iPerform Education | October 2026
On the University of Manitoba campus in the inland Canadian city of Winnipeg, an outdoor saltwater pool serves as a sea-ice research facility. Researchers use a movable roof to control snow cover and sea-ice growth, while sensors and instruments monitor changes in real time. This pool offers a starting point for understanding the university’s connection to research on Canada’s northern environment.[1]
For families in Hong Kong and Taiwan comparing universities, the University of Manitoba, or UM, also offers opportunities worth exploring in logistics and supply chain management, business and engineering work experience, and University 1, which gives new students time to clarify their academic direction. Considering these options alongside winter living, accommodation and costs can help students decide whether UM is a good fit.
Building a student routine on a historic campus
Founded in 1877, UM is Western Canada’s oldest university.[2] Its main Fort Garry campus in Winnipeg includes green spaces, residences, libraries and athletic facilities. The Bannatyne campus, near the downtown Health Sciences Centre, brings together teaching and research in several health professions. Before choosing accommodation, students should confirm where most of their classes will take place, then compare rents and commuting routes.[3]
Communications scholar Marshall McLuhan, known for the concepts of “the medium is the message” and the “global village,” was also a UM graduate. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1933 and a Master of Arts in English literature in 1934.[4]
Winnipeg winters require preparation. A warm coat, footwear with good traction, routes to class and plans for waiting at bus stops are all part of studying here. Students considering residence in their first year should compare its location with their main classroom buildings. Those renting off campus should weigh access to shops, commuting time and winter travel together. A workable daily routine leaves more energy for coursework and campus life.
Exploring the northern environment through sea-ice research
The pool described above is part of the Sea Ice Environmental Research Facility (SERF), operated by the Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS) on the Fort Garry campus.
CEOS also operates the Churchill Marine Observatory (CMO) in Churchill, northern Manitoba. Its research examines extreme weather and climate change; the detection, effects and mitigation of oil spills and related contaminants in ice-covered waters; and interactions between freshwater and the ocean. Located in different communities, the two facilities illustrate distinct aspects of UM’s northern environmental research.[1]
Students who enjoy geography, biology or chemistry and want to understand the evidence behind climate issues may wish to explore the Bachelor of Environmental Science program.[5] A useful approach is to start with an environmental question that interests them, then review related courses and faculty research. Research facilities reflect the university’s expertise; undergraduate participation in individual projects depends on eligibility, preparation and available places.
Taking business and engineering into the workplace
Another way to explore UM is through Logistics and Supply Chain Management at the Asper School of Business. Moving goods from suppliers to customers involves purchasing, outsourcing, transportation choices and business relationships.[6] Familiar business questions can help students understand the field: How should a company respond to a supply delay? Could lower shipping costs affect delivery? These examples can help students assess whether they enjoy working through the trade-offs involved in business operations.
Asper’s Bachelor of Commerce Co-op program includes three paid work terms of four months each, for a total of 12 months of work experience before graduation. Admission is competitive. Students accepted into the program must still apply for positions and attend employer interviews; employment is not guaranteed.[7] Preparing a resumé, practising for interviews and pursuing opportunities all require time and initiative.
All departments in the Price Faculty of Engineering—Biosystems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering—offer the optional Co-op and Industrial Internship Program. Placements may last four, eight, 12 or 16 months. To graduate with the Co-op/IIP designation on their degree parchment, students must complete at least 12 months of work terms and fulfil the program requirements. Entry also depends on requirements such as completed credit hours and academic standing.[8]
Students interested in work placements should plan the sequence of their academic and work terms early. A placement may take place in the summer or during a regular academic term. Course planning should account for how this could affect subsequent courses and the overall time needed to complete a degree.
Leaving room to explore in first year
Some students know they enjoy science but have not yet settled on environmental studies, another science discipline or a different field. University 1 (U1) provides a first-year route for exploring courses across disciplines. Students typically plan 24 to 30 credit hours in their first year, with their intended program’s requirements guiding the next step.
U1 courses carry university credit, and courses that meet degree requirements can count towards a degree. Admission to a chosen faculty still depends on prerequisite courses, grades and admission requirements.[9] Identifying two or three possible majors before enrolment and checking the required courses with an academic advisor can help keep options open and reduce the need to make up missing prerequisites later.
As their interests become clearer, students who would like to try research can also look into UM’s Undergraduate Research Awards (URA). Under the currently listed criteria for 2026, applicants must have completed at least 24 credit hours by the application deadline, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and meet the other eligibility requirements. Selected students undertake 16 weeks of full-time research under a faculty supervisor between May and August. Selection is competitive, and students should consult the university’s published criteria for future years.[10]
Budgeting separately for tuition and living costs
Families preparing a budget should note that tuition for most UM undergraduate programs is assessed using the per-credit-hour rate of the teaching unit offering each course. A student taking courses from different faculties may therefore pay different rates for different courses.[11]
The following examples use international student rates for the 2026–27 academic year. Each assumes that all 30 credit hours are charged at a single teaching unit’s rate:[11]
| Teaching unit | Tuition per credit hour (CAD) | Illustrative base tuition for 30 credit hours (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Arts | $689.23 | Approximately $20,677 |
| Science | $804.00 | $24,120 |
| Environment, Earth and Resources | $804.00 | $24,120 |
| Asper School of Business | $895.68 | Approximately $26,870 |
These are base-tuition calculations under a specific course-selection assumption. Actual tuition depends on the number of credit hours and the mix of courses. Applicable student fees, laboratory fees, insurance and co-op fees must also be added.[11] Families planning for a later intake should update their budget once that academic year’s rates are published.
For living costs, UM provides the following 12-month estimates for a single student living modestly in Winnipeg:[12]
| Expense | Estimated cost for 12 months (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation and utilities | $9,540–$19,070 |
| Food | $3,820 |
| Books and supplies | $1,280–$6,050 |
The lower accommodation estimate assumes shared housing. Actual expenses depend on lifestyle and may exceed these estimates. These three categories do not cover all living costs. Families should also allow for winter clothing, a phone, initial settling-in costs, transportation and applicable insurance.
When comparing residence with off-campus rentals, check which services are included in the accommodation charge. When preparing an annual budget, also review insurance and transportation items on the university bill to avoid counting the same expense twice.
Weighing academic interests alongside everyday life
Students interested in environmental science, business operations or engineering may want to include UM on their university list and examine the curriculum and work-placement arrangements in detail. Those still exploring a major can investigate how University 1 would support progression to their intended program.
From a campus sea-ice research pool to business and engineering workplaces, UM offers several directions to explore. Students must be prepared for Winnipeg winters and take an active role in pursuing research and work experience. Before applying, they should consider whether the programs match their interests, whether local life suits them and whether the family budget can support the full experience.
Information and sources
Information was checked on October 13, 2026, with supplementary checks on some items on October 14 (Vancouver time). Tuition figures use the 2026–27 academic-year schedule. Living costs are the university’s current 12-month estimates at the time of consultation; the page does not specify an academic year. URA eligibility reflects the 2026 criteria currently listed on the university’s page.
[1] CEOS — Facilities, labs and vessels: sea-ice facilities and the Churchill Marine Observatory
[2] 150 years of UM: founding date and university history
[3] Explore our campuses: Fort Garry and Bannatyne
[4] St Paul’s College history: McLuhan’s degrees, printed page 301
[5] Environmental Science: Bachelor of Environmental Science
[6] Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)
[7] Asper Co-op programs: work terms and job applications
[8] Engineering Co-operative Education: work terms and eligibility
[9] University 1: first-year course planning and progression
[10] Undergraduate Research Awards: summer research and eligibility
[11] Undergraduate tuition and fees: 2026–27 international tuition and additional fees
[12] International Student Financial Resources: 12-month living-cost estimates