A northern Manitoba public university committed to Indigenous and northern learners, offering programs close to home across the region.
University College of the North (UCN) is a public university serving northern Manitoba, with its main campus in The Pas and a second campus in Thompson. It was created in 2004 and became a university in 2020, building on decades of northern post-secondary education.
UCN is known for its commitment to Indigenous education and for delivering programs in regional centres so that students can study without leaving their home communities. Class sizes are small, and many students are mature learners and first-generation students.
The university offers degrees, diplomas, certificates and trades programs, with particular strength in teacher education, nursing, social work, and Indigenous and northern studies.
Estimated tuition in CA$, 2026-2027
Students apply for student aid through the program of the province they live in. A provincial application also covers the federal Canada Student Grants and Loans.
UCN offers its own entrance awards, bursaries and in-course scholarships, many aimed at Indigenous and northern students.
Tuition for 2026-27 from the school’s own published fees, for a typical first-year arts program, rounded. Ancillary fees, books and housing are extra. Figures the school does not publish as one amount are estimates. Confirm the current figure on University College of the North’s fee page.
Ask University College of the North about its entrance scholarships and bursaries.
Scholarship names and amounts are estimates and change every year; confirm them with University College of the North.
Applications to University College of the North go through University College of the North’s own application.
Applicants usually need a high school diploma with required courses for their program, and some programs have additional requirements such as interviews, checks or prerequisites. Mature students may be admitted on other grounds.
Apply through University College of the North's own online application, and submit transcripts and any program-specific documents.
The admission average and deadline are estimates; confirm them with University College of the North.
The Pas is a small northern city on the Saskatchewan River, surrounded by boreal forest and lakes. The main campus is compact and close to the community, with a strong sense of connection to Cree and Métis cultures.
Student life is close-knit, with a welcoming atmosphere and strong support for Indigenous students. Activities centre on cultural events, community engagement and the outdoors.
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the school’s official website.