Two deadlines. One is October 1. The other is November 1.
If you’re an international student planning to study in Canada in 2026, the University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship Program is worth your attention right now — not next month.
The university is awarding 53 scholarships across five categories this cycle, with individual awards ranging from 5,000. The program covers undergraduate, graduate, diploma, and English language pathway students. All awards go to international applicants entering their program for the first time.
Scholarship Categories and Award Amounts
This is where most applicants get confused because the University of Winnipeg runs multiple scholarship tracks simultaneously. Each with its own award value and deadline.
| Category | Awards Available | Amount Each | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6 awards | $5,000 | October 1, 2026 |
| Graduate | 3 awards | $5,000 | October 1, 2026 |
| Collegiate | 3 awards | $3,500 | October 1, 2026 |
| PACE | 3 awards | $3,500 | October 1, 2026 |
| ELP (English Language Pathway) | 3 awards | $3,500 | November 1, 2026 |
Total across all categories: 18 confirmed awards listed above.
The university states 53 funded scholarships will be awarded overall. Additional awards beyond those listed may be distributed across other intake periods or program tracks. Applicants should check with the awards office directly if they don’t see their program category listed here.
Who Can Apply
Eligibility is straightforward, but every condition matters.
- Must be a non-Canadian citizen (international students only)
- Must be entering first year of any program at the University of Winnipeg
- Must have a minimum 80% admission average or its equivalent
- Must demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities through participation in activities
- Must be enrolling in an undergraduate, graduate, or diploma program
The 80% average requirement applies at admission. Students who fall below that threshold in their current studies aren’t eligible, regardless of other qualifications.
Leadership isn’t just a checkbox here. The President’s Scholarship for World Leaders is specifically built around this criterion. Your personal statement and reference letters need to reflect it concretely, not just claim it.
Also See: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
Programs Available at the University of Winnipeg
The university offers a broad range of study areas across graduate and undergraduate levels. Fields include:
- Arts, History, Religious Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Bioscience, Applied Computer Science, Technology
- Public Policy, Public Administration, Criminal Justice
- Development Economics, Development Practice (with Indigenous focus)
- Marriage and Family Therapy, Sacred Theology
- Innovation and Operations, Financial Studies
- English Language Programs (ELP)
The university is particularly noted for programs unique to Western Canada, including a Master’s in Development Practice with an emphasis on Indigenous Development and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Rights.
What the Scholarship Covers
These are partial scholarships, not full funding.
The award values are 3,500 for Collegiate, PACE, and ELP tracks. These are one-time awards applied toward your program costs.
Tuition, living expenses, and other costs beyond the scholarship amount are the student’s responsibility. Factor this into your financial planning before applying.
How to Apply for University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship
The entire process runs by email, not through an online portal.
Step 1 — Complete the online application form on the University of Winnipeg’s official website.
Step 2 — Prepare your supporting documents:
- Personal statement (250–500 words)
- Two reference letters
- Resume or CV
Step 3 — Combine everything into a single PDF file.
Step 4 — Email the complete package to: awards@uwinnipeg.ca
The university requires all documents submitted together in one PDF. Sending files separately or submitting an incomplete package is likely to delay or disqualify your application. Prepare everything before you send anything.
Practical Tips Before You Apply
On the personal statement: 250–500 words is a tight window. Use it to demonstrate leadership through specific examples — programs you’ve led, initiatives you’ve started, communities you’ve served. Vague claims about being a “passionate leader” won’t move reviewers. Specific stories will.
On reference letters: Two are required. Choose referees who can speak directly to your academic ability and leadership qualities. A letter from a teacher or professor who knows your work in detail carries more weight than one from a senior sounding name who does not know you well.
On the deadline: October 1 is the cutoff for four of the five categories. That’s the operative deadline for most applicants. Don’t let the November 1 ELP deadline create a false sense of extra time if you’re applying to any other track.
On the email submission: Send your PDF from a professional or university email address. Include your full name and the scholarship category in the subject line. Keep a sent copy confirmation for your records.
Key Takeaways
- 53 scholarships are being awarded to international students for the 2026 academic year.
- Awards range from 5,000 depending on the category.
- Five tracks are available: Undergraduate, Graduate, Collegiate, PACE, and ELP.
- Main deadline: October 1, 2026. ELP deadline: November 1, 2026.
- Non-Canadian citizens only. First-year students only. Minimum 80% admission average required.
- These are partial scholarships — not full funding. Plan your finances accordingly.
- Submit one complete PDF to awards@uwinnipeg.ca. Incomplete packages are unlikely to be processed.
- Leadership demonstration is central to the selection criteria — reflect it specifically in your personal statement.