Awards and financial aid

The University of Manitoba and Manitoba Agriculture are offering 10 Centennial Entrance scholarships valued at $2,000 to high school students with an interest in pursuing a degree or diploma in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

Open to: New/incoming degree & diploma students

Estimated award value: $2,000

Eligibility criteria:

You may qualify for this award if you: 

• Apply for admission to the University of Manitoba
• Complete courses required for admission into the University of Manitoba from a Manitoba high school
• Provide a brief, 700-word written statement describing how you aim to advance the agriculture and food industry in the province based on your decision to pursue further education in this sector
• Provide a current resume
• Provide a transcript with most recent/interim marks
• Provide a personal reference letter from an employer, supervisor or other (not a family member, personal friend, or Manitoba Agriculture staff member).

Application deadline: April 3, 2026.  

Centennial Entrance Application Form Fall 2026 [PDF]

The Asper Foundation offers renewable bursaries at $1,000 each for high school students who:
•    are enrolled full-time (minimum 60% course load) in their first year of study in University 1 or any faculty, college or school at the University of Manitoba;
•    have achieved a minimum average of 70% on their high school courses used for admission;
•    have demonstrated high financial need on the University of Manitoba Entrance Bursary application form;
•    up to five of these bursaries may be awarded to students who meet the above criteria and are also registered with Student Accessibility Services as a student with a permanent physical disability.

International students in their first year of post-secondary study in Canada are not eligible to apply to the general bursary program.

The University of Manitoba Entrance Bursary Application for this bursary and the Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. Entrance Awards is now available through the Financial Aid and Awards card in Aurora with a July 15th deadline date.

The award is renewable each consecutive year for up to three years provided the student maintains a full-time course load, achieves a minimum degree grade-point average of 2.5 each year and continues to demonstrate financial need yearly on the standard University of Bursary application form.

Please note that to be considered for all other bursaries available at the University of Manitoba, students must also complete the University of Manitoba General Bursary Application that will be available through Aurora Student at the beginning of August each year.

Application deadline: July 15. 

The Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) has established an annually funded entrance scholarship at the University of Manitoba. The purpose of the scholarship is to reward and encourage students to further their education in the Diploma in Agriculture program.

Open to: New/incoming Diploma students who are a member of Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP), or who are from a KAP member family 

Estimated award value: $1,000

Eligibility criteria:

Each year, one scholarship valued at $1,000 will be offered to an undergraduate student who:

1. has achieved a minimum 80% average on courses used for admission to the School of Agriculture at the University of Manitoba;
2. is enrolled full-time (minimum 80% of a full course load, as defined by the School of Agriculture), in the first year of study in the Diploma in Agriculture program;
3. is a KAP member, or is from a KAP member family;
4. has demonstrated community involvement and leadership abilities while in high school.

To support criteria (3) and (4), applicants will be asked to declare their KAP membership status and submit a brief letter (maximum 250 words) outlining their community involvement and leadership experiences.

To apply for this award:

• In July/August, new students will be added to an online course in UM Learn, the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences Awards course.
• Through this course, students can submit an application form and a written statement to apply for the award

Application period: August 1-September 1

The family of Dr. Eugene H. Lange has established an endowment fund to support an annual bursary at the University of Manitoba in his memory. Dr. Lange was the first Director of the Diploma Course, School of Agriculture, University of Manitoba (1952 1978). Under his guidance the program focused on farm business management, marketing, leadership skills and citizenship training in order to prepare students for their future roles as leaders of Manitoba agriculture. Professor Lange made longstanding efforts to instill in every student a sense of responsibility and obligation to community, province and country.

Open to: New/incoming Diploma students 

Estimated bursary value: $1,525

Eligibility criteria:

Each year, one bursary goes to a student who:

1. has achieved satisfactory academic standing in high school (80 percent average on courses used for admission to the School of Agriculture at the University of Manitoba);
2. is enrolled in at least 60 percent of a full course load, as defined by the School of Agriculture, in the first year of the Diploma Course;
3. has demonstrated leadership ability in high school and through community involvement;
4. has demonstrated financial need on the standard University of Manitoba bursary application form.

How to apply:

• Students must submit the UM General Bursary Application through Aurora, including the Supplemental Information Form (to demonstrate leadership ability & community involvement)

Application period: September 1- October 1 

With a gift in 2015, Geza and Trudi Racz established an endowment fund at the University of Manitoba to recognize and encourage undergraduate students studying in the field of Agriculture. The Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative has made a contribution to the fund.

Open to: New/incoming degree students

Estimated award value:

Eligibility criteria:

Each year, the fund will be used to offer one scholarship to an undergraduate student who:

1. has self-declared as a First Nations, Métis or Inuit person from Canada;
2. is enrolled full-time (minimum 80% course load) in a degree program in the first year of study in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences;
3. has achieved either:
   1. if entering directly from high school, a minimum 85% average on those courses considered for admission, or
   2. a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0.

How to apply:

• In July/August, new students will be added to an online course in UM Learn, the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences Awards course
• Through this course, students can submit an application form to apply for the award

Application period: August 1- September 1

The Senator Norman M. Paterson Foundation has offered to establish a fund with The University of Manitoba to provide two annual bursaries to assist students in the University's Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

Open to: New/incoming degree students 

Estimated bursary value: 2 bursaries at $3,125 each  

Eligibility criteria: 

(1) demonstrate financial need on the standard University of Manitoba bursary application form;

(2) have achieved good academic standing.

Preference will be given to students from rural Manitoba (i.e., students who are entering or have entered the University from high schools outside the city limit of both Winnipeg and Brandon.

To apply for this award: 

• Students must submit the UM General Bursary Application through Aurora, including the Supplemental Information Form (to indicate that they are from rural Manitoba)

Application period: September 1- October 1

Note: This entrance award is intended for first-year students who self-declare as a First Nations, Métis or Inuit person from Canada. 

Geza and Trudi Racz Entrance Scholarship in Agricultural and Food Sciences (16099) 

With a gift in 2015, Geza and Trudi Racz established an endowment fund at the University of Manitoba to recognize and encourage undergraduate students studying in the field of Agriculture. The Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative has made a contribution to the fund.

Each year, beginning in 2017-2018, the available annual income from the fund will be used to offer one scholarship to an undergraduate student who:

(1) has self-declared as a First Nations, Métis or Inuit person from Canada;

(2) is enrolled full-time (minimum 80% course load) in a degree program in the first year of study in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences;

(3) has achieved either:

(a) if entering directly from high school, a minimum 85% average on those courses considered for admission, or

(b) a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0.

If there are no candidates that meet all of the above criteria, the scholarship will be offered to a student who otherwise meets criteria (2) and (3).

The selection committee will be the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences Awards Committee.

The Board of Governors of the University of Manitoba has the right to modify the terms of this award if, because of changed conditions, it becomes necessary to do so. Such modification shall conform as closely as possible to the expressed intention of the donor in establishing the award.

Established: Senate, June 24, 2015

Editorial revision: May 16, 2019 (update Indigenous statement)

To apply for this award: 

1) Fill out the online application form: Geza and Trudi Racz Entrance Scholarship in Agricultural and Food Sciences (16099) - Application Form

This online application form includes a section where a student may self-declare as a First Nations, Métis or Inuit person from Canada. 

Notification

Only successful applicants are notified (at their UM e-mail) if they have received an award. Successful applicants for this award are usually contacted by Financial Aid & Awards by November, but selections for specific awards may take longer.  

If you have any questions about applying for this award, please e-mail agawards@umanitoba.ca. 

Application period: August 1-September 1. 

CIBC Agricultural Scholarships (24717) 

The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) established an endowment fund at the University of Manitoba with an initial gift of $250,000 in 2002. The purpose of the fund is to recognize the academic achievements of students in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

Each year, the available annual income from the fund will be used to offer one or more scholarships, at a minimum value of $3,000 each or half of the full course tuition fees in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, whichever is greater, to undergraduate students who:

(1) have completed at least one year of full-time study in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the University of Manitoba;
(2) are registered full-time (minimum 80% course load) in any degree program in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences;
(3) have achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.5; and
(4) have participated in community activities, both on and off campus.

Preference will be given to a student who has self-declared as a First Nations, Metis, or Inuit person from Canada, or self-identifies as Black, or is a person with a disability.

In order to demonstrate how they meet criterion (4), applicants must submit:

(i) a brief letter of intent (maximum 250 words), outlining their extracurricular activities,  

(ii) two letters of reference - one from a faculty member in Agricultural and Food Sciences and one personal reference from an employer, supervisor, or volunteer coordinator (not from a family member or personal friend).

Applicants may also submit a statement to self-declare they are a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit person from Canada, or self-identify as Black or a person with a disability if applicable.

The selection committee has the discretion to determine the number and value of awards offered each year based on the available funds, as outlined in the criteria above.

The selection committee will be the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences Awards Committee.

This agreement may be amended by the mutual consent of the donor (or designate) and the University of Manitoba. All such amendments shall be in writing. In the absence of the donor (or designate), and providing all reasonable efforts have been made to consult, the Board of Governors of the University of Manitoba has the right to modify the terms of this award if, because of changed conditions, it becomes necessary to do so. Such modification shall conform as closely as possible to the expressed intention of the donor in establishing the award.

Established: Senate, June 2002

Revised:
Senate, October 2, 2024 

To apply for this award 

1) Submit the online application form: CIBC Agricultural Scholarships (24717) - Application Form. On this application form, applicants can indicate if they self-declare as a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit person from Canada, or self-identify as Black and/or a person with a disability. 

2) Submit a brief letter of intent (maximum 250 words), outlining your extracurricular activities, both on and off campus. This letter of intent should be submitted as a PDF on the FAFS Awards Course on UM Learn. 

3.) Two letters of reference must also be provided: 

a) one from a faculty member (i.e. a professor) in Agricultural and Food Sciences and,

b) one personal reference from an employer, supervisor, or volunteer coordinator (not from a family member or personal friend). 

Reference writers should submit their letters of reference (as a PDF) directly to FAFSawards@umanitoba.ca by the awards deadline. 

Notification 

Only successful applicants are notified (at their UM e-mail) if they have received an award. Successful applicants for this award are usually contacted by Financial Aid & Awards by November, but selections for specific awards may take longer.  

If you have any questions about applying for this award, please e-mail agawards@umanitoba.ca. 

Application period: August 1-September 1. 

Lee Dunlop Anderson Centennial Bursary (25632)

In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Faculty of Human Ecology, Lee Dunlop Anderson (B.Sc.(H.Ec.)/63, (B.Ed./80) established an endowment fund in 2006 at the University of Manitoba with an initial gift of $20,792. The available annual interest from the fund will be used to offer one bursary to an undergraduate student who:

(1) is enrolled as a full-time student (minimum 80% course load) in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the University of Manitoba;

(2) has achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 2.5;

(3) has demonstrated leadership and volunteer experience;

(4) has demonstrated financial need on the standard University of Manitoba bursary application form.

Preference will be given to an Indigenous (Status, Non-Status, Métis, Inuit) student.

In order to demonstrate (3), applicants will be required to submit the Supplemental Application Form for the Lee Dunlop Anderson Centennial Bursary to the selection committee by the designated deadline date. Applicants must also submit the standard bursary application form to the Financial Aid and Awards Office by the University of Manitoba General Bursary application deadline, as set by FAA each year.

The selection committee will be the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences Award Committee.

The Board of Governors of the University of Manitoba has the right to modify the terms of this award if, because of changed conditions, it becomes necessary to do so. Such modification shall conform as closely as possible to the expressed intention of the donor in establishing the award.

Established: Senate, September 8, 2010
Revised:
Senate June 22, 2016
Editorial Revision: Department merger July 1, 2017

About the donor

On the occasion of her retirement from teaching and in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Faculty of Human Ecology, Lee Dunlop Anderson has established an endowment fund of $20,792 at the University of Manitoba. Lee was a member of the Home Economics Class of ’63. She has recently retired from her career as a teacher, during which she taught Home Economics and a variety of other subjects. In addition to teaching, Lee has made a valuable contribution to youth in our community as a volunteer. Her dedication to volunteerism was acknowledged in 2002 when she was awarded the Premier of Manitoba's Volunteer Service Award. Lee Dunlop Anderson is the founder of Manitoba Youth Volunteer Opportunities (MYVOP), which was established in 2005.

How to apply for this award:

1.) Complete the UM General Bursary Application (on Aurora) by October 1. NOTE: If you have not completed the UM General Bursary Application by October 1, you will not be eligible for this bursary. 

2.) Submit the online supplemental application form: Lee Dunlop Anderson Centennial Bursary (25632) - Application Form

3.) Submit a brief written statement (maximum 500 words) demonstrating your leadership and volunteer experience to the FAFS Awards Course on UM Learn. 

This document should be saved as a PDF.  

Notification

Only successful applicants are notified (at their UM e-mail) if they have received an award. 

Application period: October 1-15 (after completing the UM General Bursary Application). 

Jean Goodwill-Jean Steckle Bursary in Human Nutritional Sciences (24849)

In honour of Jean Goodwill, founding member and president (1983-1990) of the Aboriginal Nurses' Association of Canada (now called the Canadian Indigenous Nurses' Association), Jean Steckle established an endowment fund at the University of Manitoba to support Indigenous students in their studies. Among her many achievements, Jean Goodwill received an Order of Canada Award in 1992 for her contributions in the health field. The bursary was first offered in 2004-2005. Each year, the available annual income from the fund will be used to offer one or more bursaries to undergraduate students who:

(1) are First Nations, Métis, or Inuit people from Canada;
(2) are registered full-time (minimum 60% course load) in any year of study in the Bachelor of Science (Human Nutritional Sciences) degree program in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences;
(3) have achieved either:
(a) a minimum degree grade point average of 2.5; or
(b) the minimum required entrance average to the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences;
(4) have demonstrated involvement in an Indigenous community; and
(5) have demonstrated financial need on the standard University of Manitoba bursary application form.

In addition to completing the bursary application form, applicants will be required to submit a statement (maximum 250 words) to the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences demonstrating how they have met criterion (4).

If, in any given year, there are no eligible candidates who meet all of the above criteria, the bursaries may be offered to full-time students (minimum 60% course load) in any undergraduate degree program in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences who meet criteria (1), (3), (4) and (5). 

If there are still no eligible full-time candidates in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences who meet criteria (1), (3), 
(4), and (5), then the bursaries may be offered to full-time students in any undergraduate degree program in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences who meet criteria (1), (3), and (5).

The bursary is not automatically renewable, but may be applied for and held by a recipient more than once. If no suitable candidate is identified in a given year, the available annual income from the fund will be re-capitalized.

The selection committee will have the discretion to determine the number and value of awards offered annually.

The selection committee will be the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences Awards Committee.

This agreement may be amended by the mutual consent of the donor (or designate) and the University of Manitoba. All such amendments shall be in writing. In the absence of the donor (or designate), and providing all reasonable efforts have been made to consult, the Board of Governors of the University of Manitoba has the right to modify the terms of this award if, because of changed conditions, it becomes necessary to do so. Such modification shall conform as closely as possible to the expressed intention of the donor in establishing the award.

Established: Senate, June 2004
Revised:
Senate, June 26, 2019

How to apply for this award:

1.) Complete the UM General Bursary Application (on Aurora) by October 1. NOTE: If you have not completed the UM General Bursary Application by October 1, you will not be eligible for this bursary. 

2.) Submit the online application form: Jean Goodwill-Jean Steckle Bursary in Human Nutritional Sciences (24849)

3.) Submit a written statement (250 words) demonstrating your involvement in an Indigenous community on the FAFS Awards Course in UM Learn. 

Notification

Only successful applicants are notified (at their UM e-mail) if they have received an award. 

Application period: October 1-15 (after completing the UM General Bursary Application). 

For the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, the funding model for each NSERC USRA is as follows: 

• NSERC: $6,000
• Dean's Office: $1,500
• Department: $1,500
• Total: $9,500 (minimum), paid out bi-weekly over 16 weeks 

Note: This amount may be supplemented by a supervisor's research grant. 

To be eligible to receive an NSERC USRA, students must meet all the eligibility criteria listed on the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards webpage, including (but not limited to):

• Citizenship/PR status: Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a Protected Person under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada), as of the application deadline for the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.
  • International students are not eligible to apply for the NSERC USRAs. However, international students are eligible to apply for UM's Undergraduate Research Awards (URAs)
• Completed Year 1: Have completed at least one full year (two academic terms) of a bachelor's degree program, as of the start date of the NSERC USRA (Summer 2026)
• DGPA 3.0+ (B average or above): Have achieved a Degree GPA (DGPA) of more than 3.0 (a DGPA of 3.5+ is recommended to be competitive)
• Full-time status: Be registered as a full-time student in a bachelor's degree program at an eligible institution, as of the application deadline for the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
  • For UM, full-time status is 9 credit hours (3 courses) in a Fall or Winter term
  • Students must have been registered in at least one of the two terms immediately prior to holding the award (ex. Fall 2025 or Winter 2026)
  • Students who were registered full-time throughout their program, but register as part-time in their final graduating term (Winter 2026), are eligible to apply for and hold an NSERC USRA in the term immediately following completion of all requirements of their program
  • Students who already hold a bachelor's degree, and are studying toward a second bachelor's degree, are eligible to apply for and hold an NSERC USRA
• Not in graduate studies: Are not starting a graduate program in Summer 2026
• Other USRAs:
  • Have not previously held another USRA during the fiscal year (April 1 to March 31)
  • Have not held three USRAs throughout the duration of their undergraduate career

Student researchers:

1. Approach a researcher in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences to discuss a potential research partnership for the award
2. Obtain a copy of your unofficial transcript (PDF)
3. Complete Summer 2026 NSERC USRA Application Form - Part 1 (Student Researchers) (also sent to students in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at their @myumanitoba.ca e-mail).
   • If you are a student outside of the University of Manitoba, please e-mail FAFS.awards@umanitoba.ca to receive this application form
4. As part of the Summer 2026 NSERC USRA Application Form - Part 1 (Student Researchers), upload a copy of your unofficial transcript.
5. Work with your proposed research supervisor to complete the next form, Summer 2026 NSERC USRA Application Form - Part 2 (Student Researchers & Supervisors)

Faculty members/supervisors:

1. Collaborate with the student researcher to complete Summer 2026 NSERC USRA Application Form - Part 2 (Student Researchers & Supervisors) (sent to students and faculty members via @myumanitoba.ca / @umanitoba.ca e-mail) by the stated application deadline.

NSERC USRA and URA

Students cannot hold both an NSERC USRA and a URA (Undergraduate Research Award) in the same Summer term. However, we encourage students to apply for both the NSERC USRAs and the URAs, to maximize your chances of receiving one of these awards. 

UM is the first Canadian university to offer an Undergraduate Research Award open to undergraduate students.

Open to all fields and ranges of research, scholarly works, and creative ideas, this is a unique learning opportunity for undergraduate students. Interact with the best minds and research leaders outstanding in their fields and open up new possibilities for your research career in government, academic or industry sectors.

• Connect with researchers in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
• Review full eligibility requirements & apply for a URA

NSERC USRA and URA

Students cannot hold both an NSERC USRA and a URA (Undergraduate Research Award) in the same Summer term. However, we encourage students to apply for both the NSERC USRAs and the URAs, to maximize your chances of receiving one of these awards. 

International students 

Both domestic and nternational students are eligible to apply for the URAs. 

URA and Co-op 

Co-op students are eligible to apply for a URA; however, the student must be enrolled in 12 credits of course work for one of the terms. 

Co-op students may need to provide a statement from their program coordinator stating that it is a full-time co-op program.

 The URA work term cannot also be used as a co-op summer work term.

Estimated value for Summer 2026: $23,725 (may be split among multiple students) 

Applications for Summer 2026 are currently OPEN. Deadline extended to: April 1, 2026, 4:30 PM CST.  

Description of award:

Dr. John Allan Garland (B.Sc./64) established an endowment fund at the University of Manitoba. The fund will be used to offer summer research stipends to undergraduate students wishing to increase their knowledge and experience through participation in a summer research assistantship in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, specifically in the field of Entomology. 

The available annual income from the fund will be used to offer one or more summer research stipend to an undergraduate student who:

1. completed at least one year of full-time study (minimum 80% course load) in a degree program delivered by the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences;
2. achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 2.75;
3. completed a minimum of 6 credit hours of entomology courses;
4. been offered a summer research assistantship under the supervision of a full-time faculty member or adjunct professor in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

Candidates will be required to submit an application that includes:

1. a current academic transcript,
2. a statement from the candidate that identifies the proposed supervisor and describes how the proposed summer research will enhance the student’s knowledge and experience
3. a letter of reference from the proposed supervisor indicating knowledge of the application, a willingness to serve as the candidate’s supervisor, and a willingness and ability to supplement the stipend in order to raise the student’s income to the Faculty’s approved pay scale.

The Dr. J.A. Garland Summer Research Award is not automatically renewable but previous recipients may apply. Recipients may hold the Award concurrently with an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA).

Student Researchers: How to apply 

1. Approach a researcher in the Department of Entomology about a potential research partnership.
2. Fill out the Dr. J.A. Garland Summer Research Award in Agricultural and Food Sciences - Part 1 (Application Form - Student Researchers)
3. As part of the application form, submit a written statement that identifies your proposed supervisor and describes how the proposed summer research will enhance your knowledge and experience
4. After you receive a confirmation that you've completed your application form, please e-mail your proposed supervisor. 

Proposed Supervisors: How to apply

1. After the student researcher has confirmed that they've submitted their application form, please fill out Dr. J.A. Garland Summer Research Award in Agricultural and Food Sciences (26244) - Part 2 (Letter of Reference - Proposed Supervisors)
2. As part of this form, submit a letter of reference for the student researcher by the stated deadline. 

Dr. J.A. Garland Summer Research Award in Agricultural and Food Sciences - Part 1 (Application Form - Student Researchers)

Dr. J.A. Garland Summer Research Award in Agricultural and Food Sciences (26244) - Part 2 (Letter of Reference - Proposed Supervisors)