Access logo of painted bison with tree and five colours, plus inset photo of five women sitting in a semicircle in plush chairs beside a post wrapped in a metis sash.
  • Welcome to the Access Program at the University of Manitoba

    The Access Program welcomes students who have experienced barriers to equal access, opportunities, and resources, including:

    • First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students
    • Residents of Northern Manitoba and other remote locations
    • Students with financial need
    • Newcomers to Manitoba.

Access UM with supports

Our goal is to provide you with the holistic supports you will need to forge your way to a successful academic future. These supports will be available to you throughout your studies at UM, from your first year until graduation. As an Access Program student, you will benefit from:

Academic programming:

  • Community-based learning and coursework: As part of the Access Program’s Common First Year, you will take popular first-year courses together with a small community of learners with no more than 30 students per class.
  • Literacy and Science preparation: Dedicated Access Program instructors will help you develop the confidence and the foundational skills to achieve success in academic reading, writing, math, and the sciences.
  • Academic advising: The Access Program student advisor will assist you with course selection and registration, degree planning, and other day-to-day academic questions.  
  • Individualized learner supports: To support the specific learning needs of each student, Access Program students can request the support of a tutor for any course they will take throughout their academic journey.

Personal and cultural programming:

  • Personal advising and counselling: A team of personal counsellors and a case manager will help you transition to university and nurture your well-being to help you cope with personal challenges.
  • Cultural teachings and spiritual guidance: The Access Program’s Unkan, or Grandfather, shares his teachings with you and invites you to participate in ceremonies.
  • Financial advising: The student aid advisor will provide assistance with applications for Manitoba Student Aid, band sponsorship, scholarships and bursaries.
  • Funding opportunities: Special funding opportunities are available to students in the Access Program, such as the Access Endowment Fund and the Common First Year Prizes.
  • Indigenous community supports: Situated in Migizii Agamik (Bald Eagle Lodge) on the Fort Garry campus, the Access Program provides an excellent opportunity to connect with the Indigenous community.

Access Program pathways

The Access Program works with students across multiple disciplines including students enrolled in University 1 and students pursuing a degree in the arts, sciences, health sciences, social work, law, and education.

University of Manitoba Access Program (UMAP)

Designed to support students in the humanities, liberal arts, and sciences.

Health Careers Access Program (HCAP)

Designed to prepare students for entry to health-related professions, such as medicine, dentistry, and midwifery.

Professional Health Program (PHP)

Designed to support Indigenous students already accepted into one of the professional health programs. Study space is available in the Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing Ongomiizwin Education at the Bannatyne Campus, where there is also a support network.

Admission and application requirements

To be accepted into the Access Program at the University of Manitoba, the following eligibility criteria must be met:

  • Applicants must be admitted to the University of Manitoba.
  • Applicants can be new to the University or have up to 24 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • The Health Careers Access Program is restricted to Indigenous students who may or may not have completed university credit hours. Those students who have previous university must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Applicants require personal and/or academic supports to pursue a university degree.
  • Applicants must reside in Manitoba at the time of their studies.

Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, and resident of Manitoba. You must qualify for regular university entrance, or be a mature student of 21 or older who is admissible to University 1.

Fees 

There is no fee to be part of the Access Program. University tuition and other fees still apply.

Application deadline

Manitoba residents starting university in the fall must apply by May 1.

The selection process

Applicants meeting the application criteria will be invited to an interview in May/June. Successful applicants will be notified in early July.

Starting the program 

The university term starts in September. First year Access Program students are required to attend a two-week orientation session held during the last two weeks of August.

What our students are saying


  • Brandon Wozniak
    Access Program, Student
    Métis living in Winnipeg

  • Prairie-Rose Hapa
    Access Program, Student
    Dakota from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation

  • Kaitlin Fosseneuve
    Access Program, Student and UM Graduate
    Métis and Cree from Cranberry Portage

The people at Access work hard to see our need, and then they fill it. They care so much about us.
Charlene Hallett Access Program Student, Métis Cree from Winnipeg

Get in touch with us

a group of nine staff members positioned close to one another in an indoor, brightly lit space, smiling happily into the camera

Meet our team

We are a team of dedicated educators, counsellors, and program staff with diverse backgrounds. Our passion is to help you succeed on your journey to academic success. 

Our faculty and staff

Request more information

If you have questions or need additional information about the Access Program, please use this form to let us know.

Where did you hear about this?

Contact us

Migizii Agamik
Room 221 – 114 Sidney Smith St.
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

204-474-8000 (General Inquiries)
Toll-free in Manitoba: 1-800-432-1960 ext. 8000