Purpose of the Scholarship
The purpose of the Wildlife Research in Northern Manitoba and Canadian Central Arctic Scholarship is to provide financial assistance, based on the established criteria and academic performance, to support research students who are Canadian citizens, refugees, or permanent residents of Canada.
This scholarship was initiated by the late Dr. Roderick “Rick” Riewe (University of Manitoba), Dr. Jill Oakes (University of Manitoba), and Dr. Doug Schindler (Joro Consultants).
Funding Available
Scholarships are normally up to $5,000, with the final amount determined by the Canadian Wildlife Foundation based on the relevance and merit of the proposed research and the funding available in a given year.
Eligibility
This scholarship is offered to high school (Grades 11–12), undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students who are enrolled in a Manitoba-based educational institution.
Applicants must be Canadian citizens, refugees, or permanent residents.
Eligible applicants must be undertaking research or fieldwork related to wildlife, habitat, or ecosystem conservation in Northern Manitoba and/or the Canadian Central Arctic, including the Canadian Boreal Forest and Arctic environments.
High school students must be engaged in supervised wildlife-related fieldwork or research to be considered.
Former recipients are not eligible to re-apply.
Selection
Baseline Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, applicants must:
a. Submit a completed scholarship application within the required timeframe.
b. Be enrolled full-time in a Manitoba-based educational institution (high school, undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral program) during the academic year of the scholarship.
c. Be engaged in research or fieldwork that focuses on wildlife, habitat, or ecosystem conservation in Northern Manitoba and/or the Canadian Central Arctic.
Projects must demonstrate how they integrate Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, or community input relevant to the region and should, where appropriate, involve Indigenous participation in wildlife monitoring or research activities.
d. (If applicable for the education level) Have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 based on the most recent 60 credit hours (or equivalent) of completed study.
Prioritized Selection Criteria
If more eligible applicants apply than there are scholarships available, the selection committee will prioritize:
a. Students in their first year of a program over those in later years.
b. Students not part of a larger, externally funded research project.
c. Students in a master’s program over students in a doctoral program (where impact of funding is greatest).
d. High school students (Grades 11–12) who are involved in supervised wildlife-related fieldwork or research.
Application Process
A complete application includes:
- The online application form
- Reference reports (up to three)
- Official transcripts
All components must be received by the February 28, 2026 deadline.
Applicants will be notified of results by March 31, 2026.
At least one reference should come from a course instructor or research supervisor familiar with the applicant’s research experience.
Applicants are encouraged to order transcripts well in advance, as processing times may vary.
Applications will be assessed by a multi-disciplinary review committee. Technical language should be kept to a minimum to ensure accessibility to all reviewers.