The University of British Columbia Scholarship is available to international students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to making a significant contribution to their communities.
UBC, as one of the world’s top 40 universities, attracts exceptional students from all around the world. Your path to UBC begins with your online application and the information, deadlines, and advice that will assist you in putting your best foot forward.
The International Scholars Program at UBC offers four types of outstanding need-and-merit-based grants.
When you submit your application, you will not be able to choose which award you want to receive; instead, our team will automatically consider you for the prizes for which you are eligible.
- Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
This award honors outstanding prospective international undergraduate students who have demonstrated superior academic success as well as exemplary leadership abilities in supporting and empowering others through collaboration, empathy, and active listening. It honors students who have made a good difference via their participation in numerous school and community service projects and activities, as well as significant performance in other academic or extracurricular endeavors.
- Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
This prize honors excellent foreign undergraduate students from impoverished or war-torn places who have achieved academic achievement despite adversity and who would be unable to attend university without substantial financial help.Students should display leadership potential as well as a genuine desire to make a good difference in their communities.
- International Impact Award
This award is given to exceptional students who have shown leadership, as well as a commitment to and solutions for sustainability and climate change, natural resource conservation and management, social justice, equity and inclusion, or societal health and wellbeing. Priority is given to first-generation students and those with diverse lived experiences.
- Vantage One Excellence Award
UBC Vantage College offers this prize to academically outstanding international students who do not yet achieve the English Language Admission Standard for direct admission to UBC. The grants might cover the entire cost of a student’s academic program and living expenses.Students must display leadership abilities, significant involvement in student affairs and community service, and noteworthy performance in other academic or extracurricular endeavors.
Type: Undergraduate
Application Deadline: December 1, 2023.
Value & Duration of Award:
The UBC International Scholars Program’s worth is equal to your financial need. Financial need is calculated by adding tuition, fees, and living expenses and subtracting the annual financial contribution you and your family can provide. A conventional needs assessment is based on the financial information you and your family submit.
Your scholarship may be renewed for up to three more years of undergraduate study or until you complete your degree, whichever comes first, providing you maintain satisfactory academic standing in your faculty, continue to demonstrate financial need, and keep your Canadian study permit (student visa).
Eligible Field of Study: The following degrees are not eligible for UBC International Scholars Program awards: UBC Okanagan Bachelor of Nursing degree, Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor + Master of Management degree, dual degrees, joint degrees between UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver, and joint degrees with other post-secondary institutions.
Eligible Countries: All Countries
Eligibility: To be considered for the University of British Columbia Scholarship, you must:
- You must be an international student who will be studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
- You must be entering UBC from a recognized secondary school, or transferring from your first year at a post-secondary college or other university.
- You must have graduated from high school no earlier than one gap year prior to the academic year you are applying to. For example, applicants for 2024 Winter session must have graduated from high school no earlier than November 2022.
- You must be applying for your first undergraduate degree
- You must demonstrate superior academic achievement (achieve all As or equivalent standard).
- You must demonstrate a level of financial need that would otherwise prevent you from pursuing a UBC degree. (UBC automatically considers all international students for the merit-based International Major Entrance Scholarships and Outstanding International Student Awards scholarships, totalling a maximum value of $35,000 per year. If this amount does not cover your needs for tuition and basic living expenses, you are eligible to apply for the International Scholars Program.)
- You must meet UBC’s admission requirements, including general and degree-specific requirements and the English Language Admission Standard.
How To Apply:
1. Review the application page for the International Scholars Program.
2. Decide on the academic program you want to study, and which campus you want to choose.
- When selecting your degree, please note that the following degrees are not eligible for UBC International Scholars Program awards: UBC Okanagan Bachelor of Nursing degree, Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor + Master of Management degree, dual degrees, joint degrees between UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver, and joint degrees with other post-secondary institutions.
3. To apply for the International Scholars Program, you must be nominated by your school or non-profit, and submit a reference from an academic referee.
- Confirm that your school or non-profit is able to nominate you. A single high school, college, or university may nominate up to two students for UBC Vancouver (including Vantage College), and one student for UBC Okanagan. A non-profit may only nominate a high school student who is involved with their organization. This nomination will count towards the total nominations permitted from a student’s school.
- Inform your nominator and academic referee that you’d like to apply for the International Scholars Program and advise them of the November 15 application deadline. Your nominator should be your school counsellor or equivalent, and your academic referee should be someone who is familiar with you and your work – for example, your teacher for your chosen area of study.
4. Gather your required financial information, as well as notes on any extracurricular activities and awards.
5. Apply for the International Scholars Program by submitting the application by the November 15 deadline.
6. Submit your admissions application to UBC by the December 1 deadline.
