Manitoba Budget 2025 includes increase to UM’s operating funding, capital investments in key infrastructure
Every dollar spent by the provincial government at UM generates a return of $4.10
The Manitoba government released its budget on March 20, which includes a 2 per cent increase to the University of Manitoba’s operating grant and allows for a 3.5 per cent increase in tuition for the 2025-26 academic year.
As Manitoba’s only medical-doctoral university, UM welcomes the province’s ongoing support for post-secondary education and its recognition of the university’s role in addressing provincial priorities, including health care and agricultural research.
The operating grant allocation also includes $2.3 million in continued support for critical health programs, including those that train nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical psychologists—helping to strengthen Manitoba’s health workforce.
“We appreciate the Manitoba government’s continued investment in the University of Manitoba,” says Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor. “This funding supports our ability to offer high-quality education, drive research innovation, and train the professionals our province needs now and in the future.”
The Province is also investing in key capital priorities for UM, including:
- $10 million to support the construction of a new building at Bannatyne Campus to accommodate the expansion of undergraduate medical education, helping to train more doctors in Manitoba. This is the second installment towards Manitoba’s $40 million commitment.
- $3.9 million for the Prairie Crops and Soils Research Facility, supporting critical agricultural research.
- $4.5 million to address deferred maintenance projects, ensuring campus infrastructure remains functional and sustainable.
The University of Manitoba generates $7.3 billion in total static and dynamic economic activity, with every provincial dollar invested at UM yielding a $4.10 return.
UM recognizes the fiscal challenges faced by the province and the broader uncertainties in Canada’s post-secondary sector. Sustainable and predictable investments in operations and infrastructure remain essential for UM to continue delivering exceptional learning experiences and groundbreaking research.
UM is currently reviewing the details of the provincial budget and will move forward with finalizing its 2025-26 budget, which will be presented to the Board of Governors in May and subsequently shared with the broader community.