The University of Winnipeg (UW) received its charter in 1967 but its roots date back more than 145 years. The university has a student population nearing 10,000 coming from over 94 countries. UW has a strong campus community and is known for its small class sizes with an estimated student-to-professor ratio of 25:1. It has a strong commitment to the environment and Indigenous inclusion.
Winnipeg is the 7th largest city in Canada and the capital city of the province of Manitoba. It has been ranked in the top three best large Canadian cities to live in and listed as one of the World’s Greatest Places of 2021 by Time Magazine. It has also been named one of the best places to visit by National Geographic Travel.
UWinnipeg has open green spaces, a rich array of arts and cultural activities, fitness facilities, and student groups. The campus’s vibrant downtown location allows students to advance their education while being only steps away from exciting nightlife, galleries, museums, global cuisine and shopping, as well as being close to green spaces, bike paths, and walkways.
More than just city life, the area offers the best of the great outdoors. Find yourself relaxing along miles of white sandy shoreline at Grand Beach, rated one of the best beaches in North America, take in scenic landscapes, enjoy wildlife in Canada’s largest urban forest or get moving on the endless biking and hiking trails.
Being the cultural cradle of Canada, there are many festivals that take place throughout the year in Winnipeg, including the Fringe Festival, International Jazz Festival, Festival du Voyageur and more. The US Border is a short 1.5 hour road trip away.
Programmes of study
Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at the University of Winnipeg.
The University of Winnipeg has a large range of undergraduate degree areas including Business and Administration, Criminal Justice, Theatre and Film, History, Psychology and Political Science. Full details of the programmes on offer can be found on the UW website.
Learn more about campus activities and events
The UWSA (Student’s Association) have 52 student groups categorised into the following, academic/faculty, humanitarian, recreational and religious/spiritual. There is something for everyone and joining a student group is a great way to get to meet other students. They also organise other events on campus and for occasions such as Asian heritage month and Black History month and provide services such as the Bike Lab, dayplanners, and Soma Café.
The university has a strong Arts and Culture commitment, fostered through its academic departments as well as galleries, performance groups and student organisations. UWinnipeg proudly partners with other arts initiatives and organizations to contribute and enhance the creative and cultural vibrancy of the urban campus and city.
The Duckworth Centre and Axworthy Health & RecPlex house the university recreational programming, health and wellness, fitness and sports. The Bill Wedlake Fitness Centre is also available to access, with cardio equipment, weight machines and free weights, indoor walking/running track, Racquetball/Squash/Handball courts and more. There are a range of activities available for students on a drop-in basis.
The university offers fun events throughout the year including weekly coffee chats, cultural and holiday celebrations, picnics, and sports tournaments. It is also possible to be matched with a student mentor who can help with integrating into life at UW. More information about the student experience can be found here.
Travel & accommodation
Visas & insurance
Costs
Living costs in Canada tend to be higher than those in the UK. We recommend that you do further independent research to gain a better understanding of the cost of your year abroad. To help you, we have created a simple cost comparison between the UK and Canada: