Education
Paying for Post-Secondary School
What are my Options?
There are several ways that you can pay for your post-secondary journey: Tuition Waiver program, bursaries & scholarships, sponsorship, and Loans. Scroll down to learn about your options.
Tuition-Waiver Program
Ten colleges and universities in Manitoba provide free tuition to current and former youth in care. The number of available waivers depends on the school you want to apply to. See below to learn more.
Tuition waiver students are also eligible for financial support that helps with living expenses, books, supplies, transportation and mandatory health and dental fees.
Eligibility
- You are a current or former youth in care in Manitoba (no age or care status restrictions).
- You have a letter proving that you have CFS care experience in Manitoba. If you need help getting this letter, contact Futures Forward’s Post-Secondary Advisor.
Note: there are no age restrictions on tuition waivers at all participating post-secondary schools.
Rules and Responsibilities
- Achieve a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.
- Maintain full-time studies (18 credit hours or 60% course load). Exceptions can be made for folks with disabilities.
- Must meet with the academic supports at your school, the Futures Forward Student Support Case Manager, and Career Development Counsellor.
How to apply
- Check out the program you want to apply to and make sure you meet the program admission requirements.
- Applied directly to the participating college or university before March 1.
- Applied for full-time studies (at least 18 credit hours per year or 60% course load) or part-time studies for individuals with a verified permanent disability.
- Fill out the tuition waiver application between Jan. 1 and March 31 every year.
Financial support
Financial support is provided by a provincial government program called Workforce, Training and Employment (WTE). You will be connected with a worker called a Career Development Counsellor (CDC), who will help you receive the financial support available to you while you are on a tuition waiver.
Financial support includes:
- Books
- Supplies
- Living support
- Computer
- Mandatory health and dental fees not covered by your school
- Childcare
- Transportation
- Tutoring
Tuition Waiver Schools
Assiniboine Community College (ACC)
ACC offers an unlimited number of tuition waivers and has no time limit on how long you can remain on your waiver.
Does not include:
Booth University College (Booth)
Does not include:
Brandon University (BU)
BU offers 20 tuition waivers each year and you must renew your waiver each year. The waiver is available for six years total or a maximum of 120 credits.
Does not include:
Canadian Mennonite University (CMU)
CMU offers one tuition waiver total and you must renew your waiver each year. The waiver is available for five years total or a maximum of 120 credits.
What’s covered?
Does not include:
Manitoba Institute for Trades and Technology (MITT)
MITT offers a total of four tuition waivers each year. There is no time limit on how long you can remain on your waiver.
Does not include:
Red River Polytechnic (RRC)
RRC offers ten tuition waivers each year. There is no time limit on how long you can remain on your waiver, but you must renew your waiver each year.
Does not include:
University College of the North (UCN)
UCN offers five tuition waivers each year and has no time limit on how long you can remain on your waiver, but you must renew your waiver each year. The waiver is available for six years total or maximum 120 credits.
Does not include:
Universite de St. Boniface (USB)
USB offers five tuition waivers each year. The length of the waiver depends on the length of your program and maxes out at 120 credits. You must renew your waiver each year.
2-year program will need to be completed in 3 years;
3-year program will need to be completed in 5 years;
4-year program will need to be completed in 6 years.
Does not include:
University of Manitoba (UM)
UM offers ten tuition waivers per year. The tuition-waiver must be renewed each year and is available for four years total.
Does not include:
University of Winnipeg (UW)
UW offers 30 spots to tuition waiver students per year, which means the yearly availability will change based on how many students graduate or drop from the program the year prior. On average, 3-7 spots open each year. You must renew your waiver each year and must complete your program within six years.
Does not include:
I received a tuition – waiver
Congratulations on receiving a tuition waiver! Your journey to your first semester has begun, and there are a few more things to do before you’re set for your first day of classes.
See your next steps
Here is a to-do list that needs to be done before classes start:
Wait for a letter from your college or university informing you that you received a tuition waiver.
Sign up to get money for rent, books, supplies, and transportation. By contacting the Student Support Case Manager (SSCM) and checking your email (including your junk folder) for an email from the SSCM. Tell them you have received a letter from the school saying you received a tuition waiver.
- When you talk to the SSCM they will ask you to fill out an application for a program called Workforce Training and Employment (WTE). This is the government program that provides you with financial support while on your tuition waiver. Tell the SSCM if you are in care or on an AYA because your social worker will need to be informed as well.
Make an appointment and meet with Student Services if you are going to the following schools:
-
- Assiniboine Community College
- Booth University College
- Brandon University
- Canadian Mennonite University
- Manitoba Institute for Trades and Technology
- Red River College Polytechnic
- University of Winnipeg
Make an appointment and meet with an Academic Advisor if you are going to the following schools:
-
- Assiniboine Community College
- Booth University College
- Brandon University
- Canadian Mennonite University
- Manitoba Institute for Trades and Technology
- Red River College Polytechnic
- University of Winnipeg
Meet with the Career Development Counsellor (CDC). Soon after you complete your application for WTE, you will receive an email with the name, contact information and appointment time with your CDC.
-
- In this meeting, you will be asked to complete a participant agreement. This will have to be signed in order to receive payments. Don’t have a printer? Ask for it to be mailed to you. In this agreement, you will discuss your needs like books, supplies, transportation, and childcare.
Some of the supports you are entitled to when you are receiving a tuition waiver and WTE funding including:
- Living costs such as rent, groceries, and bills.
- Textbooks and Supplies. You will be asked to provide a books and supplies list.
- Bus pass or mileage. If you can bus to school, the program will cover that cost. They will also provide a very small mileage allowance for folks who can only drive to school
- Mandatory Health Plans. You will be asked to pay this first and get reimbursed.
- Internet is available to those who require online classes
- Childcare is available for students with children needing after-school or daycare so they can attend classes.
- Tutoring could be reimbursed if approved by your CDC
Other things to know about the WTE program for tuition waiver students:
- You will have to find a second source of income, as the WTE payments will not cover all your expenses. For a single person, you will receive approximately $835 per month, after taxes.
- This money is taxable income unless you are receiving an AYA.
- When school ends, you are entitled to four weeks to look for employment. This includes summer break.
- Semester-based students (those who attend Fall and Winter semesters versus an 8-month program that runs over the summer) will be required to look for work in the summer to sustain themselves.
- If your program doesn’t offer breaks longer than four weeks in between your classes, you can stay with the WTE program.
- If you are on EI or EIA you will be asked to provide your worker’s information. If you are eligible for EI, you will be provided the option to activate your EI (which is often more money). However, should you quit school you will not be eligible to reapply for EI.
- You can receive both Band funding and WTE support
School has started, now what?
- If anything changes, you need to let the SSCM know. This includes circumstances like dropping classes, catching a long illness, failing tests or papers, or a change in your family structure (eg. having a child). All these things can impact your waiver, including additional support.
- Check in with your CDC after your midterms and at the end of each semester.
- Check in with your academic advisor if you are struggling. The resources that schools offer might surprise you.
Bursaries and Scholarships
10 Words or Less Scholarship
FEligibility
A) Anyone who is between the ages of 14-25 who will be attending school in the Fall of 2023.
B) This scholarship is provided by StudentScholarships.org (opens in new window). In order to apply for our scholarship follow these instructions:
Go to www.facebook.com/myscholarships (opens in new window) and place a comment on any post you see answering the question: In 10 words or less, tell us why you deserve the $1,000 scholarship.
Before or After writing your Answer you will also need to “Like” our Facebook page. Note we will only read the answers provided from people that have “Liked” our page.
How much you could receive
- $1,000
What does it cover?
- Living expenses
- School costs (books, tuition, etc.)
How to apply
- Follow the link (opens in new window) and register if you do not have an account before filling out application
Advancing Futures Bursary
This bursary is not guaranteed. Futures Forward helps collect applications for the Manitoba government who funds and chooses applicants. The government typically makes announcements about this bursary between March – May each year, but this can vary from year to year.
Eligibility
- Currently or previously in the care of a Manitoba Child and Family Services agency, and
- Currently a student at a recognized post-secondary institution in Manitoba, unless your program is not offered in the province
- Full-time and part-time students are eligible
How much you could receive
$10,000
What does it cover?
- Living expenses
- School costs
- Tuition
- Books
- Other expenses
Application availability and deadline
Between March-May every year
How to apply
- Gather important documents:
- Unofficial transcript from your last or current semester
- Proof of care (for first-time applicants only)
- Prepare a budget which includes income and expenses
- Prepare your short-answer statements for the following required questions:
- Why have you chosen your post-secondary program or field or study?
- What are your career goals and why?
- Who are some of the individuals supporting your educational goals?
- Are there programs or services that have helped you? (optional)
- Go to (application will be held on the website)
- Fill out the application and consent forms
- Submit your application and supporting documents by email to advancingfutures@yesmb.ca
Boys and Girls Clubs Scholarship (four bursaries)
Eligibility
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be a current or former BCG member for a minimum of one year
- Be registered at a post-secondary program for the 2023-24 school year.
How much you could receive
- BCG Winnipeg bursary: $3,000
- Pay-it-forward bursary: $2,000
- Eric and Carol Johnson bursary: $32,000
- Friends of Winnipeg Youth awards: $1,000
What does it cover?
- Living expenses (bills, transportation, etc.)
- School costs (books, tuition, etc.)
How to apply
- Follow the link here (opens in new window) and completely fill out the application before submitting.
Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation
Eligibility:
To be eligible you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person in Canada
- Have completed high school education, or equivalent, by Fall 2023
- Be accepted to a post-secondary program at an eligible institution in Canada, attending Fall 2023
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be the first generation in your family to attend post-secondary education
How much you could receive
- $6,000
What does it cover
- School costs (tuition, books, etc.)
- Living expenses
How to apply
- Apply online after applications open March 1, 2023
Children’s Aid Foundation Bursary
Eligibility:
-
- A permanent ward, or
- was a permanent ward of a Child Welfare Agency for at least 12 months, or
- are/were eligible for an Agreement with Young Adults (AYA)/ Extension of care
- Under 26 years of age at the start of their program, or under 30 years of age if they have received scholarship or bursary funding from the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada for the same program in previous years
- Registered at or planning to attend school either full or part-time year at an accredited post-secondary school
How much you could receive:
- Up to $2,000 for full-time students
- Up to $200 for part-time students
What does it cover?
- Living expenses
- School costs
Application dates
Opens in August
How to apply?
- Get important documents:
- Letter confirming you were in care, the dates you were care and your care status from your CFS office.
- Transcript. An unofficial transcript is accepted for current students.
- Go to this page (opens in new window) and select apply for a scholarship.
- Register for the online application system.
- Apply and upload the required documents.
Children’s Aid Foundation Scholarship
Eligibility
-
- A permanent ward, or
- Was a permanent ward of a Child Welfare Agency for at least 12 months, or
- Are/were eligible for an Agreement with Young Adults (AYA)/ Extension of care
- Between 18-30 years old at the start of your program
- Full-time student, unless on a reduced schedule due to accommodation
How much you could receive
- $2,500-$5,000
What does it cover?
- School costs
Application Deadline
Monday March 13, 2023
How to apply
- Get important documents
- Letter confirming you were in care, the dates you were care and your care status from your CFS office.
- Transcript. An unofficial transcript is accepted for current students.
- Go to the following page (opens in new window) and select apply for a scholarship.
- Register for the online application system.
- Apply and upload the required documents.
CIC Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary program
Eligibility
- The student is enrolled full time in the first or second year of a multi-year program at a CICan member institution. Note: This must be the first time that the student will be attending a post-secondary institution.
- The student must be a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant, permanent resident, or a protected person.
- Students must contact the registrar office of the college or institute where they are enrolled by September in order to express their interest and justify their need for financial support.
How much you could receive
- Up to $5,000
What does it cover?
- Living expenses (bills, transportation, etc.)
- School costs (Books, tuition, etc.)
How to apply
- Follow the link here (opens in new window) and completely fill out application before submitting.
Got a Spine Scholarship
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Arctic Chiropractic “Got a Spine Scholarship” a student must:
- Be attending college or university no later than October of 2023.
- Be attending college or university on a full-time basis by October of 2023.
- Have achieved a GPA of 2.5 or greater during their last academic year.
- Be a U.S. or Canadian resident.
- Be attending a school in the U.S. or Canada by October of 2023.
- Submit answers to the essay questions no later than 11:59 PM EST on the day of the deadline.
*Note that you can be enrolled in any field of study
How much you could receive
- $500
What does it cover?
- Living expenses (bills, transportation, etc.)
- School costs (books, tuition, etc.)
How to apply
Follow the link here (opens in new window) and register online if you do not already have an account. Completely fill out the application and submit it.
Horatio Alger Vocational and Technical Education Scholarship
Eligibility
Applicant must:
- Have completed high school (or earned high school equivalency credential) by Spring
- Be enrolled in a 3-year or less career or technical degree/certificate program in Fall that will lead to employment
- Demonstrate critical financial need
- Demonstrate perseverance in overcoming adversity
- Be under the age of 30
- Be a Canadian citizen
How much you could receive
- $3,000
What does it cover?
- Living expenses
- School costs (books, tuition, etc.)
How to apply
- Applications will open March 15, 2023
- Follow the link here (opens in new window) and completely fill out application before submitting.
How to Save Money Scholarship
Eligibility
- Grades are 85-100%
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
How much you could receive
- $2,000
What does it cover?
- School costs (books, tuition, etc.)
How to apply
- Follow the link here (opens in new window) and completely fill out application before submitting.
- Deadline is October 6, 2023
Jeanne Henuset-Fraser Memorial Bursary
Eligibility
- High school students (opens in new window), for entrance to post-secondary.
- Undergraduate students (opens in new window), varying areas of interest and study.
- Graduate students (opens in new window), varying areas of interest and study.
- Athletic awards (opens in new window) – including dance, sailing, and hockey.
- Unique Awards (opens in new window) – for writers, youth from care, and immigrant women
How much you could receive
- $2,500
What does it cover?
- Living expenses
- school costs (books, tuition)
How to apply
- Follow the link here (opens in new window) & and register an online account to access the application.
- Completely fill out the application before submitting.
Keith Cooper Scholarship
Eligibility
- Currently or previously in the care of a Manitoba Child and Family Services agency for at least one year
- Applied to or currently enrolled in your first certificate, diploma, or degree program at a recognized post-secondary institution
- Be able to meet the institution’s entry or renewal requirements
- Be in financial need
How much you could receive
- $1,000
What does it cover?
- The money goes directly to your post-secondary institution and can be used towards tuition, books, student fees
Application Availability and Deadline
The application is available now and closes on Thursday, June 29th.
How to apply
1. Get a copy of your unofficial transcript. What is important is that the unofficial transcript has your latest or last courses and should include the last or current semester of school and your grade point average (GPA). If you are currently in high school, you will also need to provide an acceptance letter to your post-secondary school.
2. Get a letter of reference. This is a character reference, not a professional reference, so it doesn’t need to be from an employer. It could be from a teacher, friend, support worker, extracurricular leader, or someone else who knows can talk about your character.
3. Prepare to fill out the application with the following information:
-
- Personally Identifiable Information (name, birthdate, address etc)
- History of CFS services (agency, length of care)
- Education history (high school graduation)
- Education plans (name of your school, Social Insurance Number, program length and start date)
- Financial information (have you or do you plan to get other funding)
- Expenses
- Employment history and goals
- Personal information (written information about your goals, successes, steps for achieving your goals, and the important people in your life)
4. Fill out the application.
5. Submit your 2023 application to generalauthority@gov.mb.ca.
Knowles Centre Arthur E Prior Scholarship
Eligibility
- A former student or client of Knowles Centre’s Group Care, Treatment Foster Care, Day Treatment, Sexual Abuse Treatment, or SAIL Programs.
- Received services for a minimum of six months, beginning when they were age 20 or younger.
- No age restrictions.
How much you could receive
unknown
What does it cover?
- tuition
- books
- student fees
- special equipment or clothing
- transportation
- day care costs
- other costs incurred as a requirement of the training course or program may be considered
How to apply
1. Gather the costs related to school including:
-
- Tuition
- School fees
- Tools and supplies
- Books
- Student fees
- Transportation
- Daycare
2. Find two references
3. Fill out the application
4. E-mail your application to twaite@knowlescentre.org or mail your application to
Knowles Centre Inc.
ATTN: Arthur E. Prior Scholarship Committee
2065 Henderson Highway
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2G 1P7
Fax: 204-334-4173
Lift Parts Express Scholarship
Eligibility
- Be a current senior in high school or a freshman or sophomore in college/university
- Be a legal resident of the United States or Canada
- Be enrolled or expected to be enrolled by the Fall of 2023
- Submit a completed online application form prior to the deadline
How much you could receive
- $500
What does it cover?
- Living expenses (bills, transportation, etc.)
- School costs (books, tuition, etc.)
How to apply: TBD
Live Your Dreams Award (for females only)
Eligibility
You are eligible to apply if you are a woman who:
- Provides the primary financial support for yourself and your dependents. Dependents can include children, spouse, partner, siblings and/or parents.
- Has financial need.
- Is enrolled in or has been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program.
- Is motivated to achieve your education and career goals.
- Resides in one of Soroptimist International of the Americas’ member countries/territories (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Guam, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Taiwan, United States of America, Venezuela).
- Has not previously been the recipient of a Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity or Live Your Dream Award.
- Does not have a graduate degree.
- Is not a Soroptimist member, an employee of Soroptimist International of the Americas or immediate family of either.
How much you could receive
- up to $16,000
What does it cover?
- Living expenses
- School costs (books, tuition, etc.)
- Finding reliable child care.
How to apply
- apply online between Aug. 1 and Nov. 15
Manitoba Housing: Building Foundations Bursary
Eligibility
- Living in subsidized rental housing or receiving a rental subsidy funded by Manitoba Housing, including those living in:
- direct-managed housing
- sponsor-managed housing
- non-profit housing
- co-op housing
- urban native housing
- Good or excellent academic achievement
- Participated in community work (volunteer or paid)
- Enrolled in a program that runs for one year or longer
- Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program
How much you could receive
- $1,000
What does it cover?
- School costs (books, tuition, etc.)
How to apply
- Get a letter from your landlord confirming you live in subsidized housing or you receive a rental subsidy funded by Manitoba housing
- Get important documents
-
- Letter from your landlord if you are not receiving a rental subsidy from Manitoba Housing.
- Proof of enrolment in your post-secondary school. Unofficial transcripts and photocopies of course registration is accepted.
-
Marymound Student Bursary
Eligibility
- Lived in a home, attended a school or received service through Marymound for at least six months.
- Registered or planning to enroll in a full- or part-time post-secondary education or training program.
How much you could receive
- $500-$2,000
What does it cover?
- School costs (books, tuition, etc.)
Application dates
July 15 and Nov. 15
How to apply
- Gather important documents:
-
- Transcripts or acceptance letter
- Reference letters
- One personal reference that isn’t a family member who can speak about your goals and successes.
- One professional reference who can speak to your skills and abilities.
- In 350 words you need to write about or why you have chosen the education/training goal you are pursuing
- What you have done in preparation to reach your goal (e.g. upgrading academic skills, working to earn money to pay for the program, volunteering in the field you would like to enter etc.)
- How would a bursary award help you achieve your education/training goal? Why is it important for you to receive an award?
- Anything else you think is important for the selection committee to know.
- Gather your income and expenses information
-
- Fill out the application
RBC Futures Launch Scholarship
Eligibility
You must be:
- For Canadian youth between 15-29 years old
- Enrolled part-time in school or not in school at all
- A Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Grades and transcripts are not required
- Not working at RBC or a dependent of someone working at RBC
How much you could receive
- $1,500
- Hundreds of scholarships available throughout the year
What does it cover?
- School costs (books, courses, certificates, etc.)
How to apply
To apply, follow the link here (opens in new window) and register to apply. When you have registered, fill out the application and submit it online.
Storwell Foster Children Bursary program
Eligibility
- Proof of system care experience in Canada or America
- Under 24 years old
- If you win, you agree to have your name and photo on their website
How much you could receive
$2,000
What does it cover?
- Living expenses
- School costs
Application Availability and Deadline
Open all year, and selections take place after September of each year
How to apply
- Get important documents
- Proof of care letter
- Proof of citizenship (photo ID, birth certificate)
- Proof of enrollment or acceptance into a post-secondary school
- Prepare for the application by writing a description of your intended area of study and goals for the future.
- Go to the application page and fill out the application form.
- Upload your care letter.
- Submit your application.
TD Scholarships for Community Leadership
Eligibility
TD Scholarships for Community Leadership are open to students across Canada who:
- Have demonstrated community leadership
- Are in the final year of high school (outside Quebec) or CEGEP (in Quebec)
- Have a minimum overall grade average of 75% (outside Quebec), or a minimum R score of 26 (in Quebec), in their most recently completed school year
How much you could receive
- Up to $10,000 for tuition each year (for a maximum of 4 years)
- Up to $7,500 for living expenses each year (for a maximum of 4 years)
What does it cover?
- Living expenses
- School costs
How to apply
- Applications for the 2022/2023 year are now closed. Applications for students starting college or university in September 2024 will open in September 2023. 1-800-308-8306.
Ted Rogers Scholarship Fund
Eligibility
- Have spent time in government care in Canada.
- Are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
- Are applying for your first post-secondary program.
- Must be 24 years and under
- Have spent at least 12 months in provincial government care
- Demonstrate financial need
How much you could receive
- $2,500 per year for up to 4 years
What does it cover?
- Tuition and money is sent directly to the school.
Application Availability and Deadline
TBD
How to apply
Contact bkellyadams@cafdn.org to get the nomination form and confirmation of care letter form.
- Gather and fill out the important documents:
-
- Nomination Form
- Confirmation of Care letter
- Screenshot of your acceptance, enrolment or letter from your school confirming they have received your application
-
- Get ready to write. This scholarship requires detailed essays, so be prepared to write about:
-
- Volunteer experience
- Paid work for a community organization
- Community activism/ advocacy
- Hobbies and interests
-
- Demonstrate financial need which includes expenses that are not fully covered while you are in school like:
-
- Tuition
- Books
- Supplies
- Rent
- Furniture
- Transportation
- Food
- Health care
- Daycare
-
- Go to the application (opens in new window) and fill it out and upload your essays.
VOICES Bursaries (four awards)
VOICES offers four awards specifically for youth in and from CFS care. One application for all bursaries and scholarships
Voices Bursary
This bursary is to recognize and celebrate how far you’ve come, and where you’re headed.
Eligibility
- Youth in or from care from any community in Manitoba
How much you could receive
$1,000
What does it cover?
- The money goes directly to your post-secondary institution and can be used towards tuition, books, student fees.
Application Availability and Deadline
Aug. 15, every year.
The Marie Christian Bursary
This award is given to youth in or from care who embody leadership qualities including integrity, compassion, kindness, and bold audacity. Additional consideration will be given to youth who exhibit a positive attitude and determination to take sour circumstances and create delicious opportunities.
Eligibility
- Youth in or from care from any community in Manitoba
How much you could receive
$1,000
What does it cover?
- The money goes directly to your post-secondary institution and can be used towards tuition, books, student fees.
Application Availability and Deadline
Aug. 15, every year.
The Reaching for Stars Bursary
Eligibility
- Female youth in or from care from any community in Manitoba
How much you could receive
$500
What does it cover?
- The money goes directly to your post-secondary institution and can be used towards tuition, books, student fees.
Application Availability and Deadline
Aug. 15, every year.
The Honoring our Youth bursary
Eligibility
- Female youth in or from care from any community in Manitoba
How much you could receive
$1,000
What does it cover?
- The money goes directly to your post-secondary institution and can be used towards tuition, books, student fees.
Application Availability and Deadline
Aug. 15, every year.
Tips for applying for scholarships and bursaries
Additional Tips
- Endorsement letter: the endorsement letter presents a great opportunity to highlight the student.
- Application questions: supply data-driven responses when possible, and always keep the focus on the application to help the reviewer understand the key element(s) being highlighted.
- Testimonials: use these three opportunities to provide multiple points of view by requesting a testimonial from both campus and community leaders, and from different levels and/or departments within the campus.
- Student essay: This essay holds weight with reviewers so be specific, be clear, and be bold!
- Remember to focus on the following:
- financial need;
- challenges and barriers to attending a college or institute;
- community involvement.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship comes from an organization, such as a First Nation band, the Manitoba Metis Federation, or the Manitoba Government. Sponsorship can cover tuition, and books and give you a living allowance that does not have to be paid back. Sponsorship could vary depending on your need, the financial ability of the organization, and other criteria.
Learn more about sponsorship
Some terms and conditions may apply, such as maintaining certain grades and communicating course registration changes.
The Workforce Training and Employment (WTE) program assists people who need training to find employment. WTE provides support services and financial support for programs 12 to 52 weeks, or up to 2-year programs for high demand occupations. This program will not pay for tuition.
Eligibility
- Have a current or previous Employment Insurance (EI) claim, or
- Be employed but need more skills for better employment, or
- Receive Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) benefits in Manitoba, or
- Unemployed or about to lose your job.
Apply
Contact your local Manitoba Jobs and Skills Development Centre (MSJD) to make an appointment.
In Winnipeg: 204-945-0575
Toll-Free (outside Winnipeg): 1-866-332-5077
Email: mjsd@gov.mb.ca
Student Loans
Student Loans can come from the government or a bank, however the loan money has to be paid back. Government Loans, available through Manitoba Student Aid don’t accumulate interest until you stop being a full-time student. You will have six months after school ends to find a job and start paying the loan back.
Your can ask your bank for a line of credit or a loan to pay for school. These loans have to be paid back regularly and have higher interest rates than Student Loans.
Manitoba Student Aid
Manitoba Student Aid (MSA) provides money for post-secondary studies through loans, bursaries, and grants. In order to receive the bursaries and grants you have to apply for a loan.
Apply
1) Create an account (opens in new window). You will need your social insurance number to create an account.
2) Submit the application in the online portal. This process can take up to two weeks to be approved. You can still log in and check your application status.
3) Review your assessment. Keep checking your email until you receive one from MSA to check your account. When you enter your account after this email, check the following tabs: My Award information, my required information, and my assessment details.
4) Submit all the required documents:
-
- Program name
- Program start and end date
- Program course load (contact your school if you don’t know what it is)
- Educational institution or campus name
- Registrar’s email address and costs of your program (in Canadian funds) if attending and out-of-province school
- All post-secondary studies you have taken
- Total income you made last year as found on line 15000 of last year’s income tax return
- Any scholarships, bursaries, and other funding you will receive. This includes a tuition-waiver
- Your direct deposit information for your bank account










