The University of Manitoba offers an excellent work-study program that provides financial assistance to students in the form of part-time employment on campus. This program allows eligible students to offset a portion of their educational costs through wages earned working at the University. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore all aspects of the University of Manitoba Work-Study Program including its purpose, history, eligibility requirements, application process, job opportunities available, program logistics and administration, and the benefits of participation.
Introduction to Work-Study Programs
Work-study programs refer to need-based financial aid where students are provided part-time jobs to help cover their post-secondary education costs. The wages earned allow students to pay for tuition, books, supplies, housing, and other expenses associated with achieving a degree. In addition to financial support, these on-campus jobs provide the added benefits of work experience, skills development, networking opportunities, and convenient scheduling around classes.
Work-study is commonly offered by colleges and universities through cooperation with governments that subsidize a percentage of the student wages and on-campus employers who provide the jobs. Work-study programs aim to promote accessibility and affordability of post-secondary education for financially disadvantaged students. They have a long history across North America as an essential form of financial assistance.
Overview of the University of Manitoba Work-Study Program
The University of Manitoba offers an extensive work-study program available to students in most undergraduate and graduate programs. It is one of the many financial aid programs administered by the university to fulfill its mission of providing educational opportunities and supporting student success.
The program has existed at the U of M for several decades, since at least the 1960s. It was established to fulfill two key goals:
- To provide financial assistance to academically promising students who otherwise could not afford the costs of university education. This promotes accessibility and diversity within the student population.
- To provide on-campus part-time employment opportunities that offer career-related work experience for students in an accommodating environment.
The program is primarily funded through subsidies provided by the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba. Additional funding is contributed by participating U of M employers to pay a portion of the student’s wages and administrative costs.
Hundreds of U of M students participate in work-study each year. Positions are available across the university in various departments, faculties, centers, and administrative offices. Students work up to 10 hours per week and earn at least minimum wage. The program serves as an excellent opportunity to help students fund their education while also gaining valuable workplace experience, training, and connections.
Eligibility Requirements
The University of Manitoba Work-Study Program has established criteria that students must meet to be eligible to participate. The requirements aim to direct the limited funding to students truly in financial need. The eligibility criteria include:
- Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
Must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at the U of M (some professional programs excluded)
Must not be receiving education funding from an employer or other sponsoring agency
Must be able to demonstrate financial need by submitting income documents and budget information
Full-time enrollment is defined as a minimum of 60% of a full course load. Financial need thresholds are determined based on the student’s debt load, expenses, and assessed ability to contribute to their education costs.
Application Process
- Complete the Work-Study intake process
- Attend a group orientation session
- Apply for Work-Study positions
Applying for Work-Study
Eligible students interested in the University of Manitoba’s work-study program must submit an application each academic year they wish to participate. Applications are available through the Financial Aid and Awards Office. There are two main steps to the application process:
1. Submit General Work-Study Program Application
- Provides contact, program, and citizenship information.
- Establishes eligibility based on enrollment and financial need
2. Apply for Work-Study Jobs
- View available jobs posted online and submit job applications.
- Successfully interview and obtain a work-study job offer
The general application enables the university to confirm the student meets basic eligibility criteria, while the job applications allow students to pursue suitable work-study employment. Applications are typically due in early spring for jobs in the upcoming academic year. However, some applications may be accepted later depending on funding availability.
Work-Study Employment Opportunities
The University of Manitoba offers a wide array of employment opportunities through the work-study program. Students can find job postings specifying job responsibilities, required qualifications and application processes online through the university’s job board. Positions are available across most U of M campuses and faculties. Typical work-study jobs include:
- Office administration – clerical work, data entry, customer service, event support.
- Research assistance – lab work, fieldwork, literature reviews.
- Academic assistance – tutors, exam invigilators, markers.
- Library support – circulation, shelving, computer lab monitors.
- Technical support – IT, media, AV equipment.
- Services – retail, food services, childcare assistants.
These positions provide valuable career experience related to student’s academic programs and career goals. Students will develop technical skills, communication abilities, problem-solving, time management, and other competencies. Work-study jobs can enhance students’ resumes and networks.
Administering the Work-Study Program
There are several key stakeholders who make the University of Manitoba’s work-study program possible and ensure its smooth administration:
- Government Funders – Provide wage subsidies
- Financial Aid & Awards Office – Coordinate overall program, determine eligibility, allocate funding
- Employing Departments – Recruit, interview, hire and supervise students
- Students – Apply for funding, search and apply for jobs
The Financial Aid Office handles most of the logistics in administering work-study funding and positions. They determine each student’s maximum allotment based on assessed financial need and available budget. This office also maintains partnerships with government funders and university employers to continue offering the program each year.
Once hired, students will work under regular employee-employer relationships with their department supervisor. They are paid an hourly wage on the normal payroll schedule. The only difference is the external wage subsidy that offsets the cost to employers.
Benefits of Work-Study Programs for Students
Participating in the University of Manitoba’s work-study program can provide a number of excellent benefits to students beyond the obvious financial assistance:
- Gain valuable work and career-related experience
- Develop professional skills and abilities
- Receive employment training and mentorship
- Build a network of professional contacts
- Conveniently accommodates class schedule
- Promotes time management and responsibility
- Less stressful than off-campus jobs
- Helps improve future employability
Work-study positions allow students to get a head start on building their resumes and skills before graduating. The jobs provide real workplace training and exposure within fields of interest. The program provides networking opportunities with professors, researchers, administrators, and others who can become strong references, mentors, and professional contacts. Overall, participating in work-study enriches the university experience and supports future career success.
Conclusion
The University of Manitoba’s Work-Study Program is an invaluable and well-established financial aid program benefiting many students each year. It provides critical income to support students facing financial barriers to pursuing post-secondary education. The experience also enables students to develop valuable employability skills, knowledge, and professional networks to help their future careers. The program reflects the U of M’s strong commitment to accessibility, student support, and community partnerships. Students are encouraged to explore and apply for this beneficial program.