University of Manitoba

Visiting your child at the University of Manitoba means flying into YWG (or a larger hub with an onward connection); Winnipeg is a small city where a local bus or short taxi reaches campus. Plan the Canada visitor visa well ahead.

Getting from YWG to campus

Visitor visa for parents

Indian parents need a Canada visitor visa (a Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV) - they are not eligible for the eTA that visa-exempt travellers use. It is filed online through the IRCC Secure Account (form IMM 5257), with biometrics required. Most TRVs are issued as multiple-entry visas valid up to 10 years (or until the passport expires), each visit up to 6 months.

• Processing only starts AFTER biometrics are given - add 1-2 weeks and book the biometrics appointment early.
• *Official IRCC times are dynamic; third-party trackers often cite 6-10 weeks, so apply at least 3 months ahead - Fall admits should submit by mid-May.
• A complete, well-documented file (strong home ties, travel history, clear funds and purpose) is the single best way to avoid delays and refusals.
• Super Visa (5-year stays) is only for parents of Canadian citizens or PRs - students are neither, so the standard visitor visa is the route for now.

Just admitted to the University of Manitoba? Here's your arrival checklist.

Arrival checklist

• Book your flight toward YWG (or a larger hub with a connection) early for the best August/September fares.
• Winnipeg is compact - a local transit bus or short taxi covers the airport-to-campus trip.
• Pack serious winter gear - Winnipeg winters are very cold; arrange first-week housing before arrival.
• Carry your study permit letter, proof of funds and acceptance letter in your cabin bag.

Winnipeg is one of Canada's most affordable student cities - about CAD 1,100-1,550 a month all-in sharing and cooking. The University of Manitoba draws a large Indian student community, and most students get a U-Pass for Winnipeg Transit. The main trade-off is the famously cold winter.

Monthly cost of living in Winnipeg (a student estimate)

That's roughly C$13,000-18,000 a year for living costs, on top of tuition.

Finding accommodation

Winnipeg students share houses and apartments near the University of Manitoba (Fort Garry) or downtown; rent is low.

• Most students get a U-Pass for Winnipeg Transit.
• Fort Garry puts you near U of M.
• Winters are very cold - serious winter gear and heating budget are a must.

Working part-time

On a study permit you can work off-campus up to 24 hours/week during academic terms (a permanent limit as of 2025) and full-time during scheduled breaks if you are full-time before and after. On-campus work has no set hourly cap. After graduating from an eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) - master's graduates can qualify for up to three years. Stay within the work limit: over-working can cost your status and PGWP eligibility.

Safety & student support

Winnipeg and its the University of Manitoba areas are generally safe by Canadian standards; use normal awareness at night.

• the University of Manitoba runs campus safety services (walk-home programs, alerts) - save the campus safety number.
• The campus and main student areas are busy and well-populated.
• Use normal awareness in the downtown core at night; campus areas are quiet.

Indian community & food

Winnipeg has a growing Indian community, with desi grocers across the city.

Indian grocery stores

• Indian and South Asian grocers across Winnipeg carry spices, lentils and staples.
• Mainstream Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills and Sobeys have international aisles.
• The large student community keeps everyday desi staples easy to find.

Student community

• The University of Manitoba has an active Indian/South Asian student association with Diwali and Holi.
• Winnipeg has Hindu temples and gurdwaras.

• A growing set of Indian restaurants across Winnipeg.

Cost & living figures for Winnipeg last verified Jun 2026. Figures are estimates and change over time.