8 Things International Students Need To Know About Manitoba

Manitoba offers world-class education whose standards are acceptable globally. It prides itself on renowned scholars, state-of-the-art facilities, and tailor-made programs to incorporate all international students. In addition to this, it has a diverse economy with a very vibrant culture. On the other hand, the environment offers serene natural beauty and high living standards at affordable costs. One of the most interesting factors that excite every graduate is the city’s low unemployment rate, unlike other major cities in Canada.

Besides the low unemployment rate, here are 8 things international students should know about Manitoba.

1. Manitoba Weather

The province comprises of grasslands and hills. Due to this, it is very cold during the winter. Summer months, however, warm up to highs of between 22 and 38 degrees, especially in the southern part of the province. It experiences clear and sunny skies during spring.

2. Canadian Courtesy

The people of Canada are very courteous and reserved. They believe in firm handshakes and the use of polite terms like please, sorry, and thank you. They are very formal to visitors, and it is a good gesture to learn proper responses and polite gestures.

3. International Students Qualify for Scholarships in Manitoba

The different institutions in Manitoba offer scholarships in four different categories, which include:

Board of Governors Entrance
International Baccalaureate
Automatic Consideration/Advanced Placement
Scholarships through Applications

4. Study Visas Are Required

Visas and study permits are mandatory requirements for international students. On arrival, they issue resident permits, which are temporary. The temporary permits allow students to work only for a specific number of hours. It is advisable for students to apply for one early.

5. Degree Structure

The degree structure differs from one institution to another. This remains the case with the differences from one degree program to the other. Therefore, international students should acquaint themselves with the degree requirements of the specific degree program they plan to undertake.

6. Healthcare for Students in Manitoba

The health care of MB does not cover international students but most institutions have their health coverage in the tuition fees. Some institutions provide international students with health cards and a list of health care providers that accept the cards.

7. Immigration Programs for Graduates in Manitoba

Institutions in Manitoba offer direct pathways to permanent residence for its graduates through the International Education System (IES). Therefore, it is possible and advisable for the graduates to build their careers and homes in Manitoba.

The three pathways through which the graduates can get a fast nomination to permanent residence include:

Career Employment
Graduate Internship
The International Student Entrepreneur Pilot

1. Career employment

It provides a swift nomination pathway to secondary school graduates who get long term employment opportunities in Manitoba. This opportunity favors courses with in-demand and consistent employment. This pathway, however, does not favor graduate students from other provinces other than Manitoba.

It is not in vain for them (students from other provinces) because they can make their applications for nomination through the skilled worker stream of Manitoba and get a chance for nomination.

Minimum Requirements

Be a graduate from an institution in Manitoba with a course lasting not less than a year that comprises of two semesters. The course must be full time and graduated within three years.
Proficiency in an official language with a minimum of CLB/NCLC 7
Full-time job with at least a one-year contract during the assessment of your application
Be a resident and demonstrate a willingness to continue residing in MB during the time of application
Demonstrate financial resources which are fully independent for a period of half a year, which meet the LICO requirements

In the case of students changing employment or those who lost theirs, it is essential to inform the MPNP for reviewing in order to determine the best way out.

2. Graduate Internship

It provides a pathway for fast nomination to doctoral and master graduate students. This is through internships and their contribution to the innovation industry of MB. Graduates who have successfully gone through Mitacs Accelerate Internships are eligible to apply through MPNP regardless of their employment status.

Minimum Requirements

Attending an information session before expressing their interest to MPNP. Graduates with such interest should register for an information session through the immigratemanitoba@gov.mb.ca
Completed a doctoral or master degree in MB within the past three years
You don’t need to have a job during the application process
Be a resident and demonstrate willingness to continue residing in MB during the time of application
Demonstrate financial resources which are fully independent for a period of half a year, which meet the LICO requirements
Proficiency in an official language with a minimum of CLB/NCLC 7
Successfully completed an accelerate entrepreneur internship in addition to the accelerate and elevate internship

3. The International Student Entrepreneur Pilot

This pathway gives opportunities to 20 international graduate students to pursue entrepreneurship instead of employment. After the students meet all the requirements for their Business Performance Agreement, they qualify for the nomination of permanent residence.

Before candidates express their interest through email, they should register and go through the information session.

Minimum Requirements

A business plan with a senior managerial position held for more than six months prior to your application, and business ownership equity of more than 51 percent
Proficiency in an official language with a minimum of CLB/NCLC 7
Must be between the ages of 21 and 35
Possess a valid and open work permit or a post-graduate one
Reside and demonstrate intent to continue residing in Manitoba after the nomination
Demonstrate financial resources and liquid funds that are fully independent for a period of one year, which meets the LICO requirements.
Along with the application, you should have a report verifying your net worth and approved by a supplier, especially third party and MNPN respectively.

8. Lifestyle Tips

Manitoba is a peaceful province; hate crimes and discrimination cases are very rare. This makes it one of the safest provinces to live in for international students. Most people respect other people’s personal spaces, and they are very punctual. This enables most students to to feel welcomed instantly, as there is no discrimination or harassment on any grounds. , and Manitoba’s student residents are protective of individual rights.