Manitoba's funding system layers Manitoba Student Aid (need-based loans + grants) on top of the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative (institution-administered merit + need awards). Combined with university-specific entrance awards and a deep slate of community-foundation bursaries, a well-prepared Manitoba student rarely lacks options.
Who this page is for
Manitoba residents applying to post-secondary in Manitoba or elsewhere in Canada. International students at Manitoba institutions should check institutional eligibility for entrance awards.
Manitoba Student Aid
Manitoba Student Aid administers federally-coordinated student loans + Manitoba's provincial grant + loan portion. Apply at manitobastudentaid.ca:
- Manitoba Bursary: provincial grant for full-time students with high demonstrated need (does not repay).
- Manitoba Student Loan: provincial loan portion stacked on Canada Student Loan.
- Manitoba Grant: smaller need-based grant available alongside loans.
Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative (MSBI)
The MSBI is Manitoba's largest non-loan funding pool. Universities + colleges administer their share — apply through your school's awards office. Combined provincial + institutional contribution exceeds $25 million annually.
- University of Manitoba awards: U Score (entrance), Chown, Isbister.
- University of Winnipeg awards: U of W Entrance, Continuing Excellence, Aboriginal Student Awards.
- Brandon University awards: Brandon Entrance, Continuing.
- Université de Saint-Boniface: bourses spécifiques.
- Red River College Polytechnic: trades + technology entrance awards.
Helen Glass Scholarships in Nursing
Manitoba-specific nursing scholarships. Multiple awards across U of Manitoba, U of Winnipeg, RRC Polytech, Brandon. Application timing varies by school.
Trades + apprenticeship in Manitoba
Federal apprenticeship grants stack with Manitoba Apprenticeship Branch supports. RRC Polytech's trades programs feed Manitoba's skilled-trades workforce; many community foundations match Red Seal apprenticeship funding.
Indigenous Manitoba students
- Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre: First Nations education funding.
- Indspire: national Indigenous awards including Manitoba-specific streams.
- Métis Federation Manitoba: Métis-specific bursary programs.
What our directory lists
Below: Manitoba-eligible scholarships, grants, and bursaries currently in our directory. For the full Manitoba student funding guide (Manitoba Student Aid step-by-step, MSBI nuances, university-specific timing), see the linked blog post.