5 Great Colleges to Go to in Winnipeg
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A great place to study, live, and work, Winnipeg is known to be a friendly place for students, with welcoming residents and lower-than-average rental and housing costs.
In this article, we round up some of the most popular college destinations in Winnipeg for future students and their parents to keep in mind.
How much does it typically cost to go to college in Winnipeg?
We clearly know that tuition depends on the degree and the academic load the students decide to undertake. However, to give you a general idea, in the tables below are some available averages for the colleges found in our list.
The fees refer only to tuition fees per term and don’t include any additional costs, such as housing, admission fees, material expenses, international student fees (as applicable), and other miscellaneous costs, unless otherwise indicated.
University of Winnipeg
Red River College (RRC) Polytechnic
University of Manitoba
Robertson College*
* Inclusive of textbooks and supplies
For students (local or international) who will be relocating to Winnipeg, below are some estimated annual living expenses, which need a budget of their own on top of tuition.
Reviewing the Most Popular Colleges in Winnipeg
In making this list, we evaluated our colleges and universities based on the following criteria:
1. University of Winnipeg
Our Rating:
| Program Diversity | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Quality of Education | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Faculty | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Scholarship Opportunities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Student Experience | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
If there is one noteworthy feature of the University of Winnipeg academic experience, it’s the small-sized classes. Most current students and alumni are quick to remember this, which tells us that they appreciate having more direct interaction with the professor and their classmates.
We think that this is to the students’ advantage, as they are able to maximise each session by engaging actively in dialogues and raising their questions and clarifications.
This is a rare scenario since a typical university class is packed to the brim, creating a culture where students simply come and go.
Students also have positive feedback about their professors, describing them as knowledgeable, approachable, and excellent.
We are impressed by this pleasant discovery, especially given the smaller teacher-to-student ratio. To us, this means that their comments come from a place of having interacted a lot with their educators.
We also like that the university was built and designed to create an atmosphere of learning, with great facilities. Students particularly enjoy the library, which comes packed with a wide range of resources that come in handy for written requirements and research work.
Program-wise, the University of Winnipeg welcomes students representing a wide range of interests, boasting five major undergraduate faculties: Arts, Business, Education, Kinesiology, and Science.
We also like that they have Professional, Applied, and Continuing Education (PACE), which opens doors for lifelong learners to pursue specific topics of interest without necessarily gunning for a degree.
While Winnipeg is known as a more affordable place to study, students find the university’s cafeteria food a bit too pricey. Parking can also be difficult.
However, this should be offset by its amazing location downtown, which puts them in close proximity to malls, dining establishments, and alternative parking.
The one major drawback mentioned by students is poor communication by student services. We hear that the administration is notoriously difficult to reach and sometimes fails to reply for days at a time.
We hope that they will address this concern, as this may discourage potential students from continuing to pursue their applications to the university.
Pros
- More affordable tuition fees than most
- Good range of academic programs
- Small-sized classes
- Great location – near shopping malls and restaurants
- Knowledgeable and supportive professors
- Good library with extensive resources
- Beautiful and complete facilities
Cons
- Expensive cafeteria and limited food options on campus
- Student services can be difficult to reach
- Not a lot of interesting campus activities and events
- Difficult parking
Student Reviews
“Having recently started my post-graduate program here there are few things which I found out are pretty amazing. First the location of the university is very good in terms of overall connectivity. Next the architecture and construction is simply superb. Coming to the facilities it has got everything including soccer field as well. There is a study area facility where one can sit and study in complete silence. Apart from that the staff and the professors are highly learned and knowledgeable and will help you understand anything and everything you want under their purview. University has a number of courses to offer. And they are the best when it comes to excellence.” –Vanessa Fernandes
“Small university, smaller classes, so it’s better for students interacting with professor s. My friend earned a Master of Science degree here. And he got a 40K job in Winnipeg. I would say the education here is good.” –Fred Liu
“I’m graduating this June, I took 4 years, 96 credits part-time. I had a lot of classes and a lot of professors. Of all the professors I had, only 2 were disappointing, they weren’t bad, just not up to the standard of all the others. I must say, 2 disappointing professors out of 32 is a damn good average!! Great school, great education. I’m going to PACE now, Professional and Applied Continuing Education, another division of the U of W. More great professors there. I also went to the counselors a few times, and they were very helpful as well. Only one complaint, the cafeteria is expensive for a university.
Overall Awesome University, awesome location, awesome services.” –M P
2. Herzing University
Our Rating:
| Program Diversity | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Quality of Education | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Faculty | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Scholarship Opportunities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Student Experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
The real stars of Herzing College are its faculty and staff – from instructors and tutors to administrators. We are impressed by how most of its students share how supportive their professors have been, and how approachable staff can be.
We also discovered that student advisors and staff go out of their way to sit down with students and explain their potential career trajectory based on the program they have chosen.
We think that this is an exceptional trait, as it shows how they want students to have a realistic and optimistic vision of what the future may hold in terms of work success.
One thing we love about Herzing is that they have both instructor-led and instructor-supported courses, the latter of which allows students to complete the program at their own pace.
We feel that this is a potentially great option for learners who do best when they manage their own time and can work well independently.
Students also praise the content and curriculum of their chosen programs, as each one is robustly packed with opportunities to apply theory to practice.
We believe that allowing classes to be more hands-on is necessary for a technical college, as skills development and application are the ultimate litmus test for any specialist.
Generally, this college seems to be one where students truly feel at home, with many citing a family-like environment as one of the institution’s core strengths. For students who value personal relationships and a close-knit community, this may be a great college of choice.
Granted, there aren’t a lot of scholarships available and the college itself may be physically difficult to locate. However, we think that the wonderful culture and student-educator relationships are worth the academic investment.
Pros
- Option to choose between instructor-led and instructor-supported courses
- Rich course content
- Friendly, approachable, and helpful staff
- Excellent communication
- Kind and supportive faculty
- Small and personalised classes
- Hands-on, skill-based programs
- Family-like environment
Cons
- Limited types of scholarships available
- Difficult to find, especially for first-timers
Student Reviews
“great place for anyone who would love to have a second degree or post secondary diploma!!! Instructors and student advisors specially Ace are always there for me! The module/courses are up-to-date on a real world scenario. I will totally recommend this institution in anyone in any age group” –Maranndieljo Guzman
“The employees are very helpful and supportive and make sure that you choose the right path for your educational journey. They provide good advice and explain their programs well.” –Allison Saunders
“The course that I took was Business Administration. A challenging course, but the faculty takes their time to help you understand, & provide insights from real world experience. The atmosphere was nothing but open & inviting. I would recommend this college to anyone who’s serious about their future!” –Ken R. Cowan
3. Red River College (RRC) Polytech
Our Rating:
| Program Diversity | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Quality of Education | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Faculty | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Scholarship Opportunities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Student Experience | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
A well-known center for research, it is of no surprise to us that RRC Polytech has an impressive plethora of courses and programs.
There are over a hundred full-time programs and also over a hundred part-time and online courses, which guarantee that there will always be a specialty for every future student to connect with.
We love that RRC Polytech employs practicum-based programming in its classes, which means students aren’t just seated listening to lectures. Their main goal is to help students learn from actual experience, whether it’s done in a research lab or in a skilled trade setting.
Future students will be happy to know that there is a wide range of financial aid available, from scholarships to bursaries. A quick scan of RRC Polytech’s financial aid program tells us that they’ve created many generous opportunities for students who may not have the means to continue on to college.
Students and alumni share how much they’ve learned from their experienced educators. Although there are a handful of reviews that mention a few professors who don’t teach well, we take these to be more of an exception than the norm.
Facility-wise, the campus is big and clean, though a bit old. Some students have reported getting lost due to the “maze-like” structure of the campus, but this should improve the more familiar they become with it throughout their stay.
Several students have also mentioned feeling overburdened by the typical course load, which they found challenging and heavy. For students who generally like a more laidback approach to academics, this may be difficult and result in an extended stay on campus.
There are also stories of unfriendly staff, especially when it comes to explaining academic requirements and providing counsel on academic timelines. Sadly, we haven’t seen any initiatives done by the college to improve on this aspect.
Despite these drawbacks, students set out to apply at RRC Polytech for its rich and robust course offerings. We think the range of academic options they have here makes the application worth their while.
Pros
- Provides great foundations for career success
- Extensive course offerings using a variety of delivery methods
- Convenient location
- Gernerally well-educated and experienced faculty
- Great range of scholarships, awards, and bursaries available
Cons
- Some incidents of racism reported
- Difficult workload and academic timeline
- Some unfriendly staff members
- Getting around the university can be confusing
Customer Reviews
“A great place to advance your education. The staff and instructors are all very nice people who want you to succeed as much as they get paid to teach.” –Mimi Jones
“I doubted the school before I was enrolled here. But RRC was a pleasant surprise. Coming from the University of Manitoba I had big expectations with activities, but the school does try. RRC has a Tim Hortons and pretty decent food for lunch breaks. Have a job out of my practicum, and really happy with my academic success. My program has great teachers/professors that will motivate you. RRC is very hands on (As I’m sure you’ve heard a ton.” –Nathan Correa
“The instructors are super awesome, always available to help out in anything I mean literally anything you want. Awesome study experience. Every department I contacted were the greatest.” –Emmanuel Nnam Deezua“
4. University of Manitoba
Our Rating:
| Program Diversity | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Quality of Education | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Faculty | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Scholarship Opportunities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Student Experience | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
One great thing that stands out to us when it comes to the University of Manitoba is the shockingly extensive lineup of scholarships and awards they offer. Numbering at 2,800 (yes, you read that right!), these awards target all kinds of students – from international students to indigenous peoples – which we absolutely love.
This university also boasts a great range of course offerings, with over 100 to choose from. This is coupled with a sound roster of friendly and supportive educators, which most students appreciate.
While there are some stories of students experiencing power-tripping with their professors, these are few and far in between. Most students share how their teachers are keen to set them up for success and are supportive of their academic journey.
Many people comment on how beautiful the campus is, with its sprawling grounds, historic architecture, and well-maintained facilities. A particular favorite for students is the immense number of study spots, which are available in different corners of the campus.
We think that these thoughtful inclusions in the design of the campus space are a great way to maintain a general atmosphere that is conducive to learning, even outside the classroom.
Another big plus for us is the university’s beefed-up security. With so many horror stories of students experiencing traumatic and dangerous situations on campus, it is assuring for us to know that they take safety seriously.
One recent incident that got the University of Manitoba a lot of flak was when they raised tuition fees during a shift to remote and distance learning. Students found this insensitive and selfish, and we can only hope that the administration has already been able to resolve this issue.
That being said, we think that this is still a great university option for most students, as it offers a diverse range of academic and career trajectories.
Pros
- Beautiful campus
- Great facilities for studying and eating
- Plenty of security
- Good selection of academic programs
- Friendly and knowledgeable faculty
- Lots of scholarship options
Cons
- Some incidents of power-tripping by professors
- Below-par execution of distance-learning and online programs
- Some issues with tuition fee increases while on remote studying
Customer Reviews
“U of M is the best. Profs treat you like equals and want you to succeed. Adequate places to study and go for a bite between classes. Plenty of security and police frequenting, so anyone who causes you or your classmate discomfort won’t live to tell about it. When applying for student housing at Pembina Hall, whatever you do try to get a river-facing dorm for the beautiful view.” –Dream Weaver
“Its one of the best universities in Canada with more than 3000 students , more than 10 falcultues that offer numerous courses..its is located in the heart of Winnipeg and its is very competitive but affordable …U of M as it popularly called is a beautiful place to study with more than 5 difference libraries within the school ..its achetectural work is splendid and it is has beautiful edifices” –yomi ugandare
“It is a great faculty with amazing resources, beautiful surrounding, peaceful study spots, remarkable staff and wonderful friendly people!” –Krupali Prajapati
5. Robertson College
Our Rating:
| Program Diversity | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Quality of Education | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Faculty | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Scholarship Opportunities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Student Experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Hybrid learning is at the heart of Robertson College, which we find progressive and exciting. Students who like variety will enjoy the mix of online and face-to-face classes, as this offers greater flexibility long-term.
Alumni and current students have nothing but high praises for the roster of instructors, all of whom are extremely experienced in their field of expertise and go out of their way to set up their students for success.
We also love that Robertson College offers lifelong career support for graduates through its Workforce Team.
To us, this is an extraordinary show of support for its students by journeying with them not only in their search for their first job, but even in identifying upskilling needs along the way.
Robertson is also one of the very few academic institutions that are praised for their efficient systems and processes, from enrollment to general communication.
We are impressed by students’ positive experiences with student services, as they took note of their simple and easy enrollment process. They also highlighted the way staff would go the extra mile to help them secure funding.
Given that they offer such a unique and memorable academic experience, we’re not surprised that many of its graduates come back for more learning opportunities.
We think that Robertson College is an excellent choice for lifelong learners, as they make it easy for people to thrive in their academic lives no matter their age or circumstances.
The only downsides are that there aren’t a lot of scholarships and bursaries to go around and that there aren’t a lot of programs to choose from. Also, there is the inevitability of having limited interactions with classmates, since some classes are just held online and led by the instructor.
That being said, we don’t think it takes away from the amazing experience to be had at Robertson. Students who are easily adaptable and can thrive studying both independently and with a group will actually appreciate the mix.
Pros
- Hybrid learning system
- Passionate educators
- Responsive and helpful administrative student services staff
- Easy and efficient enrollment process
- Great option for lifelong learners
- Assistance in securing financial aid
- Reasonably-priced courses
Cons
- Limited scholarships and bursaries available
- Limited programs available
- Little to no interaction with fellow students
Customer Reviews
“I have absolutely loved my time here at Robertson College Winnipeg. The educators are very passionate about teaching and I feel they genuinely care about their students.
Whenever I have had any questions for the learner experience team, they always message me back promptly to answer all my questions and are so helpful.
The enrolment process was made so easy by the Admissions team and they also assisted me with funding options.
I would feel confident recommending Robertson College to anyone!” –Tina Di Bartolo
“I currently take online classes through Robertson. I received ample course material, all my instructors have been amazing, and I have learnt so much. It was extremely easy to enroll as I was guided every step of the way, and I would highly recommend this college to anyone looking to advance their skills/knowledge.” –Heather S
“Robertson college is by far the best place I’ve been for school. They are very supportive & willing to go above and beyond to help you succeed. The student services, staff, and instructors are amazing people to work with and to help guide you through your academic needs. I will definitely recommend this place to anyone!
Thank you Robertson!” –Lil Simmer
FAQs on Going to Colleges in Winnipeg
And there you have it! Hopefully, we’ve minimised college canvassing time for you and have given you some great initial options to explore.
Meanwhile, for parents looking into schooling options for their younger kids, we also reviewed the best preschools in Winnipeg. Feel free to have a look and see if any of them match the desired academic experience you want for your child.