University of Manitoba
Manitoba's flagship university - affordable excellence with strong health sciences and engineering.
The University of Manitoba is the largest university in the Prairie provinces and Manitoba's flagship institution. U of M has strong programs in health sciences, engineering, law, and agriculture. Winnipeg's cost of living is among the lowest of any major Canadian university city.
What average do you need to get into U of M?
There is no single U of M acceptance rate - admission is program-by-program. Top competitive programs like Medicine (MD) require high 90s + MCAT + interview, while programs at the more accessible end admit students with averages around mid 80s. A competitive overall average for most U of M programs is roughly the mid-80s and up. Check the per-program admission averages below to find your target.
Key Facts
- Location: Winnipeg, MB
- Founded: 1877
- Students: 30,000
- Maclean's ranking: #13
- QS World ranking: #643
- Approximate domestic tuition: $7500/year
- Co-op available: Yes
Top Strengths
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Law
- Agriculture
- Social Work
- Music
- Architecture
Admission Averages by Program
Real admission average ranges for U of M programs, from most accessible to most competitive:
- Medicine (MD) — admission average: high 90s + MCAT + interview (Serves Manitoba and Northern communities, strong rural and Indigenous health focus.)
- Dentistry (DMD) — admission average: high 90s + DAT (One of Canada's 10 dental schools - extremely competitive.)
- Pharmacy (PharmD) — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (Strong program, good Manitoba health sector connections.)
- Nursing (BN) — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (Competitive, strong Winnipeg hospital clinical placements.)
- Civil Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Good infrastructure and construction sector connections.)
- Electrical Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Solid program with Manitoba Hydro and other utility connections.)
- Mechanical Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Good co-op outcomes in Manitoba manufacturing.)
- Computer Science — admission average: high 80s (Growing program, Winnipeg tech sector is expanding.)
- Law (JD) — admission average: LSAT + GPA dependent (Particularly strong for Indigenous law and natural resources law.)
- Architecture (MArch) — admission average: high 80s + portfolio (Portfolio required, well-regarded design program.)
- Agriculture & Food Sciences — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (One of Canada's leading agriculture programs - Prairies focus.)
- Social Work (BSW) — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Strong program with major Winnipeg community and Indigenous partnerships.)
- Music (Desautels Faculty) — admission average: Audition-based (Excellent conservatory-style program.)
- Kinesiology — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Strong sports science and rehabilitation pathway.)
- Psychology — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Large program, strong research infrastructure.)
- Education (BEd) — admission average: mid 80s (Large Manitoba teacher training program.)
Things to Know
- Winnipeg's low cost of living is genuinely one of the most affordable university experiences in Canada.
- U of M has strong Indigenous programs and community connections - meaningful for students interested in reconciliation work.
- The Faculty of Agriculture is one of Canada's best and often overlooked.
- Winters in Winnipeg are genuinely harsh - the underground tunnel system connecting buildings is a practical necessity.
Notable Alumni
- Marshall McLuhan
- Gabrielle Roy
- Neil Young (attended)