UBC International Scholars Program for International Students

UBC's International Scholars Program gives international undergraduate students four categories of need-and-merit awards. The money you receive is based on your financial need, so the award amount varies by applicant.

Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award is for incoming international undergraduate students with strong academic records and leadership that helps and supports others through collaboration, empathy and active listening.

Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award is for international undergraduate students from impoverished or war-torn areas who have done well academically despite difficult circumstances and could not attend university without major financial help.

International Impact Award goes to students who have shown leadership and worked on solutions in 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 prioritized.

Vantage One Excellence Award is offered by UBC Vantage College for academically strong international students who do not yet meet UBC's English Language Admission Standard for direct admission.

• Host: University of British Columbia, Canada
• Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor's degree)
• Study in: Canada
• Deadline: 15 November for the scholarship application, 1 December for the UBC admissions application (annual)
• Awards: Approximately 50 distributed across 4 awards
• Covered: Award value based on assessed financial need; renewable for up to three additional years
• Who: International students entering UBC on a Canadian study permit

University of British Columbia in Canada

Undergraduate degrees offered by UBC, except the following: 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.

Approximately 50 distributed across 4 awards

International students

The value of the UBC International Scholars Program is proportional to your financial need. UBC works out that need by adding up tuition, fees and living costs, then subtracting the amount you and your family can contribute each year. The standard needs assessment uses the financial information you and your family provide.

Your award may be renewed for up to three additional years of undergraduate study, or until you finish your degree, whichever comes first. To keep it, you must achieve satisfactory academic standing in your faculty, continue to show financial need, and maintain your Canadian study permit (student visa).

To be considered for the International Scholars Program:

• 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 the month of June two years prior to the academic year you are applying to. For example, applicants for 2025 Winter session must have graduated from high school no earlier than November 2023.
• 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.
• 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 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.

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, and inform your nominator and academic referee that you'd like to apply for the International Scholars Program. You won't select which award you wish to receive when you submit your application. UBC will automatically consider you for the awards that you are eligible for.

Apply for the International Scholars Program by submitting the application by 15 November and submit your admissions application to UBC by 1 December.

It is important to visit the official website (link found below) to access the online application form and for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

This program suits international students who need financial help to attend UBC and who can show strong academic results, usually all As or the equivalent. You also need to prove that your family's contribution would not cover tuition, fees and living costs.

If you are applying from a recognized secondary school, or transferring after your first year at a college or university, you may qualify. Students from impoverished or war-torn areas, first generation learners, and those with a record in sustainability, social justice or community health may fit specific awards within the program.

• Who can apply for the UBC International Scholars Program? International students who will study in Canada on a Canadian study permit, are entering their first undergraduate degree, and can show superior academic achievement and financial need.
• What does the scholarship cover? The value is proportional to your assessed financial need, calculated from tuition, fees and living costs minus your family's contribution. It may be renewed for up to three additional years.
• What is the deadline? Submit the International Scholars Program application by 15 November and your UBC admissions application by 1 December.
• How do I apply? You must be nominated by your school or non-profit and submit a reference from an academic referee, then submit both applications by the deadlines.
• Do I choose which award I get? No. UBC automatically considers you for the awards you are eligible for.
• Can I apply if I do not meet the English Language Admission Standard? Yes, you may be considered for the Vantage One Excellence Award, provided you meet the UBC Vantage College admission requirements and are coming directly from high school.

• Read the official guidelines on the UBC website before you start, so you know exactly which documents and forms are required.
• Ask your school or non-profit early whether they can nominate you, since a nomination is required.
• Give your academic referee plenty of time to write and submit the reference.
• Check UBC's admission requirements and English Language Admission Standard well before the deadline.
• Prepare your financial information in advance, because the award value depends on your assessed need.