Studying in Canada can be a major financial commitment, especially for international students who must budget for tuition, accommodation, health insurance, books, transportation, and everyday living expenses. Fortunately, University of Winnipeg Scholarships for International Students can help qualified students reduce some of the cost of beginning their studies in Canada.
The University of Winnipeg, located in Manitoba, offers several scholarships and awards for international students, including entrance scholarships based on academic performance and the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders, which recognizes international students with strong academic records and demonstrated leadership. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the university lists international entrance awards worth up to CAD $3,000, while the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders is valued at CAD $5,000. The university also has additional funding opportunities for graduate students.
In this guide, you will learn what University of Winnipeg Scholarships for International Students are available, who can apply, scholarship values, application requirements, deadlines, and the practical steps to submit an application successfully.
What Are University of Winnipeg Scholarships for International Students?
University of Winnipeg Scholarships for International Students are financial awards offered to eligible students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents and who want to study at the University of Winnipeg.
A scholarship is financial assistance awarded primarily on the basis of criteria such as academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement, or other eligibility requirements. Unlike a student loan, a scholarship generally does not have to be repaid, although students must satisfy the conditions attached to the particular award.
For international students, these scholarships can be particularly useful because studying in Canada involves expenses beyond tuition. The University of Winnipeg’s 2026–2027 international undergraduate information estimates tuition and other academic-related costs at approximately CAD $22,015–$27,005 per academic year, depending on the program and other expenses included in the estimate.
Therefore, even a scholarship of $1,000, $3,000, or $5,000 can make a meaningful difference to a student’s initial education budget.
University of Winnipeg Scholarships for International Students in 2026
There are several types of scholarships that international applicants should investigate. The most relevant opportunities include international entrance scholarships, the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders, and scholarships connected with specific academic credentials such as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate.
Here is a summary:
| Scholarship | Potential Value | Main Eligibility | Application Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Special Entrance Scholarship | $1,000–$3,000 CAD | Eligible new international students with strong academic averages | Automatic consideration |
| President’s Scholarship for World Leaders | $5,000 CAD | New international students with at least 80% admission average and leadership experience | Separate scholarship application |
| AP Entrance Scholarship | $2,250 CAD | Eligible AP students entering UWinnipeg | Automatic consideration |
| IB Entrance Scholarship | $2,250 CAD | Eligible students with an International Baccalaureate Diploma | Automatic consideration |
| Graduate scholarships and awards | Varies | Depends on program and graduate award | Program/award-specific |
Scholarship amounts and requirements can change, so applicants should always check the current application information before submitting documents.
1. International Special Entrance Scholarship
One of the most important University of Winnipeg Scholarships for International Students is the International Special Entrance Scholarship.
This scholarship is designed for eligible international students entering the university directly after high school.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the listed scholarship values are:
- 85–89.9% admission average: $1,000 CAD
- 90–94.9% admission average: $2,000 CAD
- 95–100% admission average: $3,000 CAD
The scholarship is particularly relevant to students who have recently completed secondary school and are beginning university for the first time.
Who can qualify?
According to the university’s current international undergraduate information, applicants generally need to meet conditions including:
- Be an international student.
- Have not previously attended another post-secondary institution.
- Apply for admission within the specified period after high school graduation.
- Meet the required academic average.
- Be entering an eligible program at the University of Winnipeg.
One useful feature is that eligible students are automatically considered for this entrance scholarship when they apply for admission. This means there is not necessarily a separate scholarship application for the International Special Entrance Scholarship.
However, automatic consideration does not mean that every international applicant receives an award. Students must satisfy the university’s eligibility and academic requirements.
2. President’s Scholarship for World Leaders
The President’s Scholarship for World Leaders is another major opportunity among the University of Winnipeg Scholarships for International Students.
The scholarship is intended for international students entering the University of Winnipeg for the first time who demonstrate academic ability and leadership.
For the 2026–2027 cycle, the scholarship is valued at $5,000 CAD.
President’s Scholarship eligibility
Applicants must meet the university’s stated requirements, including:
- Be an international student.
- Be entering the first year of a program.
- Have a minimum 80% admission average or equivalent.
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities.
- Be admitted to the University by the applicable scholarship deadline.
Academic performance is important, but this scholarship is not based on grades alone.
The university specifically asks applicants to demonstrate leadership through extracurricular activities, volunteering, community involvement, work experience, achievements, or other meaningful activities.
This makes the scholarship particularly relevant to students who have contributed to their schools or communities.
What documents are required?
Applicants for the President’s Scholarship should prepare:
- A personal statement of 250–500 words
- A résumé or curriculum vitae
- Two reference letters
- Their UWinnipeg student number
- A completed admission application
The personal statement should explain the applicant’s leadership qualities, extracurricular or volunteer involvement, and academic goals.
Applicants should avoid simply listing achievements. Instead, they should explain what they actually did, what responsibility they had, and what impact their activities had.
Important application rule
The scholarship application requires applicants to begin their University of Winnipeg admission application first because a UWinnipeg student number is required for the scholarship application.
The university also states that incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
How to Apply for the University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship
Applying for one of the University of Winnipeg Scholarships for International Students is easier when you complete the process in the correct order.
Step 1: Apply for admission
Start by applying to the University of Winnipeg and obtain your student number.
You need this number before completing the President’s Scholarship application.
Step 2: Check your academic eligibility
Review your admission average and make sure you meet the minimum requirements.
For the President’s Scholarship, the current requirement is at least 80% or equivalent, together with evidence of leadership.
Step 3: Prepare your personal statement
Write a 250–500-word statement covering:
- Your leadership experience
- Volunteer or extracurricular activities
- Academic goals
- Your motivation for studying at the University of Winnipeg
Use specific examples rather than general statements.
For example, instead of saying that you are “a great leader,” explain the activity you led, your responsibilities, the problem you addressed, and the result.
Step 4: Prepare your résumé
Your résumé should provide a clear chronological record of relevant activities.
Include:
- Education
- Volunteer activities
- Leadership positions
- Employment
- Awards
- Publications, where applicable
- Extracurricular activities
- Community involvement
Step 5: Arrange two references
Choose people who can provide meaningful evidence of your extracurricular or volunteer involvement.
A reference who has directly supervised your work or community activity can generally provide more useful information than someone who barely knows you.
Step 6: Combine the documents correctly
For the current President’s Scholarship application, the university requires the application package to be submitted as one PDF file containing the required documents.
Check that your PDF is complete before uploading it.
Step 7: Submit before the deadline
Scholarship deadlines are important because late applications are not considered.
For the current 2026–2027 President’s Scholarship application, the available start-term deadlines vary according to the division and intake. Applicants should select the correct term and division in the application form.
Application: Apply for the 2026–27 President’s Scholarship for World Leaders
3. Advanced Placement Entrance Scholarship
International students entering the University of Winnipeg with qualifying Advanced Placement credentials may also benefit from an AP Entrance Scholarship.
The current listed value is $2,250 CAD.
Eligible students are considered automatically after the university receives their final examination results and confirms that they meet the requirements.
This means students with AP qualifications should make sure their examination results are properly submitted to the university.
4. International Baccalaureate Entrance Scholarship
Students entering the University of Winnipeg with an International Baccalaureate Diploma may qualify for an IB Entrance Scholarship worth $2,250 CAD.
The university’s current requirements include an IB Diploma with a grade total of at least 30 points, including the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge, with no individual grade below 4.
Like the AP scholarship, eligible students are selected automatically after the university receives and verifies their final results.
This can be especially useful for international students who completed IB programs outside Canada.
University of Winnipeg Scholarships for International Students: Graduate Funding
International students interested in master’s-level study should not assume that scholarship opportunities are limited to undergraduate entrance awards.
The University of Winnipeg’s Faculty of Graduate Studies lists several internal funding opportunities.
For example, the University of Winnipeg Graduate Studies Scholarship (UWGSS) is listed at $15,000 for one year of full-time study.
The President’s Distinguished Graduate Student Scholarship (PDGSS) is listed at $17,500 for one year of full-time study.
The university also lists the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders at the graduate level, with a value of $5,000 for one year of full-time study for eligible incoming international students.
Graduate funding can vary significantly by academic department and program. Prospective graduate students should therefore investigate funding options connected with their specific program rather than relying only on general international entrance scholarships.
What Makes a Strong Scholarship Application?
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee an award.
For competitive scholarships such as the President’s Scholarship, applicants should present a complete and convincing application.
Demonstrate leadership with evidence
Leadership does not necessarily mean holding a major formal title.
You can demonstrate leadership through:
- Student organizations
- Community projects
- Volunteer programs
- Youth initiatives
- Religious or community service
- Entrepreneurship
- Sports leadership
- Academic organizations
- Charity activities
- Professional or workplace responsibilities
The key is to explain what you actually accomplished.
Show academic consistency
A strong academic record is important for University of Winnipeg scholarships.
Rather than focusing only on one excellent examination result, make sure your academic documents accurately demonstrate your overall performance.
Make your personal statement specific
A personal statement should answer important questions:
- What have you accomplished?
- What leadership experience do you have?
- Why does your proposed education matter?
- What are your academic goals?
- How will your education contribute to your future plans?
Avoid copying generic scholarship statements found online.
Your application should sound like you.
Submit complete documents
An incomplete application can prevent an otherwise qualified applicant from being considered.
Before submitting, verify:
- Student number
- Correct name
- Personal statement
- Résumé/CV
- Two references
- Required academic documents
- Correct PDF format
- Correct application period
- Correct deadline
How Much Can International Students Save?
The amount a student saves depends on the scholarship received.
For example, an eligible student receiving the $3,000 International Special Entrance Scholarship would have $3,000 deducted from the overall education cost associated with the award.
A student receiving the $5,000 President’s Scholarship would receive a larger scholarship amount.
However, students should understand that these scholarships do not necessarily cover all tuition and living expenses.
International students should prepare a complete financial plan covering:
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Food
- Health insurance
- Transportation
- Books and supplies
- Study permit-related expenses
- Personal expenses
- Emergency funds
A scholarship should therefore be viewed as one component of a broader funding plan.
Important Deadlines for International Applicants
Deadlines can differ depending on the scholarship, academic division, and intended start term.
For example, the university’s 2026–2027 undergraduate information lists the International Special Entrance Scholarship deadlines as:
- Fall: March 1
- Winter: September 15
- Spring: February 1
The President’s Scholarship has its own deadlines linked to the student’s division and start term.
Because dates can change from one admission cycle to another, students should check the active scholarship application form before preparing their final submission.
Are University of Winnipeg Scholarships Fully Funded?
Generally, applicants should not describe these scholarships as fully funded scholarships.
A fully funded scholarship normally covers most or all major education and living expenses. The University of Winnipeg international entrance awards, by contrast, are specific financial awards that contribute toward the student’s education costs.
For example, a $5,000 scholarship is valuable, but it does not necessarily cover an international student’s complete tuition, accommodation, food, insurance, transportation, and personal expenses.
Students should therefore combine scholarship funding with other legitimate sources of financial support where necessary.
Can International Students Apply Without Canadian Citizenship?
Yes. Several of the scholarships discussed in this guide are specifically designed for international students.
The President’s Scholarship for World Leaders, for example, explicitly requires applicants to be international students entering the university for the first time.
However, being an international student alone does not guarantee an award. Applicants must also meet the academic, admission, leadership, documentation, and deadline requirements attached to the particular scholarship.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
International applicants can improve their application process by avoiding several common errors.
Waiting until the deadline
Do not wait until the final day to request reference letters or prepare your documents.
Submitting a generic personal statement
A statement that could be sent to any university may not demonstrate genuine interest or leadership.
Ignoring automatic scholarships
Some entrance scholarships are awarded through automatic consideration. Students should therefore make sure their admission application and academic records are complete.
Assuming a scholarship covers everything
Even a $5,000 award may represent only part of the total cost of studying in Canada.
Submitting incomplete documents
The President’s Scholarship application specifically requires a complete application package. Missing documents can result in the application not being reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main University of Winnipeg scholarship for international students?
One of the major opportunities is the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders, which is valued at $5,000 CAD for the current 2026–2027 cycle. It is intended for eligible first-year international students who meet the academic requirement and demonstrate leadership.
How much is the University of Winnipeg International Special Entrance Scholarship?
The current international undergraduate information lists awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 CAD, depending on the student’s admission average. Higher academic averages qualify for higher award amounts within the stated ranges.
Do I need a separate application for every University of Winnipeg scholarship?
No. Some scholarships use automatic consideration. For example, eligible students may be automatically considered for certain entrance scholarships after submitting their admission application and required academic results. Other awards, such as the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders, require a separate application.
Can graduate students receive scholarships at the University of Winnipeg?
Yes. Graduate students have access to additional funding opportunities. The university’s graduate funding information lists awards such as the University of Winnipeg Graduate Studies Scholarship and the President’s Distinguished Graduate Student Scholarship, with values that can be considerably higher than some undergraduate entrance awards.
Does the University of Winnipeg scholarship cover all expenses?
No. Students should not assume that an entrance scholarship covers all tuition and living expenses. Scholarship amounts vary, and international students should prepare a financial plan that includes tuition, accommodation, insurance, food, transportation, books, and other costs.
Conclusion: University of Winnipeg Scholarships for International Students
University of Winnipeg Scholarships for International Students provide several opportunities for qualified students to reduce the financial cost of studying in Canada.
The most notable opportunities include the International Special Entrance Scholarship, worth up to $3,000 CAD, the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders, worth $5,000 CAD, and additional AP and IB entrance scholarships worth $2,250 CAD for eligible students. Graduate students can also explore larger program-specific and university-level funding opportunities.
The most important step is to determine which scholarship matches your academic background and level of study. Prepare your documents early, pay close attention to the applicable deadline, and make sure every part of your application is complete and accurate.
If you meet the requirements for the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders, begin your University of Winnipeg admission process first and then complete the scholarship application using the official application form linked above.
