Contact: Dr. Deo H. Poonwassie
General Office: 500 University Centre
Telephone: (204) 474 7070
Fax: (204) 474 7553
E-mail: poonwass@ms.umanitoba.ca

The University of Manitoba takes pride in providing world-class education to many of Canada's best and brightest students. By recognizing the potential in all who have a desire to learn and by offering students an exceptional education in a supportive environment, the university is proud to open its doors to a cohort of Aboriginal students at the Ph.D. level. The University of Manitoba is committed to recruiting and graduating Aboriginal students at all levels and areas of studies.

The University recognizes that the province has a large Aboriginal population. While strides are being made at the undergraduate level with a significant number of teachers, social workers, lawyers and medical doctors as evidence, there is an urgent need for expertise at the graduate level. This opportunity for those holding Masters degrees or honours Bachelor's degrees will fill a major void that currently exists in areas including university and college leadership positions in an environment of perpetual change. This is the university's contribution to growing our own expertise.

Who Is Eligible
The University of Manitoba invites applications for Ph.D. studies from First Nations, Inuit and Métis scholars. Priority will be given to Manitobans.

The Cohort
The Faculty of Graduate Studies is committed to facilitating the admission of a cohort of 15 Aboriginal students for doctoral studies. The cohort model of delivery will serve Aboriginal Ph.D. students to focus on common critical issues that deserve in-depth research and investigation. Though not a homogeneous group, students will have enough common experiences and goals to meld into a viable learning community. The Aboriginal context is important as a glue that will allow for peer cooperation and support. It will be possible to offer students common courses (if needed) such as indigenous research methodologies, critical paper writing and analysis; and spiritual guidance. The intent is to create a firm foundation that will work for success. With this heightened confidence and awareness, Aboriginal students will be able to contribute to the education of other persons in academia as well. Interdisciplinary and interpersonal communications will promote cohort cohesion for Aboriginal Leadership in a changing globalized community.

Admission Requirements
The minimum requirement for admission to the Ph.D. program is normally a Master's degree or equivalent from a recognized university and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or equivalent in the last two years of full time study (60 credit hours). With special recommendation of the department concerned, applicants with an honours Bachelor's degree may be considered for entry to Ph.D. studies. Applicants must meet the specified requirements of a department or faculty. Some departments may require admission tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) or a qualifying research paper.
For further information applicants may contact the faculty or department in which they wish to study. Students may apply to any department or faculty that offers a Ph.D. program of studies.

Application forms can be downloaded from:
http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/graduate_studies/media/newapp.pdf

Program Requirements
For students admitted with a Master's degree the normal minimum requirement is 12 cr.hr at the 7000 level or higher plus a thesis. A maximum of 24 cr.hr. is allowed toward the Ph.D. program. Note: some departments may require more or less credit hours.
After initial registration, the student is expected to complete the program within 7 years.
A residency requirement, consisting of two academic terms at the University of Manitoba, is required as part of the requirements of a Ph.D. program. Please consult specific department/faculty requirements. The student shall be geographically available to visit the campus regularly during this residence period.

Advance and Transfer Credit

• Students may apply for advance credit for up to half the number of credit hours in their approved programs. These courses will have been taken before the student is admitted into the Ph.D. program.
• Students may receive transfer credit by taking courses at another institution while studying at the University of Manitoba.
• In both of the above cases the student must follow the procedures and regulations as outlined in the current U of M Graduate Calendar.

Financial Assistance
A fundraising effort is in place to ensure that all students will receive some financial assistance. Those who qualify may apply for regular Ph.D. assistance on a competitive basis (see the Faculty of Graduate Studies website for more information). Students are encouraged to explore other sources of funding.
If you wish to obtain funding, please provide a statement of needs with your application.