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The University of Winnipeg

The Opportunity Fund

There are three different Opportunity Fund programs: the Youth-in-Care Tuition Waivers, the Bursary Program, and the Tuition Credit Program. These programs are outlined below.

1. Youth-in-Care Tuition Waivers

The University of Winnipeg is committed to breaking down the barriers to university education for Youth in Care. The Youth-In-Care Tuition Waiver Program is a part of the Opportunity Fund, and it is intended to cover undergraduate tuition fees. Tuition Waivers are based on the individual financial need of the applicant and will be selected by the Awards and Financial Aid Office in partnership with the Child and Family Service Authorities and the Province of Manitoba.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for this tuition waiver if you meet the following criteria:

  • Are a current or former youth-in-care
  • Have applied to the University, are in the process of applying to the University, or have been given an offer of admission to the University for the upcoming Fall
  • Over the age of 18 or turning 18 in the upcoming academic year
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Nominated by a Child and Family Services Authority in Manitoba
  • Enrol in a minimum of 18 credit hours per academic year (over Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer)
  • Completion of an Authorization for the Release of Information form allowing the University and the Authority/Province to share information on your progress
  • Maintain continued contact with the University and Authority/Province officials satisfactory to facilitate monitoring and administration of the Program

How To Apply

In order to be considered for this program and obtain an application, please contact the Provincial Tuition Waiver Coordinator:

Samantha Olea
Youth Employment Services
614 - 294 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0B9
204.987.8661 ext. 672
Email: tuitionwaiver@yesmb.ca
Website: www.futuresforward.ca

The Scholarship Guide is available for current and former youth in care in Manitoba.

Application Deadline: March 31, 2023

Selection Process

The applications are forwarded to the University for review and selection. Application results are communicated after the University committee has reviewed applications and made their selections (June/July).

Virtual Tuition Waiver Information Sessions - register here

Dates & Times:

  • December 14th at 12PM
  • January 18th @ 5PM
  • February 22nd @ 6PM

2. Bursary Program

The first element of The Opportunity Fund is a bursary program designed to help learners who have financial need and are from under-represented student populations. The bursaries are intended to assist students with their direct education costs (tuition and books), and are based on the individual financial need of the applicant.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for this bursary program if you meet the following criteria:

  • Have at least a 2.00 (C) grade point average, or a 65% admission average
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Belong to a population currently under-represented at The University of Winnipeg such as recent immigrants or refugees and Indigenous students.

Deadlines

  • Fall term: October 1
  • Winter term: February 1
  • Spring term: June 1

How To Apply

Fill out an online application.

 

3. Tuition Credit Program

Tuition Credits allow you to “earn as you learn”. Students as early as Grade 4 can begin to earn their tuition by staying in school, maintaining good grades, graduating and participating in their community. By the time you earn a high school diploma, the support will be there to help cover your tuition costs at The University of Winnipeg.

Value

Tuition credits are deferred awards. Depending on your activities in Grade 4-12, you could potentially earn an award of up to $4,000 towards your post-secondary education. Here is how it works:

Grades 4 through 8:

  • $150 for each school year completed
  • $50 for extra-curricular activities

Grades 9 through 12:

  • $500 for each school year completed
  • $150 if you get a 70% average or better
  • $100 for extra-curricular activities.

Eligibility

To be enrolled in this pilot program, you must be actively involved in one of the following programs/schools:

  • Southeast Collegiate
  • Inner City Junior Wesmen Basketball team
  • Model School at The University of Winnipeg Collegiate

How To Register

  • Southeast Collegiate - contact the high school administration
  • Inner City Junior Wesmen Basketball team - contact the coach
  • Model School at The University of Winnipeg Collegiate - contact the Model School Coordinator

Note: If you are seeking information on the Opportunity Fund Bursary or Tuition Credit programs, please contact the Awards and Financial Aid office.