International College of Manitoba (Navitas): University of Manitoba Pathway Fees & Guide

The International College of Manitoba (ICM) is the Navitas pathway college for the University of Manitoba, located on the university's Fort Garry campus in Winnipeg. It offers Foundation (University Transfer Program Stage I) and International Year One (Stage II), after which successful students progress into the second year at the University of Manitoba. ICM's fees are among the lower ones for Canadian pathway colleges. This guide covers official 2026/27 fees, living costs, and what to check.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: International College of Manitoba (ICM), a Navitas pathway college on the University of Manitoba's Fort Garry campus, Winnipeg
• 2026/27 International Year One (UTP Stage II): C$23,385 for 3 terms (30 credits at C$779.50 per credit)
• 2026/27 Foundation (UTP Stage I): C$21,620 for 2 terms
• 2026/27 Extended International Year One: C$34,195 for 4 terms; English Language (Mixed): C$7,024 for 1 term
• Compulsory fees: Student Services Fee C$127 a term; Sport and Recreation C$302.37 a year; medical insurance C$1,680 a year
• Living costs (ICM estimate, homestay): about C$16,000 to C$19,000 a year
• Included: tuition, orientation, student success advising, study skills workshops, and support tutorials

Rankings and reputation

ICM is a pathway college, so it is not ranked. The University of Manitoba, founded in 1877, is western Canada's oldest university and a member of the U15 group of research universities. Judge ICM on progression to your target programme.

Academics and signature programs

International Year One courses are university-level courses that transfer to the University of Manitoba, with streams in arts, business, science, engineering, and computer science. Successful students progress into second year, including faculties such as the Asper School of Business and the Price Faculty of Engineering. Ask about progression requirements for competitive programmes.

Admissions and international eligibility

Entry depends on school results and English, with lower requirements than direct university entry. After an offer, you need a study permit, and most new students also need a provincial attestation letter from the province where they will study.

English language requirements

• English entry is lower than for direct entry; check ICM's requirements
• An English Language (Mixed) term is available
• Progression requires meeting University of Manitoba standards
• Confirm scores before applying

Application checklist

A typical application includes school transcripts, English results, and passport details. Ask for the progression GPA for your target programme and for the refund policy before paying.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

ICM lists 2026/27 fees of C$23,385 for International Year One, C$21,620 for Foundation, C$34,195 for Extended International Year One, and C$7,024 for an English term. Add the Student Services Fee of C$127 a term, Sport and Recreation of C$302.37 a year, and medical insurance of C$1,680 a year. Fees exclude labs, prerequisites, and accommodation.

Estimated living costs

• Study-permit applicants must show funds for tuition, travel, and living costs, and the required amount is updated periodically
• International students can generally work a limited number of hours per week off campus during term under current rules
• Winters are cold, so budget for winter clothing
• Housing near campus can be limited, so arrange it early
• Public transit and student passes reduce commuting costs in most cities

Scholarships

Ask ICM about scholarships, and whether University of Manitoba awards apply after progression.

Campus life and student support

ICM is on the University of Manitoba's Fort Garry campus in south Winnipeg, with access to university libraries, athletics, and student life. Buses connect the campus with downtown.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Winnipeg's economy includes agriculture, manufacturing, aerospace, finance, insurance, and government. Manitoba has its own Provincial Nominee Program, which some graduates use for permanent residence. University of Manitoba degrees can lead to PGWP eligibility.

Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit

Graduates of eligible programs at designated learning institutions can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, whose length generally depends on the program length up to three years. Canada has tightened rules, including language requirements and, for some program types, field-of-study conditions, and it caps new study permits, so confirm the current rules with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and ask the institution whether your program qualifies.

How Navitas pathway colleges work

Navitas runs pathway colleges on or near partner university campuses. Students enrol with the college, take university-level courses taught to the university's standards, and progress into the university once they meet set grades. Fees are paid to the college during the pathway stage and to the university afterwards. Ask how credits transfer, whether you hold a university student card, and what happens if you narrowly miss the progression grade.

University of Manitoba in brief

The University of Manitoba is a large research university with strengths in agriculture, engineering, health sciences, business, and computer science. Its Fort Garry campus is home to most faculties, and its Bannatyne campus downtown hosts health sciences.

Living in Winnipeg

Winnipeg has some of the lowest living costs among Canadian cities, a lively arts scene, and very cold winters, often below minus 25 degrees Celsius. Warm clothing is essential. Buses serve the university.

Study permit and PGWP planning

Canada caps study permits and requires most new students to obtain a provincial attestation letter. Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility depends on your full programme and current IRCC rules, which change often. Keep your study permit valid, study full time, and check IRCC's website before enrolling and again before graduating.

A step-by-step checklist before paying

Confirm progression requirements for your target programme, check compulsory fees and insurance, budget for winter clothing, check provincial attestation rules, and read ICM's refund policy.

Questions for current students

If possible, speak with current ICM students about teaching, progression, homestays, and winter life. Their experience can help you judge whether it suits you and what to budget for in the first year.

Mistakes to avoid

Applicants sometimes underestimate Winnipeg's winters or assume progression to competitive programmes is automatic. Plan for both.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

International students need health coverage, which may be through a provincial plan after a waiting period or a university plan, so ask what applies. Budget for the study permit fee, flights, winter clothing, and a housing deposit, and arrange housing early.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, registration, and adapting to Canadian classroom culture, which values participation and regular assignments. Students who use tutoring, writing support, and co-op advising early tend to settle faster.

A realistic budget

At about C$23,385 in tuition plus about C$2,400 in compulsory fees and insurance and C$16,000 to C$19,000 in living costs, the first year could cost about C$42,000 to C$45,000.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What GPA do I need to progress, and into which programmes?
• Is progression guaranteed or competitive for my target major?
• What are the total fees including compulsory term fees?
• Do I need a provincial attestation letter?
• What housing options are available?
• How do college courses transfer to the university?

Who ICM suits best

ICM suits students who want an affordable, supported route into University of Manitoba degrees and do not meet direct entry. It may suit less well students who want a warmer climate or a larger city.

ICM compared with other Canadian pathway colleges

Pathway colleges in Toronto and Vancouver charge much higher fees. ICM's lower tuition and Winnipeg's lower living costs make it one of the more affordable options. Compare cost, progression, and location.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your program and confirm entry requirements.
2. Check the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts and passport details.
4. Accept your offer and obtain the documents needed for your study permit.
5. Apply for your study permit and arrange insurance.
6. Book housing and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified transcripts, English results, and proof of funds, and start the study-permit process early because processing times vary. Keep written confirmation of fees and scholarships.

Building a realistic budget

Budget for tuition, compulsory fees, the C$1,680 medical insurance, homestay or rent, transit, food, books, and winter clothing. Winnipeg's lower costs help, but keep a buffer for the first months.

Key takeaway

ICM offers one of Canada's most affordable pathway routes into a major research university. Confirm progression requirements and plan for winter.

Planning your arrival

Arrive before orientation, buy winter clothing early, set up a bank account and phone, and get a transit pass.

Frequently asked questions