Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Key Facts for 2025–2026:
The Manitoba Bursary is a non-repayable provincial bursary for students with demonstrated financial need. There is no separate application — you are automatically considered when you apply for Manitoba Student Aid. The amount you receive depends on your residual financial need after other funding has been applied. Indigenous students who self-identify may be eligible for additional Manitoba Bursary funding.
The Manitoba Bursary is a non-repayable provincial bursary provided to eligible students through Manitoba Student Aid (MSA). It is designed to help bridge the gap between a student’s assessed financial need and the loan and grant funding they receive — in other words, it addresses remaining need after all other sources of financial assistance have been taken into account.
Because it is assessed as part of the standard MSA application, students do not need to seek it out or apply for it separately. If you qualify, it is included as part of your overall financial aid package.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Manitoba Bursary, you must:
- Apply for Manitoba Student Aid — the bursary is automatically assessed as part of your loan application. You do not need to request it separately.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person.
- Be a resident of Manitoba.
- Be enrolled at a designated post-secondary institution in an eligible program.
- Have demonstrated financial need — specifically, residual need remaining after all loans, grants, and other funding sources have been applied to your assessed educational and living costs.
How Much Can You Get?
There is no fixed maximum amount for the Manitoba Bursary. The amount you receive — if any — is based entirely on your assessed residual financial need: the gap between your allowable educational and living expenses and the total resources available to you, including loans, Canada Student Grants, and any other financial assistance. Students with greater unmet need after other funding is applied will receive a higher bursary amount.
Because the bursary fills residual need, not every student who applies for Manitoba Student Aid will receive one. Students whose total loans and grants already cover their assessed costs will not receive a Manitoba Bursary for that study period.
Indigenous Students:
Indigenous learners who self-identify on their Manitoba Student Aid application may be eligible for additional Manitoba Bursary funding beyond the standard amount. Make sure to indicate your Indigenous ancestry on your application to be considered for this additional support.
How to Apply
There is no separate application for the Manitoba Bursary. You are automatically considered for it when you submit your application for Manitoba Student Aid loans and grants. The MSA assessment process evaluates your financial need and determines whether a bursary amount applies to your situation.
To apply for Manitoba Student Aid, log in to your MSA online portal and complete the application for your study period. New applications for fall and winter studies open in June each year; spring and summer applications open in March. Submit your application as early as possible — processing can take up to six weeks or longer during peak periods.
How the Bursary Is Paid
The Manitoba Bursary is disbursed in two equal portions: half at the start of your study period and half at the midpoint. This differs from the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students, which is issued upfront, and from student loans, which may follow a different disbursement schedule depending on your program length.
Pro Tip:
If you receive a Manitoba Bursary exceeding $500 in a calendar year, a T4A slip will be issued. You can access your T4A through your Manitoba Student Aid online portal. Amounts of $500 or less are not reported on a T4A, in accordance with CRA policy.
Other Financial Aid Options
The Manitoba Bursary is one component of the broader Manitoba Student Aid package. When you apply, you are also automatically considered for Canada Student Grants and the Manitoba Student Loan. You may also want to explore the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative for institution-based scholarships and bursaries, and the Business Council of Manitoba Indigenous Education Awards if you are of Indigenous ancestry.
Ready to find a program? Explore eligible schools today.
