Funding and Awards
There are a variety of ways to fund your graduate degree. Guaranteed stipends are offered in some programs, but as these are not currently available in all programs it is important to explore other options. The table below provides basic information on some of the most common funding sources for graduate students. In addition, there are a variety of departmental awards available to both incoming and current students. Each department provides a listing of award opportunities, and the links for each individual department page can be found below. FGS also has an awards page, which includes a searchable database of awards.
To access the Graduate Student Virtual Conference Support application, please visit Graduate Student Virtual Conferences.
For information related to graduate student travel support, please visit Graduate Student Travel Support.
COMMON FUNDING SOURCES
| Name | Level | Amount Per Year | Term | How to Apply | Additional Information |
| Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS M)* | MSc | $17,500 | 12 months | Please visit the NSERC CGS M application site. | NSERC Postgraduate Programs |
| Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS D)* | PhD | $35,000 | 36 months | Please visit the FGS award listing here. Note: there are two deadlines, one internal and one external. |
NSERC Postgraduate Programs |
| NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships (PGS D)* | PhD | $21,000 | 12 – 36 months | Please visit the FGS award listing here. Note: there are two deadlines, one internal and one external. |
NSERC Postgraduate Programs |
| University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) | MSc | $14,000 | 12 – 24 months | Please contact your department. | FGS UMGF Overview |
| University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) | PhD | $18,000 | 12- 48 months (maximum 60 between MSc and PhD) |
Please contact your department. | FGS UMGF Overview |
*Applicants to these scholarships must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada
DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
| Department | Web Page |
| Biological Sciences | Award Info |
| Chemistry | Award Info |
| Computer Science | Award Info |
| Mathematics | Award Info |
| Microbiology | Award Info |
| Physics and Astronomy | Award Info |
| Statistics | Award Info |
WRITING APPLICATIONS
There are a number of things to consider when applying for scholarships and completing the necessary forms. A set of “good practices” includes the following:
- Start well in advance – a last minute application is very obvious to committee members and says that you are unprepared, disorganized and care little about the award.
- Read and understand all the directions – ask questions if you are unsure.
- Follow the format and typesetting guidelines – the reviewers read many applications and the guidelines help them in the review process. Not following the guidelines may make your application hard to read and difficult for reviewers to find the information they need.
- Fill in all required information – even if you have nothing to include in a particular area, say “Nothing to provide” so the reviewers know you did not miss a category.
- Look at previous successful applications– these are excellent guides showing what has worked in the past.
- Have your application proofread – multiple times, by different people, if possible, since different perspectives are important.
- Paint a full picture – GPA is important (particularly at the M.Sc. level) but it is not the whole picture. Be sure to describe all of your research skills, abilities and contributions to date.
- Write a strong and detailed research proposal that includes some indication of how you will do what you propose.
- Frame the proposed work as part of the “big picture” so reviewers appreciate the significance.
- Space permitting, explain how your research environment (lab, group, etc.) will help you complete your work.
- Ensure that the writing reflects interest and enthusiasm in your particular area of research.