Frequently asked questions

The International College of Manitoba (ICM) is your pathway to a degree at the University of Manitoba (UM). ICM provides international students with the support and guidance they need to begin degree studies in a tailored learning environment. ICM also provides resources and advice for students as they embark on a new life in Canada.

ICM offers a Foundation Program or UTP (University Transfer Program) Stage I, and International Year One or UTP (University Transfer Program) Stage II:

1. Foundation Program (UTP Stage I): This is a foundation or pre-university studies program that acts as a bridge between secondary school and university-level studies. ICM offers a wide range of Foundation (UTP Stage I) courses designed to prepare you for your International Year One (UTP Stage II) program and beyond. A variety of subjects from science, arts, and business disciplines are offered at the Foundation (UTP Stage I) level.
2. International Year One (UTP Stage II): This is equivalent to the first-year university program at UM. When completed successfully, and if you satisfy university admission requirements and deadlines, and achieve the specified minimum GPA, you will be eligible to transfer to the second year of your degree at the University of Manitoba. Admission to some degree programs will be on a competitive basis and subject to quotas. Students in International Year One (UTP Stage II) will have access to a variety of first year courses that are counted towards the student’s first year of studies at UM. This means that a course taken at ICM is moderated by UM and is of equivalent value for content, objectives, assessment, and credit hours.

ICM is located on the University of Manitoba campus in the vibrant city of Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada. Winnipeg is situated at the heart of the North American continent and is home to a wonderful multicultural community of over 800,000 people. The city plays a prominent role in transportation, finance, manufacturing, agriculture and education. The Province of Manitoba is known for its more than 100,000 lakes, beautiful landscapes, and stunning prairie sunsets.

Absolutely! ICM students can use UM services and facilities, including the library, computer labs and recreation facilities.

Yes! The courses are the same level as those for the relevant first-year undergraduate programs offered by the University of Manitoba and are moderated by the university.

The advantages for students are many. You can be admitted to ICM if you don’t meet either the English and/or academic requirements of the University of Manitoba. Classes are smaller than the usual university lecture size, approx. 30-35 students per class. You will have longer class hours which allows more time to understand the course content and you have regular access to instructors. Additionally, you receive extensive academic and personal support, not only for studies, but to help you adjust to living in Canada as well.

The foundation program, Foundation (UTP Stage I), is an eight-month program with two terms. You can begin your studies in January, May or September. Upon successfully completing Foundation (UTP Stage I), you can move on to the first-year university program, International Year One (UTP Stage II).

The International Year One (UTP Stage II) program is the equivalent to first year of a degree program and can be completed in three terms, or one year. You can begin your studies in January, May or September. Upon successfully completing International Year One (UTP Stage II) and meeting the university’s transfer requirements, you will apply to transfer to the second year of a University of Manitoba program.

Students at ICM hail from more than 80 countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Russia, Turkey and China.

All ICM students must study full-time.

There are many avenues of help and support throughout your terms at ICM. If you are having difficulty in a course, you can contact your instructor and organize a time to meet or reach out to a Student Success Advisor. Student Success Advisors are also available to help with many areas of your studies and your life at ICM.

Once you successfully complete the second stage of ICM’s International Year One (UTP Stage II) and fulfilled UM’s transfer requirements including a minimum of 30 credit hours, you can apply to the second year of your UM program as an advanced entry student.

Class teachings may consist of lectures, workshops, computer laboratory sessions and/or interactive activities. There is variation in this structure according to the nature of the individual instructor, the course content and specific requirements.

ICM classes vary between two to four hours in length and are offered at various times during the day between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Four courses are the maximum any student can take in one term. Three courses a term is the requirement. Students who complete the Pre-Arrival Success Strategies course with a specific score and/or students who excel in courses in their ICM studies may be eligible to take a maximum of five courses in a term.

No. Because of the flexible nature of the program, it is possible to take new courses while retaking those you have failed (in cases where the failed courses are required ones for the student’s chosen program). Alternatively, students may decide to consider different programs where they don’t have to repeat failed courses while having completed courses work towards their new program requirements. As three terms of study can be completed in one calendar year, students who fail one or more units can get back on track without loss of time.

There are three intakes per year – January, May, and September.

You can apply to ICM by completing the application form on the ICM website.

You will receive an offer from ICM one-to-two business days after you submit a complete application including the required academic documents.

A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is required for most Canadian study permit applications. You can learn more about the PAL and who requires one on the Government of Canada’s website. 

Along with your Letter of Offer, you’ll receive an Acceptance of Offer Form and invoice for your minimum deposit. Once your signed Acceptance of Offer Form and payment have been received, you will be sent your Letter of Acceptance, PAL, and payment receipt electronically. The Admissions team will notify you if any additional documents are required for your PAL nomination.

Not at ICM. Once you have transferred to your second year at the University of Manitoba, you can apply for credit for prior learning, which includes formal study, but not before.

Entry requirements are course-specific and country-specific. Learn more.

Payments are made in Canadian dollars to the International College of Manitoba and can be made using the Flywire payment portal. Flywire offers various payment methods, including bank transfers and online credit card payments. ICM does not accept cash payments. Learn more.

Payments should be made to the International College of Manitoba directly using ICM’s Flywire payment portal. We strongly discourage you from paying your tuition deposit to an educational agent or other third party.

Yes! Visit our website for more information.

Students enroled with ICM have medical insurance provided by a third-party provider included as part of their fees.

Attendance at Orientation is mandatory. This is when you will receive important ICM information, get information about your new campus, and learn about the many services available to you as an ICM student. It is also an excellent opportunity to make your first group of friends.

Please notify ICM immediately if you cannot attend Orientation. Students who do not receive their visa in time for Orientation may need to defer their intake to the following term.

Once you successfully complete International Year One (UTP Stage II), if you satisfy university admission requirements and deadlines and achieve the specified minimum GPA for admission, you’ll be eligible to apply for transfer and progress to the second year of your degree at the University of Manitoba. Admission to some degree programs will be on a competitive basis and subject to quotas. Meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee admission.

Students who meet the International Year One (UTP Stage II) completion requirements but who do not meet the admissions requirements and competitive GPA of some degree programs will be eligible to apply to either the Faculty of Arts or the Faculty of Science, subject to UM’s admissions regulations.

For more information, visit the UM website.