Information for parents

Living and studying in Winnipeg means joining a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive community. Recognized as one of Canada’s most livable cities and a top destination for newcomers and families, Winnipeg offers an excellent environment for international students. The city has reliable emergency services, and the University of Manitoba campus is supported by dedicated security staff. At ICM, we also provide students with practical resources on safety and daily living, from avoiding scams to dressing for the weather, so parents can feel confident knowing their child is supported while further developing important life skills.

Canada’s education system is recognized worldwide for its high standards and quality. A credit system is used at ICM and the University of Manitoba, with the International Year One (UTP Stage II) program equaling 30 credit hours. Academic success is measured through a variety of assessments and graded on a 4.5 GPA scale. Beyond strong academics, Canadian universities emphasize critical thinking, research, collaboration, and communication skills, while also encouraging experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for future careers.

The University of Manitoba is the province’s flagship university and the oldest in Western Canada. Ranked among the top 18% of universities worldwide, it is a member of Canada’s prestigious U15 group of research-intensive institutions. Nobel Prize-winning scholars are among its alumni, and UM is recognized globally for research in areas such as human rights, social justice, water and food security, public health, and Arctic climate change. Your child will graduate from a respected institution known for academic excellence.

The International College of Manitoba (ICM) is designed specifically to support international students as they transition to studying in Canada. With smaller class sizes and teaching methods tailored to their needs, students receive more individual attention while earning the same course credits as University of Manitoba students through the International Year One (UTP Stage II) program. ICM provides extensive academic and personal support to help students succeed, and because they study on the UM campus, they enjoy access to the same facilities and resources as all UM students.

Parents should plan for their child’s living expenses in Winnipeg to be approximately C$16,000–18,000 per year, based on a student living in a homestay. Actual costs may vary depending on lifestyle and do not include major one-time purchases such as a laptop, furniture, or winter clothing. In addition, when applying for a study permit, students must show proof of funds of at least C$22,895, plus tuition and travel costs, to demonstrate financial sufficiency as required by the Government of Canada.

To secure your child’s place at ICM, a minimum deposit is required. Once the deposit is received, the Letter of Acceptance and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) will be issued. We recommend making this payment at least four to six months before the intake to allow enough time for the study permit process.

The minimum deposit covers a portion of the program tuition and fees, including the full first term. Scholarships are also available, including entrance scholarships and a family bursary for students with a sibling who has studied at a Navitas institution.

For future terms, tuition and fees are typically due about 4-6 weeks before enrolment, with payment deadlines and invoices shared directly with students by email, along with access to the Fee Calculator in order to generate an invoice.

Students have a range of accommodation options to suit their needs, including on-campus student residences and off-campus homestays. For younger students who require custodianship, this service is available through homestay providers, offering families peace of mind that their child will be well supported.

All ICM students are automatically enrolled in Manitoba Blue Cross health insurance each term. This coverage helps protect students by covering medical costs if they become ill or injured while studying in Winnipeg. Parents can find more details on the Medical coverage page.

Before your child begins their studies in Winnipeg, it’s important to establish a clear communication plan with them. Due to Canada’s privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, ICM is limited in what student information we can share with parents or any third party. This ensures your child’s privacy is protected while studying in Canada.