Eligibility

Any Indigenous student who is starting their first year at the University of Manitoba in either a full-time or part-time basis is eligible to apply. Students in any faculty and discipline are welcome to apply.

Students who are starting in winter term are encouraged to email the program facilitator to inquire about space in the program.

Program components

Students in QBTS can expect a wide variety of opportunities that they can choose from to enhance their first year experience. There are no requirements to maintain a spot in the program, and students may pick and choose which program activities to participate in. Activities will be focused on supporting the students in building a sense of belonging on campus and engaging their strengths on academic, cultural and personal exercises that will enhance their learning and well-being. The activities throughout the year may include:

• Attending Orientation sessions in August
• Attending QBTS Culture Day in August
• Joining the Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program
• Attending a one-on-one midterm check in meeting in Fall term and/or Winter Term
• Attending a QBTS monthly academic success workshop
• Registering in the QBTS lab section of ARTS 1110: Intro to University
• Attending at least one appointment with our Learning and Reading Strategist
• Attending a financial wellness workshop through the EmpoweringU Financial Wellness program

Approximately 65-70 students are accepted into the QBTS program each year. It is recommended to apply early to ensure you can secure a spot in the program.

Other Indigenous student support programs

Students are encouraged to access as much support as they would like throughout their first year, however some Faculty support units have requirements that may conflict with QBTS programming. To avoid confusion around any requirements these support units may have, student can connect with the QBTS program facilitator to inquire information. These programs may include: 

• Pathways to Indigenous Nursing Education
• Wawatay
• Indigenous Business Education Partners
• Engineering Access program
• Access program

QBTS is recommended and designed for Indigenous students who have little or no experience in post-secondary. If you have some experience in post-secondary education or identify as a mature student who would like to engage with other mature students, you might also be interested in the Blankstein Momentum program as another option for support throughout your first year. 

Please note that many of the deadline for the support units mentioned are in May and prior to when QBTS applications open. 

Applications open Wednesday, May 6, 2026. There is no application deadline for this program. Applications are accepted until the program reaches capacity. 

You must apply for acceptance into the University of Manitoba before applying to the QBTS program. Id you apply to QBTS before applying at the University of Manitoba, you will be encouraged to complete that process before being accepted into the program. 

Qualico Application Form

Summer Orientation

Once a student has applied to QBTS, they will be encouraged to meet with one of the Indigenous Student Advisors at the Indigenous Student Centre throughout the months of May - August to discuss course selection, registration, funding related topics like sponsorship, scholarships and bursaries, as well as an introduction to student supports to ensure they can feel as prepared as possible for their first month of university. 

In addition to one-on-one support, an in-person summer orientation day during the month of August will be offered as an opportunity for students to meet others in the program, learn various academic and soft skills prior to their first day of classes, and engage in fun activities to kick off the year. Other events may be offered throughout the summer to engage students in the university community early on. All orientation activities will be communicated to the students by email when more information is available.

Arts 1110: Introduction to University

Students in QBTS have the opportunity to take ARTS 1110: Introduction to University. This course is designed to help students make the transition to university by imparting the knowledge, skills and attitudes requisite for success in university study, including how to write an academic paper.

This section of ARTS 1110 is offered in the Fall term only, and those students who choose to register in this course will be placed in a lab section that consists of students who are in the QBTS program.

Registration in the QBTS section of this course requires special permission, and the permission form will be provided to each student after they have applied to the QBTS program. This section will be open for registration until all spots are filled.

Do you have more questions about the QBTS program? 

You are welcome to contact the program facilitator for more information or to book a meeting to discuss the program further. 

Bailey Hendry (Métis), B.H.Ecol

Student Advisor and Program Coordinator

bailey.hendry@umanitoba.ca