or worry about how to finance their education. It’s a step toward academic freedom, where brilliance can flourish uninterrupted.

This fellowship also underlines the University of Manitoba’s broader commitment to academic excellence, research innovation and student success. As one of Canada’s top research institutions, the university continuously invests in creating pathways that encourage deeper exploration into fields that shape societies and industries. The UMGF is a reflection of this vision – supporting students who are not just studying to earn degrees, but are actively engaging with real-world problems through research, innovation and academic curiosity. This makes the fellowship not only an individual achievement but also a contribution to the university’s growing impact on global academic standards.

For students, especially those coming from abroad or underrepresented communities, the financial support offered by the UMGF can be life-changing. Graduate studies often involve expenses beyond tuition – such as research materials, conference travel, living costs and more.

The UMGF steps in to ease this burden, enabling recipients to access opportunities that might otherwise be financially out of reach. In 2025, as global interest in Canadian education continues to rise, the UMGF is set to remain a flagship program attracting brilliant minds from around the world to the University of Manitoba. Whether you’re planning to apply or simply researching options for graduate funding, this fellowship is one you’ll want to explore thoroughly.

Degree Levels and Funding

The UMGF caters to both master’s and doctoral students, with funding structured as follows:​

• Master’s Level: $14,000 per year for either 12 or 24 months, culminating in a maximum of $28,000.​

• Doctoral Level: $18,000 per year for 12, 24, 36 or 48 months, with a maximum total of $72,000.​

The specific duration and amount of funding are determined by the respective department or unit, aligning with the fellowship’s eligibility criteria.​

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the UMGF, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Academic Excellence: A minimum admission GPA of 3.0 is mandatory, though some departments may stipulate higher GPA requirements.​

• Admission Status: Applicants must be admitted as full-time master’s or Ph.D. students at the University of Manitoba. Pre-master’s and occasional students are ineligible.​

• Active Student Account: Applicants should not have any active, admission-related holds on their student accounts during the provisional admission period.​

• Full-Time Enrollment: Recipients must maintain full-time enrollment in the graduate program of the unit that recommends them for the UMGF.​ScholarshipsAds

Additionally, UMGF holders are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress, adhering to the guidelines outlined in the University of Manitoba Faculty of Graduate Studies Institutional Award Holder’s Guide.​

Application Procedure

The application process for the UMGF involves several key steps:

1. Departmental Recommendation: Prospective candidates must be recommended by their respective departments or units to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.​

2. Application Submission: Applicants should consult their departments or units for specific application procedures and deadlines, as these may vary across different academic units.​

3. Notification: Once selected, the Faculty of Graduate Studies will notify award recipients through an official letter sent via email.​

It is imperative for applicants to maintain close communication with their departments to ensure they meet all requirements and adhere to deadlines.​

Period of Support

The duration of UMGF support is contingent upon the number of months a student has completed in their program:​

• Master’s Students:

  • 0-4 months completed: Eligible for up to 24 months of funding.​

  • 5-16 months completed: Eligible for up to 12 months of funding.​

  • More than 16 months completed: Not eligible.​

• Doctoral Students:

  • 0-4 months completed: Eligible for up to 48 months of funding.​

  • 5-16 months completed: Eligible for up to 36 months of funding.​

  • 17-28 months completed: Eligible for up to 24 months of funding.​

  • 29-40 months completed: Eligible for up to 12 months of funding.​

  • More than 40 months completed: Not eligible.​

Recipients must commence their awards in May, September or January. Failure to do so within the academic year necessitates declining the award.​

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)?

The UMGF is a prestigious, merit-based fellowship offered by the University of Manitoba to support full-time master’s and Ph.D. students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. It provides financial assistance to help graduate students focus on their research and academic development.

2. Who can apply for the UMGF Spring 2025?

The UMGF is open to both Canadian and international students who are admitted or enrolled full-time in a research-based master’s or doctoral program at the University of Manitoba. However, students in professional programs without a thesis component, such as MBA, MFin or MSCM, are not eligible.

3. What is the value of the UMGF award?

The value of the UMGF depends on the level of study:

• Master’s students: $14,000 per year for up to 2 years (maximum $28,000)

• Ph.D. students: $18,000 per year for up to 4 years (maximum $72,000)

4. What are the academic requirements for eligibility?

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible. However, individual departments may have higher academic requirements. Candidates must also be admitted to or currently enrolled in a graduate program and maintain full-time student status throughout the fellowship period.

5. How do I apply for the UMGF?

UMGF applications are submitted through the respective academic department or unit. Students must be recommended by their department to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Each department has its own internal process and deadlines, so applicants should contact their department early.

6. When is the deadline to apply for UMGF 2025?

There is no fixed university-wide deadline. Deadlines vary by individual departments, so it is crucial to check with your specific department or unit for the exact deadline for Spring 2025 applications.

7. Can I apply for the UMGF if I have already started my program?

Yes, but the duration of your eligibility depends on how far along you are in your program:

• For Master’s: Up to 12 or 24 months of funding if you’ve completed 0-16 months.

• For Ph.D.: Up to 12–48 months of funding depending on how long you’ve been enrolled.
  If you’ve exceeded these limits, you may not be eligible.

8. Can international students apply for the UMGF?

Yes, the UMGF is open to international students of all nationalities. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements—including GPA, program type and full-time enrollment—you are welcome to apply regardless of your country of origin.

9. What happens if I can’t start my award in May, September or January?

If you are unable to begin your award during the required intake months (May, September or January) and you do not start within the academic year, you will have to decline the award and may need to reapply in the next cycle, subject to departmental recommendation.

10. Can I hold the UMGF along with other scholarships or funding?

In most cases, yes. However, there are restrictions on combining multiple major awards. You must inform your department and the Faculty of Graduate Studies about any additional funding you receive. The university will review your combined awards to ensure they fall within acceptable funding limits.