Frequently Asked Questions

How many funded public institutions are there in Manitoba?
What is the average arts and sciences tuition at Manitoba universities?
What is the average tuition at Manitoba colleges?
Does COPSE formally recognize post-secondary programs and institutions?
Can I appeal to COPSE if I have a problem with the university or college I am attending?
Does COPSE accredit institutions and/or academic programs?
Who has the authority to grant degrees in Manitoba?
How can I apply to the Access Program?
How can I be funded to go to school?
How can my special program be funded?
If I am not happy with a decision that one of the institutions made about me/my child, or fees charged by the institutions, what can I do? Will the Council intervene on my behalf?
Where can I get information on the College Expansion Initiative (CEI)?
What is the Co-operative Education Tax Credit Programs?
What is a "degree mill' or a "diploma mill"?

1. How many funded public institutions are there in Manitoba?

There are 4 universities (the University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg, Brandon University, and the Collège Universitaire de Saint-Boniface, which includes École technique et professionnelle). In addition, there are 2 colleges (Red River College, Assiniboine Community College) and a university college (University College of the North).

2. What is the average arts and sciences tuition for Manitoba universities?

$2,943 is an average of all Manitoba universities. However, tuition fees change based on program and level. There will be no tuition increase for 2008/09 however tuition is expected to be lifted in 2009/10.

3. What is the average tuition for Manitoba colleges?

Because of the wide variation of tuition fees for college programs, an average cannot be measured accurately. Please contact the colleges directly for tuition fee information.

4. Does COPSE formally recognize post-secondary programs and institutions?

The phrase "a recognized post-secondary institution" is used by some post-secondary institutions to convey legitimacy. Post-secondary institutions in Manitoba legally incorporated to operate in this province, be it through public or private legislation (often called a "Charter"), articles of incorporation, letters patent or any other incorporating vehicle, have often defined themselves as being “recognized” by government. The term "recognition" or "recognized institution" insofar as it is used to refer to a post-secondary institution in Manitoba has no technical definition, nor is there any "recognition process" for post-secondary institutions in Manitoba. Any meaning or status inferred by an institution designating itself as “recognized” is inferred by that institution alone.

While recognition is not defined in Manitoba, practice across Canada provides some insight into the meaning of the term. The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) identifies a “recognized” post-secondary institution as any institution that has been given the authority to grant academic credentials by their provincial or territorial government through charters or legislation that ensures or enables mechanisms for institutional and program quality. In accordance with this definition, the CICIC lists recognized institutions in Canadian jurisdictions. The list of institutions qualifying under the CICIC’s definition of recognition, provided by the Government of Manitoba to CICIC, can be found here.

It also should be noted that the Province of Manitoba may acknowledge preferred status of a post-secondary institution or program through mechanisms such as:

Program approval* and funding** by the Council on Post-Secondary Education
Designation for purposes of the Manitoba Student Loan Program by the Manitoba Student Aid Branch
Accreditation under The Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act for particular
college trades training programs for credit towards an Apprenticeship program, and delivery of Apprenticeship courses funded by the Apprenticeship Branch
Ministerial approval of teacher education programs leading to certification as a teacher in Manitoba
Provision of degree-granting authority in accordance with The Degree Granitng Act.
Registration of private vocational institutions with the Private Vocational Institutions Branch

Canada Revenue Agency, a federal government agency, also 'recognizes' institutions for tuition tax credit purposes.

Institutions which have received acknowledgement in any of the manners stated above are acknowledged only insofar as required or allowed by that particular process. No additional status should be presumed.

Potential students are encouraged to inform themselves about the quality of the educational programming offered by any post-secondary institution they may consider attending. Additional information about programs and institutions in Manitoba can be found on COPSE’s website, or at the CICIC website, noted above.

Notes:
* COPSE approves new or significantly modified academic programs (not including Apprenticeship) submitted by a college or university listed in Section 1 of The Council on Post-Secondary Education Act. The Council does not approve new or modified programs for those institutions not listed in this Section. Program approval does not imply accreditation, but instead grants permission for the institution to expend public funding, often provided by COPSE at the time of approval, for the program in question.

** Institutions that receive funding are acknowledged as providing quality educational services deemed to be of particular benefit to the public. Note that not all institutions receive the same level of funding. Institutions which receive public funding through the Council on Post-Secondary Education include:

Public Universities	Public Colleges	University College	Private Institutions	Other Institutions
University of Manitoba	Red River College	University College of the North	Canadian Mennonite University	Winnipeg Technical College
University of Winnipeg	Assiniboine Community College		Providence College and Seminary
Brandon University	École technique et professionnelle		William & Catherine Booth College
Collège Universitaire de Saint-Boniface			Steinbach Bible College

5. Can I appeal to COPSE if I have a problem with the university or college I am attending?

COPSE has no jurisdiction over student appeals. Council is restricted in its ability to interfere with the internal affairs of a post-secondary institution. The Council on Post-Secondary Education Act, Section 3(2) states that, "in carrying out its mandate, the council may not interfere with:

(a) the basic right of a university or college to formulate academic policies and standards;
(b) the independence of a university or college in fixing standards of admission and of graduation; or (c) the independence of a university or college in the appointment of staff."

Students who have concerns about their academic program or study, applications, or other concerns should first explore all avenues within their institution. This includes the use of student advocates, ombudsmen, student associations, university senate appeal processes, etc.

It would be inappropriate for COPSE or the government to involve itself in the internal affairs of an institution as it relates to an individual student. Often, these considerations are either specific to an academic discipline, or are subject to rules and regulations set out by the institution itself. Institutions are autonomous entities that must be allowed to govern themselves.

6. Does COPSE accredit institutions and/or academic programs?

No, COPSE does not accredit institutions or programs. COPSE does approve new or significantly modified academic programs submitted by a college or university in accordance with the Council on Post-Secondary Education Act. Note that program approval does not imply accreditation.

If a program requires accreditation, (excluding Apprenticeship) it is the responsibility of the institution offering the program to ensure that the program complies with the requirements of the accrediting body, be that a professional association or other entity.

Through the Apprenticeship Branch and under the authority of The Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act, Manitoba approves college trades training programs where the colleges’ programs meet or exceed the technical training requirements for apprenticeable trades in Manitoba, as set by the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Board.

No institution should claim that it is accredited by the Government of Manitoba or COPSE.

7. Who has the authority to grant degrees in Manitoba?

In Manitoba, only those universities, colleges and other entities that are granted degree granting authority through their respective legislation, or are listed in The Degree Granting Act are able to grant degrees in Manitoba. Community colleges have the authority to grant certificates and diplomas, including advanced diplomas by virtue of The Colleges Act. Community colleges cannot offer degrees. Registered private vocational schools are governed by legislation, and are not permitted to grant degrees.

The Degree Granting Act is not a quality assurance process. In this regard, the reputation of the institution in question and the acceptance of its degrees by employers and by other post-secondary institutions are important markers of quality in a private post-secondary institution. Potential students are advised to research carefully their choices in private post-secondary institutions. The age of the institution, its affiliations with other schools, reputation and legislative/corporate status are important considerations when selecting a school. Additional information about programs and institutions in Manitoba is available online.

8. How can I apply to the Access Program?

The Council on Post-Secondary Education does not take applications for Access; it funds the institutions that offer the programs. Each institution has specific criteria for the Access program(s) that they offer, and it is best to discuss this with them. Access programs are offered at the University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg, Brandon University, Red River College and University College of the North.

9. Where can I apply for funding to go to school?

The Council on Post-Secondary Education provides funding to post-secondary education institutions to offer programming; it does not provide grants or loans to individual students. However, students can apply for government funding through the Manitoba Student Aid Program. You can contact the Student Aid Branch at 945-6321 for more information or you can access their online application directly through their website.

10. How can my special program be funded?

The Council provides funding to post secondary institutions directly for programs that have been approved. Funding is not provided on a program by program basis, nor is it provided to programs offered by other educational deliverers.

11. If I am not happy with a decision that one of the institutions made about me/my child, or fees charged by the institutions, what can I do? Will the Council intervene on my behalf?

The Council is not legislated to intervene in academic or financial matters. All institutions have appeal mechanisms that can be used in this event.

12. Where can I get information on the College Expansion Initiative (CEI)?

Information on CEI is available online.

13. What is the Co-operative Education and Apprenticeship Tax Credit (CEATC)?

For questions regarding the Co-operative Education and Apprenticeship Tax Credit Program which include the Co-operative Education Tax Credit, the Co-operative Graduates Hiring Incentive and the Journeypersons Hiring Incentive, please see our link to the CEATC.

If you require additional information, please feel free to contact us.

14. What is a "degree Mill" or a "diploma mill"?

The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) provides information about these types of institutions. Please see http://www.cicic.ca/708/degree-mills.canada.

Potential students should consider carefully before enrolling in any post-secondary institution that offers a degree or other credential with no requirements for course of other academic work.

COPSE does not maintain a list of degree mills or diploma mills.