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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 applicants' individual financial need. Recipients 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:

  • Are a current or former youth-in-care in Manitoba
  • Have a letter proving your CFS care experience

Once you have received a waiver, you can get it renewed if you meet the following criteria:

  • Achieve a minimum of 2.0 GPA. 
  • You have maintained a minimum enrollment of 18 credit hours per academic year (over Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer)
  • You have maintained continued contact with the University and Authority/Province officials, so they can ensure your success in the program.

Check Futures Forward's Paying for Post-Secondary School page for complete details.

How To Apply

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 annually

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).

2. Bursary Program

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

Eligibility

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

  • You have at least a 2.00 (C) grade point average, or a 65% admission average
  • You have demonstrated financial need
  • You 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, you'll have the support 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 enroll in this 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.