The University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship for World Leaders awards $3,500 to $5,000 CAD to international students demonstrating exceptional leadership and a minimum 80% academic average. According to the official University of Winnipeg Awards Office at uwinnipeg.ca, this scholarship is available to international students entering any of the University’s divisions for the first time: Undergraduate, Graduate, Collegiate, or PACE.
My name is Babatunde Oladepo, and I started NG Career after experiencing firsthand how difficult it is to find accurate scholarship information. Many websites still list this scholarship as offering “53 awards” based on outdated 2022 data. This guide provides verified information directly from the official University of Winnipeg website to help you apply correctly.
University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship Value and Number of Awards (2026-2027)
According to the official University of Winnipeg international students awards page at uwinnipeg.ca/awards/awards-bursaries-and-scholarships/international-students.html, the scholarship distribution for 2026-27 is:
| Division | Award Value | Number of Awards | Intake Terms | Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $5,000 CAD | 6 | Spring 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027 | February 15, 2026 (extended), June 1, 2026, October 1, 2026 |
| Graduate | $5,000 CAD | 3 | Fall 2026, Winter 2027 | June 1, 2026 |
| Collegiate | $3,500 CAD | 3 | Fall 2026 | June 1, 2026 |
| PACE | $3,500 CAD | 3 | Spring 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027 | March 1, 2026, June 1, 2026, October 1, 2026 |
Important notes from the official website:
- The President’s Scholarship for World Leaders cannot be held in conjunction with the International Special Entrance Scholarship
- Dates are subject to change to align with International Admissions deadlines
- Only graduate students starting in Fall or Winter are eligible
Does the University of Winnipeg Offer Full Scholarships to International Students?
No. The President’s Scholarship for World Leaders is a partial scholarship, not a fully funded award. According to the official University of Winnipeg website, the scholarship covers only a portion of tuition costs:
| Program Level | Scholarship Amount | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $5,000 CAD | Partial tuition coverage |
| Graduate | $5,000 CAD | Partial tuition coverage |
| Collegiate | $3,500 CAD | Partial tuition coverage |
| PACE | $3,500 CAD | Partial tuition coverage |
International students must budget for remaining tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and other costs.
For fully funded options, explore our guide on Canada scholarships for Nigerians 2026.
University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship Requirements
Academic Requirements
According to the official University of Winnipeg awards page at uwinnipeg.ca, candidates must have the equivalent of a Canadian 80% grade average, based on Grade 12 academic courses used for admission. UWinnipeg International Credential Evaluators will complete grade conversions.
For PACE applicants, assessment is based on post-secondary transcripts as applicable.
The equivalent in different grading systems:
| Country/System | Approximate Equivalent to 80% |
|---|---|
| US GPA (4.0 scale) | 3.0 to 3.3 |
| UK Classification | Upper Second Class (2:1) |
| Nigerian CGPA (5.0 scale) | 3.5 to 4.0 |
| Indian Percentage | 60-70% (varies by institution) |
| West African WASSCE | Mostly A’s and B’s |
Eligibility Criteria
According to the official University of Winnipeg website at uwinnipeg.ca/awards/awards-bursaries-and-scholarships/international-students.html, candidates must meet all of the following:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Student Status | Must be an international student |
| Program Year | Must be entering their first program at UWinnipeg |
| Academic Standing | Must have the equivalent of a Canadian 80% grade average |
| Leadership | Must demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities |
| Admission Status | Must have completed an admission application to UWinnipeg by the scholarship deadline |
| Registration | Must be registered and maintain full-time course load |
Who does not qualify:
- Pre-Masters students
- Qualifying Year students
- Students who have previously attended University of Winnipeg
- Students receiving the International Special Entrance Scholarship (cannot hold both)
According to the official graduate studies page at uwinnipeg.ca/graduate-studies/funding/presidents-scholarship-for-world-leaders-international.html: “Qualifying year or Pre-Masters students do not qualify.”
English Language Requirements
According to the University of Winnipeg admission requirements, applicants must meet one of the following English proficiency standards:
| Test | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall |
| TOEFL iBT | 86 (minimum 20 in each component) |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 |
| PTE Academic | 58 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency | 180 |
| CAEL | 60 (CAEL Online: 70) |
| UWinnipeg ELP | Successful completion of Academic Level 5 |
For guidance on English tests, see our comprehensive guide on IELTS vs TOEFL or check current IELTS and TOEFL fees in Nigeria.
University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship Deadline 2026-2027
According to the official University of Winnipeg awards page, deadlines vary by division and intake term:
Undergraduate Deadlines
| Intake Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | February 15, 2026 (extended) |
| Fall 2026 | June 1, 2026 |
| Winter 2027 | October 1, 2026 |
Graduate Deadline
| Intake Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall 2026, Winter 2027 | June 1, 2026 |
Note: According to the official website, only graduate students starting in Fall or Winter are eligible for this scholarship.
Collegiate Deadline
| Intake Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | June 1, 2026 |
PACE Deadlines
| Intake Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | March 1, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | June 1, 2026 |
| Winter 2027 | October 1, 2026 |
Important: According to the official University of Winnipeg website, dates are subject to change to align with International Admissions deadlines. Check the official website regularly for updates.
How to Apply for the University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship
Required Documents
According to the official University of Winnipeg scholarship application page at uwinnipeg.ca/awards/awards-bursaries-and-scholarships/international-students.html, you must submit:
- Personal Statement (translated to English if in another language)
- Resume/CV (translated to English if in another language)
- Two Reference Letters (from people who can speak to your extra-curricular/volunteer activities)
According to the graduate studies page at uwinnipeg.ca/graduate-studies/funding/presidents-scholarship-for-world-leaders-international.html, the personal statement should be 250-500 words.
Step-by-Step Application Process
According to the official University of Winnipeg awards page:
Step 1: Complete Admission Application
Complete an application for admission to The University of Winnipeg. Your UWinnipeg student number will be assigned once you start your application for admission.
Step 2: Note Your Student Number
According to the official website: “Only applications with valid student ID number will be reviewed.”
Step 3: Complete Scholarship Web Application
Complete the web application form through the Awards Office at uwinnipeg.ca/awards/apply-for-awards/presidents-scholarship-for-world-leaders.html
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
Include your personal statement, CV, and two reference letters. Ensure all documents are translated to English if originally in another language.
Critical warning from official website: “Incomplete admission packages will not be reviewed. Each applicant may only submit one application for the current cycle.”
According to the graduate studies page, applicants should submit completed applications to: awards@uwinnipeg.ca
For general scholarship application tips, see our guide on how to apply for scholarships.
What GPA Do You Need for the President’s Scholarship?
According to the official University of Winnipeg website, you need a minimum 80% admission average or equivalent based on Canadian grading standards.
The official website states: “Must have the equivalent of a Canadian 80% grade average, based on Grade 12 academic courses used for admission. UWinnipeg International Credential Evaluators will complete grade conversions.”
Understanding the 80% Requirement
| Your Grading System | Approximate Requirement |
|---|---|
| Percentage (100 scale) | 80% or higher |
| US GPA (4.0 scale) | 3.0 to 3.3 or higher |
| UK Honours | Upper Second Class (2:1) or higher |
| Nigerian Universities (5.0 CGPA) | 3.5 or higher |
| Nigerian Universities (4.0 CGPA) | 2.8 or higher |
| Indian Universities | First Class (60%+) from recognized institutions |
How Hard is it to Get the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders?
Based on verified data from the official University of Winnipeg website:
Competition Analysis
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Awards (2026-27) | 15 awards across all divisions |
| Undergraduate Awards | 6 |
| Graduate Awards | 3 |
| Collegiate Awards | 3 |
| PACE Awards | 3 |
| Academic Requirement | 80%+ average (competitive threshold) |
| Additional Requirement | Demonstrated leadership (subjective evaluation) |
Realistic Assessment
The President’s Scholarship for World Leaders is moderately competitive among Canadian scholarships for international students.
Your chances improve if you:
- Have grades significantly above the 80% minimum
- Document substantial leadership experience with specific examples
- Obtain strong reference letters that emphasize leadership and community involvement
- Write a compelling personal statement with concrete achievements
Can International Students Apply for the Presidential Scholarship?
Yes. According to the official University of Winnipeg website, this scholarship is exclusively designed for international students. The official eligibility states: “Must be an international student.”
Canadian citizens and permanent residents are not eligible for this particular scholarship.
Other University of Winnipeg Scholarships for International Students
According to the official University of Winnipeg awards page at uwinnipeg.ca/awards/awards-bursaries-and-scholarships/international-students.html:
International Special Entrance Scholarship (Automatic, No Application Required)
| Admission Average | Scholarship Value |
|---|---|
| 85.0-89.9% | $1,000 |
| 90.0-94.9% | $2,000 |
| 95.0%+ | $3,000 |
Important: According to the official website, “The International Special Entrance Scholarship cannot be held in conjunction with the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders. New international students with multiple UW award offers will receive one entrance award, whichever has the greatest value.”
Wu Chung Scholarship (Full Scholarship)
According to the official University of Winnipeg website, this scholarship covers:
- Full undergraduate tuition and fees for up to 4 calendar years
- Textbooks and course-related supplies
- UW Housing accommodation and monthly meal plan
- Reimbursement of up to $2,500 for air travel to Winnipeg
Eligibility: Restricted to residents of Huadu (Guangzhou region) or Hong Kong, China.
The President’s Distinguished Graduate Student Scholarship
According to uwinnipeg.ca/graduate-studies/funding/presidents-distinguished-gss.html, this is a separate scholarship for current and incoming graduate students based on academic achievement and research potential.
Note: This is different from the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders fully funded?
No. According to the official University of Winnipeg website, it provides $3,500 to $5,000 CAD toward tuition only. Students must cover remaining tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and other costs.
Can I combine this scholarship with other University of Winnipeg awards?
According to the official University of Winnipeg website: “The President’s Scholarship for World Leaders cannot be held in conjunction with the International Special Entrance Scholarship.”
Do I need IELTS for the President’s Scholarship?
Yes, English proficiency is required for admission and scholarship consideration. According to the official requirements: minimum IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 86 (with minimum 20 in each component), Duolingo 120, or PTE 58.
What if my grades are below 80%?
You will not qualify for this scholarship. However, you may still qualify for the International Special Entrance Scholarship if your grades are 85% or higher.
Can Pre-Masters students apply?
No. According to the official University of Winnipeg graduate studies page: “Qualifying year or Pre-Masters students do not qualify.”
How do I contact the Awards Office?
According to the official University of Winnipeg website:
- Awards and Communications Officer: Carolyn Garland
- Email: c.garland@uwinnipeg.ca
- Phone: 204.786.9093
- Office: 1RC203C
Writing Your Personal Statement (250-500 Words)
According to the official University of Winnipeg scholarship requirements, you must submit a personal statement of 250-500 words. Based on the scholarship criteria emphasizing “exceptional leadership qualities,” your statement should:
What to Include
- Specific leadership examples with measurable outcomes
- Community involvement and volunteer activities
- How you plan to contribute to the University of Winnipeg community
- Your academic and career goals
- Why University of Winnipeg specifically
What to Avoid
- Generic statements without specific examples
- Focusing only on academic achievements (leadership is the differentiator)
- Exceeding the 500-word limit
- Repeating information from your CV
For detailed guidance, see our article on how to write a scholarship essay.
Required Documents Checklist
Before submitting, verify you have:
- Completed University of Winnipeg admission application
- Received your UWinnipeg Student Number
- Completed scholarship web application form
- Personal statement (250-500 words, in English)
- Updated Resume/CV (in English)
- Two reference letters addressing leadership and volunteer activities
- English proficiency certificate
- All documents translated to English if originally in another language
For general document preparation, see our guide on documents needed for studying abroad.
Next Steps After Applying
- Monitor your email for communication from the Awards Office
- Complete your admission application if not already done
- Prepare for study permit application once accepted
- Research housing options in Winnipeg
- Budget for costs beyond the scholarship amount
For Canadian visa preparation, see our guides on Canada student visa for Nigerians and how to book a VFS Canada biometrics appointment.
Official Links
- Main Scholarship Page: uwinnipeg.ca/awards/awards-bursaries-and-scholarships/international-students.html
- Application Portal: uwinnipeg.ca/awards/apply-for-awards/presidents-scholarship-for-world-leaders.html
- Graduate Students Page: uwinnipeg.ca/graduate-studies/funding/presidents-scholarship-for-world-leaders-international.html
