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The University of Winnipeg Graduate Studies Scholarship (UWGSS)

Applications for the 2023-2024 academic year are due March 15, 2023.

The University of Winnipeg Graduate Studies Scholarship is awarded to current and incoming, part- and full-time, graduate students in recognition of academic excellence and of contributions to community service. Students must demonstrate superior intellectual ability, academic accomplishment, and a strong history of community engagement.

So many people have guided, inspired, and supported me in this journey to receive a 2020 University of Winnipeg Graduate Studies Scholarship. As a mother juggling my studies with caring for my three young children, this award has given me a boost in resources and confidence to focus full-time on my studies and pour all my professional energies into growing my Curatorial Practice through the Cultural Studies Program at the University of Winnipeg."
- Sarah Hodges-Kolisnyk, 2020-21 Award Recipient, Cultural Studies

Questions? Contact graduateawards@uwinnipeg.ca for support.

Value

The University of Winnipeg Graduate Studies Scholarship is valued at $15,000 for one year of full-time study, and $7,500 for one year of part-time study.

This award is not automatically renewable. Students may hold the award multiple years in a row, but must reapply each award competition and a second year of the award is not guaranteed.

Eligibility

Eligible Programs

Applied Computer Science and Society; Applied Economics; Bioscience, Technology, and Public Policy; Criminal Justice, Cultural Studies; Environmental and Social Change; Indigenous Governance; Master in Management; Master’s in Development Practice: Indigenous Development; Master of Marriage and Family Therapy.

Students enrolled in Joint Master’s Programs are not eligible for this award and are encouraged instead to apply for the Donald V. Snider Award when applications open.

Applicant Eligibility

To be considered for this award applicants must:

  • have achieved a GPA of 3.75/4.5 in most recent 60 credit hours (approximately two-years of full-time study)
  • Full-time students:
    • Be enrolling in the first year of an eligible one-year program as of May or September of the current calendar year, or January of the upcoming calendar year, OR
    • Be enrolling in the first or second year of an eligible two-year program as of May or September of the currently calendar year, or January of the upcoming calendar year
  • Part-time students:
    • Be enrolling in the first or second year of an eligible one-year program as of May or September of the current calendar year, or January of the upcoming calendar year, OR
    • Be enrolling in the first, second, third, or fourth year of an eligible two-year program as of May or September of the current calendar year, or January of the upcoming calendar year
  • Complete the application with all supporting documents by the March 15 deadline.

Notes: Although students may be required to apply to each award, this scholarship may not be held in conjunction with an NSERC, SSHRC, or CIHR CGS-M award, a Research Manitoba Master's Studentship, or a PDGSS award.

Application Procedures

Students submit their personal information and required documents using the online application form.

As the Faculty of Graduate Studies uses a harmonized application for The University of Winnipeg Graduate Studies Scholarship and the President’s Distinguished Graduate Student Scholarship, eligible students may apply for both awards with one application.

It is important that students have all supporting documents and contact information for their referees prepared before beginning the online application. Users are not able to save in-progress versions of the online application form.

Required Supporting Documents

The online application asks students to include the following supporting documents:

  • A one-page (max. 500 word) plan of study or research proposal: .docx and .pdf files only.
    • Whether it is more appropriate to submit a plan of study or research proposal varies depending on the graduate program in which the student is enrolled or to which the student has applied (“the student’s program”). It is highly recommended that students enrolled or enrolling in thesis-based programs submit a research proposal rather than a plan of study.
    • A plan of study may include information about the student’s research interests and relevant background, the relevance of the program to their interests, and how the student’s program can help them achieve their academic and/or professional goals.
    • A research proposal should include: background on the student’s field of study relevant to their research, a statement of the student’s research question or objectives, the methodology used, and the significance of their research (this may include expected outcomes, impact on the field or broader society, or a knowledge mobilization plan). This document should also include an explanation of why the student’s program is an appropriate place to be conducting that research.
    • In both cases the document should include information about the applicant’s relevant academic/professional background, and their interest in and fit with their program.
  • A one-page (max. 500 word) community engagement statement: .docx and .pdf files only
    • The community engagement statement should describe the student’s relevant professional and relevant extracurricular activities and demonstrate the student’s contribution to and engagement with their academic and broader community (may include work, volunteer, and leadership activities).
  • A community engagement curriculum vitae (CV)
    • The CV should outline the student’s educational history, conference/paper presentations, funding history, work experience, as well as their volunteer and leadership activities within their community.
  • Past and current transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs in which the student has been enrolled: .pdf files only
    • Transcripts should show the most recent, including current (i.e. Winter 2023) term of enrolment (if applicable).
    • For initial assessment purposes only, unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Official transcripts will be requested if you are recommended to receive an award.
      • University of Winnipeg Students: To access unofficial transcripts login to Student Planning, go to the side panel and under "Academics" select “Student Planning,” and click "Unofficial transcript".
  • Contact information for two referees:
    • One referee must be either the student's supervisor/proposed supervisor, or the Graduate Program Chair of the UW graduate program in which they are enrolled or to which they have applied.
    • The other referee should be someone able to speak to the student's intellectual ability, academic accomplishment, and history of community engagement.
    • Referees may submit their letters of support using the UWGSS Appraisal Form or their own letterhead
    • Note: it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that referees send their letters of support to graduateawards@uwinnipeg.ca by the March 15, 2023 application deadline. The Faculty of Graduate Studies does not solicit letters of reference nor does it follow up with referees. Applications with missing letters will be deemed ineligible.
Instructions for Completing the Webform

1. Personal and Program Information

Personal Information

  1. Name
  2. University of Winnipeg student number
    • Recent applicants to University of Winnipeg Graduate Programs receive their student numbers via email shortly (1-2 business days) after submitting their application.
    • Student numbers are required to verify graduate program application and enrolment.
  3. University of Winnipeg email address
    • All current UW students have a University of Winnipeg email address. Students who have recently applied receive their University of Winnipeg email address after their application is verified as complete and has been sent to the graduate program.
    • Leave this field blank if you have not received your University of Winnipeg email address
  4. Preferred email address
    • Enter the email address at which you would like to be contacted regarding the results of your application.

Program Information

  1. Select the graduate program in which you will be enrolled during the 2023-2024 academic year.
  2. Select your status as a full- or part-time student
  3. Select the year of your program in which you will be enrolled during the 2023-2024 academic year.
  4. Select the award(s) to which you are applying

2. Required Documents

  • Curriculum vitae (CV) with community engagement section (.pdf, or .docx)
  • Current transcripts from all graduate and undergraduate institutions which you have attended (.pdf only).
    • You may upload more than one file.
  • Plan of study/research proposal (.pdf, or .docx)
  • Community engagement statement (.pdf or .docx)

3. Referee Information

Enter the names and e-mail addresses of your two referees.

Note: it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that referees send their letters of support to graduateawards@uwinnipeg.ca by the March 15, 2023 application deadline. The Faculty of Graduate Studies does not solicit letters of reference nor does it follow up with referees. Applications with missing letters will be deemed ineligible.

Deadline

Applications for the 2023-2024 academic year open February 2, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. Central Time.

The application deadline is March 15, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.

Instructions for Referees

Referees must submit their letters of support to graduateawards@uwinnipeg.ca by the March 15 deadline. Referees may use either the UWGSS Appraisal Form or their own letterhead.

Referees for students who have applied to both The University of Winnipeg Graduate Studies Scholarship and the President’s Distinguished Graduate Student Scholarship should submit a single letter in support of both awards.

Letters of support for The University of Winnipeg Graduate Studies Scholarship should speak to the student’s intellectual ability, academic accomplishment, and community engagement. Letters in support of the President's Distinguished Graduate Student Scholarship in addition to this award should also address the student's research potential.