The University of Manitoba's Master of Physician Assistant Studies is a full-time, in-person graduate program in Winnipeg. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, hold or be completing a four-year bachelor's degree, meet the GPA and course prerequisites, and complete Casper. Selected candidates attend an in-person MMI, panel interview and written essay.
- Program
- Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
- Credential
- MPAS
- Location
- Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Casper
- Required
- Next deadline
- January 15, 2027 (Application, fee and supporting documents)
- Interview
- Interview
- Length
- Two-year, full-time, in-person program; the graduate admissions page lists an expected duration of 25 months
Casper Requirement for University of Manitoba Physician Assistant
University of Manitoba Physician Assistant requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Languages
- English
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Casper is required. Check Acuity Insights for MPAS-eligible sittings and score-distribution deadlines.
Casper format
Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test run by Acuity Insights. The current format has 11 scenarios (4 video-response and 7 typed-response) with 2 questions each and takes about 65 to 85 minutes, including optional breaks. Typed-response scenarios allow 3.5 minutes to answer both questions.
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University of Manitoba Physician Assistant Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- University of Manitoba Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies online application portal
- Applications open
- Spring; exact date not published
- Application fee
- CAD $125 non-refundable for an eligible domestic applicant: $100 graduate application fee plus $25 MPAS supplementary application fee
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Application, fee and supporting documents | January 15, 2027upcoming |
Upload supporting documents and request both recommendations through the application by the deadline. Admitted applicants must arrange for official transcripts to reach Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies within one month of the admission letter.
Eligibility Requirements for University of Manitoba Physician Assistant
- Degree / credits
Four-year bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university; students in their final year may apply but must complete the degree before the program starts
- Residency
When candidates are equally qualified, preference goes first to Manitoba residents, then rural applicants, then out-of-province applicants.
- Citizenship
Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada only
- Language proficiency
Applicants who need an English-language test must provide IELTS scores of at least 7.0 in every band; other English-language tests are not accepted. Scores older than two years are invalid.
Strategic applicants verify all course equivalencies early through the Faculty of Graduate Studies portal. Confirm eligibility for College of Physicians and Surgeons registration post-graduation.
Other requirements
- Educational Register eligibility: Accepted students must be eligible for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba Educational Register on enrolment.
- Application self-declaration: Read and acknowledge the adult criminal record and child abuse registry self-declaration in the online application.
- Checks and immunizations after acceptance: Complete criminal record, adult and child abuse checks and required immunizations.
Selection Factors University of Manitoba Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Human Anatomy | At least 3 credit hours Required |
| Human Physiology | At least 3 credit hours Required |
| Biochemistry | At least 3 credit hours Required |
| Microbiology | At least 3 credit hours Asset course |
| Psychology | At least 3 credit hours Asset course |
GPA
- How it is calculated
GPA in the most recent 60 credit hours of study, whether completed full-time or part-time
- Minimum
- 3.0 in the most recent 60 credit hours
- Competitive
- 3.5 or better is competitive
Admissions tests
- MCAT (not required): No standardized tests beyond Casper are required.
- GRE (not required): No standardized tests beyond Casper are required.
- IELTS (required for some applicants): Applicants who need an English-language test must score at least 7.0 in every IELTS band. Other English-language tests are not accepted; scores older than two years are invalid.
Experience and volunteer hours
Not required.
The published eligibility requirements do not specify patient-care, work or volunteer hours. Applicants submit a CV or résumé.
Supplementary application
Submit a CV or résumé; a statement of intent addressing the program's four questions; the MPAS supplementary application and self-declarations; unofficial transcripts and degree certificates; and two recommendations requested through the application. At least one recommendation must be from a current or recent employer, supervisor, student advisor or professor; family and friends cannot serve as referees.
How applicants are ranked
The admissions committee reviews eligible applications, including GPA, prerequisite courses, recommendations, the statement of intent and Casper. Selected applicants complete an in-person MMI, panel interview and written essay. When candidates are equally qualified, preference goes to Manitoba residents, then rural applicants, then out-of-province applicants.
Interview Format at University of Manitoba
Format: Interview
In-person MMI stations, a 15-20-minute panel interview and a 45-60-minute handwritten essay. MMI stations typically last 5-10 minutes; clinical or scientific knowledge is not assessed. Virtual interviews are not offered.
- Who is invited
- Select applicants receive interview invitations by email; the program states a preference for Manitoba applicants and applicants who self-identify as Indigenous
- When
- Invitations are generally emailed in April; the Fall 2027 interview date has not been published.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at University of Manitoba Physician Assistant
- Program length
- Two-year, full-time, in-person program; the graduate admissions page lists an expected duration of 25 months
- Structure
First year: 56 credit hours across three semesters. Second year: 30 credit hours and 48 weeks of clinical rotations.
- Campuses
- Bannatyne Campus
Pre-clinical phase covers biomedical sciences, pharmacology, and clinical skills through lectures, labs, and simulations in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Year two clinical rotations are in sites affiliated with the College of Medicine, including rural Manitoba placements. Program culture emphasizes competency-based assessments, preparing graduates for Canadian certification exams.
Campus and facilities
The MPAS office is at Bannatyne Campus, 260 Brodie Centre, 727 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg. The program is full-time and in person; clinical placements include rural sites.
Tuition and Funding at University of Manitoba
- 2026-2027 domestic tuition, terms 1, 2, 4 and 5: CAD $11,641.40 per term
- Terms 3 and 6: Continuing fee
MPAS reports a continuing fee of about $800 in each third term and additional student fees of about $1,660 per year; fees may change.
What Applicants Are Saying
Matriculated students like Carmen, a second-year MPAS student, indicate that successful applicants exceed the 3.0 GPA baseline, often balancing strong academics with direct patient care hours. Matriculated students report that 1,000+ hours in roles like nursing aide or EMT strengthen candidacy, as shared in reviews by second-year student Carmen.
The MMI format was confirmed in live Q&A sessions with first-year students Kelsie and Rachel. Students describe the MMI as focusing on situational judgment, aligning with Casper competencies. Matriculated students note in SDN discussions that the program culture emphasizes competency-based assessments. Students report a collaborative environment with opportunities for research through Graduate Studies.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your University of Manitoba Physician Assistant Application
- Check your most recent 60-credit-hour GPA against the 3.0 minimum.
- Confirm three-credit-hour courses in human anatomy, human physiology and biochemistry.
- Arrange two eligible recommendations and prepare the four-question statement of intent.
- Check Acuity Insights for an MPAS-eligible Casper sitting.
- Prepare for an in-person MMI, panel interview and handwritten essay.
More About University of Manitoba Physician Assistant
- Certification
Prepares students for Canadian certification exams and certification as physician assistants.
- College affiliation
Faculty of Health Sciences and College of Medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Manitoba Physician Assistant
Does University of Manitoba MPAS require Casper?
Yes, the English Casper test is mandatory. Check Acuity Insights for eligible sittings and score-distribution deadlines.
What is the minimum GPA for University of Manitoba MPAS?
A minimum 3.0 GPA in the most recent 60 credit hours is required; the university says 3.5 or better is competitive.
Does University of Manitoba PA program require MCAT or GRE?
No standardized tests beyond Casper are required for Canadian PA programs like Manitoba's MPAS.
What is the University of Manitoba MPAS interview format?
Selected applicants attend an in-person MMI, panel interview and handwritten essay.
Can international students apply to University of Manitoba MPAS?
Only Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada may apply. Applicants who require an English-language test must meet the program's IELTS requirement.
How long is the University of Manitoba Master of Physician Assistant Studies?
The program lasts two years: 56 credit hours in year one (September-July), followed by clinical rotations.
What healthcare experience is needed for University of Manitoba MPAS?
The published admission requirements specify no minimum patient-care, work or volunteer hours. Applicants submit a CV or résumé.
When are Casper test dates for University of Manitoba MPAS?
Check Acuity Insights for MPAS-eligible test dates and score-distribution deadlines.
Sources
- UM MPAS Admissions
- UM Physician Assistant Studies admissions
- UM MPAS Supplementary Regulations
- UM MPAS Academic Calendar
- UM graduate tuition
- Acuity Insights Casper test-type guidance
Last updated: September 26, 2026