Top 6 Reasons to Study in Winnipeg

Sometimes people ask, “why would I study in Winnipeg?” Of course those of us who’ve spent any amount of time here know the answer is easy: Winnipeg is the biggest small city you’ll live in. The city has a certain cool to it (and not just because of the cold, cold winters!). It’s a city full of arts and culture, festivals and entertainment, amazing city parks and nature on our doorstep and in any direction you go, major league sports teams, with family-friendly neighbourhoods, an affordable cost of living, and of course top-notch educational institutions.

#1: Bask in the spotlight

Big cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal draw the bulk of the interest of people near and far when they think of Canada, while Winnipeg has previously flown under the radar on the world stage.

“People are no longer asking where Winnipeg is; they’re talking about all the things that are happening here,” says Danya Spiring, President & CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg in their 2018 Annual Report.

But there is no shortage of accolades for Winnipeg. From being being featured on the cover of Time Magazine as one of the World’s Greatest Places in 2021, landing the title of the World’s Most Intelligent Community for 2021, and named Lonely Planet naming Manitoba the Top 10 Regions on its 2019 Best in Travel List.

Winnipeg (and the rest of our beautiful province) has been thrust into the spotlight. But the city in the heart of Canada is so much more than just a travel destination; Winnipeg is the ideal destination if you want to study in Canada.

#2: The IT factor

Winnipeg provides opportunities to succeed. We know success is important to those considering any form of tertiary education – whether it’s earning their first university experience, or pursuing a post-degree diploma to add the finishing touches to a longer educational journey, particularly for those considering studying abroad.

With a burgeoning IT sector, many small and medium sized ICT companies set up shop in Winnipeg, providing a wealth of opportunities to new graduates entering the IT workforce. And it’s not just the IT sector. Winnipeg’s labour market outlook is positive, with an economy that generated more than 11,200 net new jobs pre-pandemic and unemployment rates are already rebounding in 2021 after the effect of lockdowns in 2020. Business development support from Economic Development Winnipeg help five companies establish and expand operations in Winnipeg, which at maturity are estimated to add $17 million in new or retained annual payroll.

#3: Immigration pathways

The Manitoba provincial government offer incentives to attract international students, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs. The Provincial Nominee Program assists people with the skills needed in the local labour market, such as those learning in PACE’s industry-aligned programs, and interested making an immediate and ongoing contribution to the Manitoba economy and community in securing permanent residence visas.

Graduates of UWinnipeg are also able to take advantage of national policies in place to help smooth the transition from a study permit to a work permit for those graduates interested in staying in Winnipeg after completing their post graduate education.

As designated learning institutions, graduates from our post-degree diplomas are eligible for the post-graduation work permit, which is issued by the Government of Canada to graduates from designated learning institution who want to say in Canada and work after finishing their programs.

#4: Cost of living

Economic Development Winnipeg highlights a number of measures where Winnipeg scores well compared to other cities in Canada for affordability and economic prospects, all of which are good news for students and soon-to-be graduates entering the local workforce.

People considering studying in Canada's bigger cities have to budget much more to account for cost of living, while Winnipeg offers a distinct edge:

• Manitoba has among the lowest rental and housing costs in Canada, with average housing costs that are nearly 42% lower than the Canadian average.
• Outside of Quebec, Winnipeg has the lowest child care costs.
• In 2018, Winnipeg ranked 2nd in GDP growth out of 13 Canadian metropolitan cities.
• Winnipeg’s labour market outlook is positive, with the economy anticipated to generate more than 11,200 net new jobs in 2018-19.

Former student Violet Abdul agrees. She moved from Abudja, the federal capital of Nigeria in December 2019. Violet relocated to Winnipeg to pursue a Human Resource Management Diploma from UWinnipeg PACE.

“You will especially enjoy the cost of living in Winnipeg, it is very affordable,” says Violet. “As a student you can plan and live comfortably within a low budget,” says Violet, who moved here with her family, including three children between the ages of five and 11.

#5 Sense of community

At around 810,000 inhabitants, Winnipeg is a small city with a big town feeling, with attractive neighborhoods, boasting their own community vibes. We asked some of our current students what they love about Winnipeg.

“I like the warmth of the city,” says Violet. “Winnipeg has a moderate sized population so it’s not congested. Anytime you go out shopping or visiting a fun spot, you’re most likely going to run into someone you know. The residents are kind and polite, even to a fault.”

Project Management Diploma student Ramandeep Singh agrees. Originally from New Delhi, India, Ramandeep has also lived in London, UK, before moving to Winnipeg.

“What I like about Winnipeg is that is a relaxed city,” he says, who adds that the advantage of studying at a downtown campus means that he can live in the heart of the city and walk to school every day.

#6 Cultural hub

Winnipeg also has a lot of offer its residents when they’re not busy working or hitting the books for their programs of study. With festivals year round, you can experience Winnipeg’s distinct seasons while enjoying the rich cultural heritage and artistic talents of the citizens.

From the Festival du Voygeur celebrating Manitoba’s francophone roots and culture during the depths of the Manitoban winter in February, to the Winnipeg Folk Festival showcasing local and international musical talent under the baking summer sun of July, there is something for everyone. Manito Ahbee, Winnipeg Fringe Festival, Pride Winnipeg, Wall-to-Wall, and the Winnipeg International Soca Reggae Festival are just a few of the festivals you can expereince throughout the year.

What next?

For those thinking of studying in Canada, choosing to study at The University Winnipeg offers the best of all worlds.

Find out which full time program is right for you. With industry-aligned, hands-on diploma programs in high-growth fields through PACE, a downtown campus in the heart of Canada, exceptional teaching quality, and engaging student life activities in a world-class city, students can make the most of time both in and out of the classroom.

Top photo courtesy of Tourism Winnipeg.