UBC International Scholars Program, University of British Columbia, Canada

UBC's International Scholars Program covers four separate awards for international students. Each one is based on both financial need and merit, and each one targets a different kind of applicant.

The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award goes to future international undergraduates with strong academic results and a record of leadership that helps other people, shown through collaboration, empathy and active listening.

The Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award is for international undergraduates from impoverished or war-torn areas. Applicants must have achieved academic excellence in difficult circumstances and need substantial financial help to attend university at all.

The International Impact Award is for students who have led on sustainability and climate change, natural resource conservation and management, social justice, equity and inclusion, or societal health and wellness. First generation learners and students from diverse lived backgrounds are considered first.

The Vantage One Excellence Award comes from UBC Vantage College. It is for strong international students who do not yet meet the English Language Admission Standard for direct admission to UBC.

University of British Columbia in Canada

Undergraduate degrees offered by UBC, with some exceptions. The awards do not cover the Bachelor of Nursing degree (Okanagan and Vancouver), the Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene, the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, the Bachelor + Master of Management degree, dual degrees, joint degrees between UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver, or joint degrees with other post-secondary institutions.

Approximately 50, shared across the 4 awards.

International students

The award amount matches your financial need. UBC works out that need by adding tuition, fees and living costs, then subtracting what you and your family can pay each year. The assessment is standard and relies on the financial information you and your family supply.

You can renew the award for up to three more years of undergraduate study, or until you finish the degree, whichever comes first. Renewal depends on three things: satisfactory academic standing in your faculty, continued financial need, and a valid Canadian study permit (student visa).

To be considered for the International Scholars Program:

• You must be an international student who will study in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
• You must be entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school.
• You must have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026 (for 2027 Winter session applicants).
• You must be applying for your first undergraduate degree.
• You must show superior academic achievement (all As or an equivalent standard).
• You must show financial need that would otherwise keep you from pursuing a UBC degree.
• You must meet UBC's admission requirements, including general and degree-specific requirements and the English Language Admission Standard.

Applicants will be considered for the Vantage One Excellence Award if:

• All previous eligibility criteria apply, except that you must not yet meet UBC's English Language Admission Standard for direct admission to UBC.
• You must meet the UBC Vantage College admission requirements, including the English requirements for Vantage College.
• You must be coming directly from high school.
• You must be beginning your undergraduate studies at UBC in the UBC Vantage One Program.

You must be nominated by your school or non-profit and submit a reference from an academic referee. Check first that your school or non-profit can nominate you, then tell your nominator and your academic referee that you plan to apply for the International Scholars Program. You do not choose an award when you apply. UBC reviews you automatically for the awards you qualify for.

Submit the International Scholars Program application by 15 November, and send your admissions application to UBC by 1 December.

Go to the official website (link below) for the online application form and full details on how to apply.