University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) is a prestigious award designed to support and recognize academic excellence among full-time master’s and Ph.D. students at the University of Manitoba. Each year, over $2 million in fellowships are distributed to students who demonstrate superior intellectual ability and academic achievement. This extensive guide will cover everything you need to know about the UMGF, including eligibility criteria, the application process, award value, and duration.

Overview of the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)

The UMGF is an integral part of the University of Manitoba's commitment to fostering academic excellence among its graduate students. These fellowships are awarded annually to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance in their respective fields. The awards are designed to provide financial assistance, enabling recipients to focus on their research and studies without the burden of financial concerns.

Key Facts:

• Total Funding: Over $2 million annually
• Eligible Students: Full-time master’s and Ph.D. students
• Ineligible Programs: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Finance (MFin), and Master of Supply Chain Management (MSCM) due to the lack of a research/thesis component.

UMGF Value and Duration

The value and duration of the UMGF vary depending on whether the recipient is a master’s or doctoral student.

UMGF Master’s Awards

• Value: $14,000 per year
• Duration: 12 or 24 months
• Total Maximum Value: $28,000

UMGF Doctoral Awards

• Value: $18,000 per year
• Duration: 12, 24, 36, or 48 months
• Total Maximum Value: $72,000

The duration and value of each award are determined by the respective department or unit, based on the eligibility criteria outlined by the university. The support period available for students depends on how many months they have completed in their graduate program.

Period of Support Available

The period of support available through the UMGF is carefully structured to align with the student’s progression through their graduate program. The number of months of funding a student is eligible to receive is based on the number of months they have already completed in their program.

Master’s Students

• 0-4 months completed: Up to 24 months of funding
• 5-16 months completed: Up to 12 months of funding
• More than 16 months completed: Not eligible

Doctoral Students

• 0-4 months completed: Up to 48 months of funding
• 5-16 months completed: Up to 36 months of funding
• 17-28 months completed: Up to 24 months of funding
• 29-40 months completed: Up to 12 months of funding
• More than 40 months completed: Not eligible

These structured support periods ensure that students receive financial assistance during the most critical phases of their research and study.

Application Process and Deadline

The application process for the UMGF is competitive and involves several steps. Students interested in applying for the fellowship must be recommended by their department or unit to the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS). The following is an overview of the application process:

Step 1: Departmental Nomination

• Recommendation: Students must first be recommended by their department or unit. This recommendation is based on the student’s academic performance and potential for success in their graduate program.
• Contact: Students should contact their department to express their interest in the UMGF and to understand the specific requirements and deadlines set by their department.

Step 2: Departmental Selection

• Evaluation: Each department or unit evaluates its candidates based on academic merit, research potential, and other relevant criteria.
• Selection: Departments then select the most outstanding candidates for nomination to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Step 3: Faculty of Graduate Studies Review

• Notification: Once the department has made its selections, the Faculty of Graduate Studies reviews the nominations. Successful candidates are notified via email with an official award letter.

Step 4: Award Acceptance

Deadline: Award recipients must accept their award in the specified academic year. Awards may be taken up in May, September, or January. If a student is unable to accept the award within the academic year, they must decline it.

Eligibility Criteria

The UMGF is highly competitive, and eligibility is based on several criteria designed to ensure that only the most academically talented students are selected. Below are the general eligibility criteria:

Minimum GPA Requirement

Minimum GPA: Students must have a minimum admission GPA of 3.0 to be considered for the UMGF. However, some departments may have higher GPA requirements, so it is essential to check with your department.

Admission and Enrollment Requirements

• Graduate Program Admission: Students must have been admitted to a graduate program at the University of Manitoba as a master’s or Ph.D. student. Pre-master’s and Occasional students are not eligible.
• Full-Time Enrollment: Students must be registered full-time in a graduate program of study in the unit that recommends them for the UMGF. Part-time students are not eligible.

Additional Requirements

• No Active Holds: Students must not have any active, admission-related holds on their student account during their provisional admission period.
• Program Eligibility: As mentioned earlier, students in the MBA, MFin, and MSCM programs are not eligible for the UMGF due to the lack of a research/thesis component in these programs.

These eligibility criteria ensure that the UMGF is awarded to students who are fully committed to their academic and research pursuits and who are in good standing with the university.

Award Benefits and Responsibilities

Receiving a UMGF is both an honor and a responsibility. In addition to the financial benefits, UMGF recipients are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and performance.

Financial Benefits

The primary benefit of the UMGF is the financial support it provides. This support allows students to focus on their research and academic work without the distraction of financial concerns. The funds can be used to cover tuition, living expenses, research-related costs, and other academic expenses.

Academic Expectations

UMGF recipients are expected to maintain a high level of academic performance throughout the duration of their award. This includes:

• Maintaining Enrollment: Recipients must remain enrolled full-time in their graduate program.
• Progressing in Program: Recipients must demonstrate satisfactory progress in their research and studies.
• Compliance with University Policies: Recipients must comply with all university policies and regulations, including those related to academic integrity.

Failure to meet these expectations can result in the termination of the fellowship.

The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) is an invaluable opportunity for graduate students to receive financial support while pursuing their academic and research goals. With over $2 million in fellowships awarded annually, the UMGF plays a crucial role in fostering academic excellence at the University of Manitoba.

For students who meet the eligibility criteria, the UMGF offers not only financial support but also recognition of their academic achievements. By enabling students to focus on their studies and research, the UMGF contributes to the advancement of knowledge and innovation across a wide range of disciplines.

If you are a graduate student at the University of Manitoba, or if you are considering applying to a graduate program at the university, the UMGF is an opportunity you should not overlook. Be sure to contact your department or unit to learn more about the application process and to take the first step towards securing this prestigious fellowship.

Important Contacts and Resources

• Department Contact: Reach out to your department or unit for specific details about the UMGF application process and deadlines.
• Faculty of Graduate Studies: For more information about the UMGF and other funding opportunities, visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies website.

The UMGF is more than just financial aid; it is a recognition of your academic potential and a stepping stone to achieving your academic and professional aspirations. Take advantage of this opportunity and make the most of your graduate studies at the University of Manitoba.

Official University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship Application Link.

Interested in free Online a must do courses with Certificates offered at Harvard and Edinburgh University?

HarvardX CS50's Introduction to Computer Science

Data Science: Machine Learning

Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing Fundamentals