Frequently Asked Questions

I have been out of school for many years. Is it possible for me to start university, even after all this time?

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Of course! Not everyone comes to university right after graduating from high school. The University of Winnipeg offers many services and supports to help you re-enter the education system. Through the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process you might even find that you get university credit for the knowledge you've acquired through your work or life experience. Call 204.786.9257 for more information or to make an in-person or telephone appointment with the Coordinator of Adult Leaner Services and PLAR.   

If I don't have Grade 12, can I still be admitted to the university?

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You may qualify to be admitted as a Mature Status or Mature Access student provided you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and are at least 21 years of age during the calendar year in which you wish to register for university courses.

For Mature Status applicants, in addition to the above, you must meet at least one of the following conditions:     

• standing in three 40S courses earned in the past three years, but without High School graduation
• completion of the equivalent of one semester of study at another post-secondary institution (e.g. technical college, Bible school, Bible college), with a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 (a grade of C)
• completion of a continuing education certificate or diploma program consisting of at least one semester of studies (at least three full course credits)
• a minimum grade of C on every course taken under Mature Status at another university
• completion of the GED (General Education Development) test, for information contact the Department of Advanced Education & Literacy, Adult Learning and Literacy, GED Testing Services: website - www.gov.mb.ca/all, phone - 1.800.853.7402, fax - 204.726.6339, mail - GED Testing Services, 362-340 9th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6C2    

For Mature Access applicants, please refer to these two documents:

1. Mature Access Information Sheet [PDF]
2. Application Guidelines for Writing your Statement of Intent [PDF]

What is a credit hour?

Six credit hour courses normally run over two terms (September to April) where you would attend three hours of class per week for 24 weeks. Three credit hour courses normally run over either the Fall term or the Winter term where you would attend class for three hours per week for 12 weeks. In some cases, a condensed six credit hour course is offered in one term - you would attend class for six hours per week for 12 weeks.

Courses offered in both Spring and Summer terms are usually condensed; the courses are scheduled in a variety of formats.

Can I study part-time?

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If you cannot take classes on a full-time basis (18-30 credit hours) over fall and winter term, a university education is still possible. Many students pursue a degree on a part-time basis (15 credit hours or less) during the day or in the evening, throughout the Fall, Winter or Spring academic terms. In addition, students have the option of registering for online and/or Web Based Video-On-Demand (VOD) courses. Both are available 24/7. And the best part is there is no time limit to finish your degree!  

When can I take courses?

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Courses are available in-class, mornings, afternoons and evenings. Online and Web Based Video-On-Demand (VOD) courses are available 24/7. The University of Winnipeg offers courses in three terms. Admitted students may register for courses in any of these terms:

• Fall (12 week term, September - December)
• Winter (12 week term, January - April)
• Spring/Summer (1 week - 12 weeks, May - July)
• Jump Start (6 weeks - July - August)  
  

What courses should I select?

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Your course selections for first year will depend on your goals, your interests, and the high school and/or university courses you have already taken and/or the transfer credits you've been awarded. For our How-To Guide with Practical information refer to You First Tutorial. To find descriptions and prerequisites for University of Winnipeg courses, see the General Calendar on our website.

Am I able to access financial assistance?

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To be eligible for an Entrance Scholarship, regular status adult learners must have applied for admission prior to March 1st and should have no other post-secondary education experience.

After completion of 30 credit hours, all University of Winnipeg students are considered for undergraduate scholarships. These scholarships are based on academic standing alone, requiring no application.

The Awards Department has an Emergency Loan program. Application forms and an appointment with University of Winnipeg Financial Aid staff will be necessary.

The University of Winnipeg has a bursary program. A bursary is a grant normally made to a student proving financial need who holds a satisfactory academic record. These awards all require the completion of a Bursary Application Form.

For information and assistance, contact the Awards and Financial Aid Office at the University of Winnipeg; http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/services-awards phone 204.786.9458 or email awards@uwinnipeg.ca.

Do I have to pay for the whole year in September?

You do not have to pay your tuition all at once. For Fall and Fall/Winter courses you pay for tuition in September and for Winter courses you pay for tuition in January.  For Spring and Jump Start courses you pay in May or if you register after May within 24 hours.

What about Parking?

Parking is available on the streets using parking meters, in nearby parkades and in parking spaces from local residents and businesses (students would make their own arrangements). For information on renting evening and/or weekend parking from the University of Winnipeg, call the Parking Coordinator at 204.786.9968 and for more information go to parking.  Or check out the University of Winnipeg's Students Association (UWSA) parking registry.

I was very ill during the term and I'm having trouble keeping up with my studies. What are my options?

At times students experience extenuating circumstances that prevent them from completing their course work, writing their final exam or withdrawing from the course by the final withdrawal deadline. The situation could be an illness, a car accident, a death in the family, etc. which would be considered beyond your control. The University of Winnipeg offers an appeals process for students. For more information about your options please call 204.786.9257 to make arrangements to speak to an Academic Advisor.