The University of British Columbia Scholarships for internnational students offer international applicants an opportunity to pursue a quality university education in Canada with financial assistance. The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a leading Canadian institution that welcomes students from different countries and provides scholarships and awards based on academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and financial need.
For international students who dream of studying in Canada but are concerned about tuition fees and living expenses, these scholarships can make a significant difference. Depending on the award, successful applicants may receive financial assistance toward tuition fees, educational expenses, and other eligible study costs.
However, not every scholarship has the same requirements. Some awards recognize outstanding academic performance, while others are designed for exceptional students who cannot afford university without substantial financial support.
In this guide, you will discover the major University of British Columbia scholarships available to international students, their eligibility requirements, potential benefits, application procedures, and important deadlines for the 2027 academic year. You will also find the official application link to help you begin your scholarship application.
If you are an international student planning to study in Canada, understanding these opportunities can help you choose the right scholarship and prepare a stronger application.
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- Harvard University Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students
What Are the University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students?
The University of British Columbia scholarships for international students are financial awards offered to eligible students from outside Canada who wish to pursue university education at UBC.
These awards support students with different academic backgrounds and financial circumstances. Some recognize exceptional academic achievement, while others consider leadership abilities, community service, and demonstrated financial need.
UBC offers several categories of scholarships for international students, including entrance scholarships, merit-based awards, and need-and-merit-based awards.
An entrance scholarship is a financial award offered to a student beginning a university program. A merit-based scholarship primarily recognizes academic achievement and other accomplishments. A need-based scholarship considers the applicant’s financial circumstances when determining eligibility.
The value and duration of each award vary. Some scholarships provide one-time financial assistance, while others may be renewable for additional years if the recipient satisfies the applicable conditions.
It is important to understand that receiving admission to UBC does not automatically guarantee a scholarship. Applicants must meet the requirements of the relevant award, and competitive scholarships may have limited places.
Types of University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students
UBC offers several scholarship opportunities to international students entering undergraduate programs. The most appropriate option depends on your academic performance, financial circumstances, educational background, and intended campus.
1. International Major Entrance Scholarship
The International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) is a merit-based award for outstanding international students entering eligible undergraduate programs at UBC.
The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate excellent academic performance, intellectual promise, and meaningful involvement in extracurricular or community activities.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, UBC lists IMES awards valued at CAD $10,000 to CAD $25,000 per year. Award amounts and availability can change depending on funding and the academic year.
Recipients may receive the scholarship for their first year and have the opportunity to renew it for up to three additional years, subject to the university’s renewal requirements.
To be considered, applicants generally must:
- Be new to UBC and enter directly from secondary school.
- Be international students studying in Canada on a valid study permit.
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.
- Show intellectual promise and extracurricular or community involvement.
- Apply for admission by the relevant deadline.
- Meet the scholarship’s other eligibility requirements.
One important advantage is that eligible students are automatically considered for the IMES when they apply for admission to UBC by the appropriate deadline.
However, students applying for the need-and-merit-based International Scholars Program are not considered for this merit-based award.
2. Outstanding International Student Award
The Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award is a merit-based entrance scholarship for academically strong international students entering UBC.
The award recognizes applicants who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and meaningful participation in activities outside the classroom.
Unlike the IMES, which may be renewed for additional years, the OIS Award is a one-time entrance scholarship.
Eligible applicants may include international students entering directly from secondary school or from another university or college, provided they satisfy the award requirements.
The main eligibility considerations include:
- International student status.
- Strong academic results.
- Participation in extracurricular activities or community initiatives.
- Admission to an eligible UBC program.
- Submission of the university application before the applicable deadline.
Students who apply for admission by the required deadline are automatically considered for the OIS Award.
Nevertheless, the award is competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection because UBC evaluates applicants according to their academic and personal achievements.
3. UBC International Scholars Program
The UBC International Scholars Program is particularly important for international students who have excellent academic records, demonstrated leadership, and significant financial need.
Unlike scholarships that primarily recognize academic performance, this program considers whether an applicant requires substantial financial assistance to attend university.
The program includes four major award categories.
Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
This award recognizes international undergraduate applicants who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and leadership. Applicants should show how they have supported others, contributed to their communities, and demonstrated a commitment to making a positive difference.
Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
This award supports outstanding international students from impoverished or war-affected areas who have achieved academic excellence despite difficult circumstances. Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential and significant financial need.
International Impact Award
This award recognizes students who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to addressing important global challenges. Relevant areas include sustainability, climate change, social justice, equity, inclusion, and community well-being.
Vantage One Excellence Award
This award supports academically outstanding international students who do not yet meet UBC’s English-language admission requirements for direct entry and are eligible for the relevant Vantage One program.
Depending on the student’s circumstances and the award offered, financial assistance may cover substantial educational expenses. Some awards can provide support toward the full cost of an eligible academic program and living expenses.
However, the precise amount depends on the award, the student’s demonstrated financial need, and the university’s assessment.
Who Should Apply for the International Scholars Program?
This program may be appropriate for you if:
- You are an international student entering your first undergraduate degree.
- You are applying directly from an accredited secondary school.
- You have an excellent academic record.
- You have demonstrated leadership through school, community service, or other meaningful activities.
- Your family cannot afford the cost of studying at UBC without significant financial assistance.
- You meet UBC’s general and program-specific admission requirements.
Applicants must also provide documentation supporting their financial circumstances.
For example, you may need information about your family’s income, expenses, assets, dependants, educational costs, and available sources of financial support.
The application process also involves a school nomination, a teacher reference, and written responses explaining your experiences, achievements, and goals.
For students applying for September 2027 entry, the International Scholars Program application deadline is November 15, 2026. Applicants should review the official application instructions carefully and begin preparing early.
Summary of University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students
The following table compares the major opportunities available to prospective international undergraduate students.
| Scholarship | Main selection criteria | Financial benefits | Application method |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Major Entrance Scholarship | Academic excellence, intellectual promise, and extracurricular involvement | CAD $10,000–$25,000 per year for 2026/2027; potentially renewable | Automatic consideration after applying for UBC admission |
| Outstanding International Student Award | Outstanding academic achievement and extracurricular involvement | One-time merit-based financial award | Automatic consideration after applying for UBC admission |
| Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award | Academic excellence, leadership, and significant financial need | Financial assistance assessed according to individual need and award conditions | Separate International Scholars Program application |
| Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award | Academic achievement, difficult circumstances, leadership, and financial need | Financial assistance for eligible students from impoverished or war-affected areas | Separate International Scholars Program application |
| International Impact Award | Academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to addressing global challenges | Financial assistance determined by the applicable award | International Scholars Program application |
| Vantage One Excellence Award | Academic excellence, leadership, and eligibility for Vantage One | May cover the full cost of an eligible academic program and living expenses | Application requirements depend on the program and award |
| UBC Okanagan Global Elevation Award | Eligibility as a new international undergraduate student at UBC Okanagan | CAD $8,000 toward tuition, renewable for up to three additional years under the award conditions | Automatically applied to eligible students’ accounts |
Important: Scholarship amounts, eligibility criteria, and deadlines can change. Applicants should confirm the conditions for their intended admission year before making financial plans.
How to Apply for University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students
Applying for a UBC scholarship requires careful preparation. Some awards require only an application for university admission, while others have a separate scholarship application.
Follow these steps to get started.
Step 1: Choose Your Undergraduate Program
First, identify the undergraduate program you want to study at UBC.
Consider your academic interests, previous qualifications, career goals, and the admission requirements for your intended degree.
UBC has two main campuses: Vancouver and Okanagan. Your program choice and preferred campus may affect which scholarships are available to you.
Review the requirements carefully before beginning your application.
Step 2: Apply for Admission to UBC
Submit your university admission application through the official UBC application process.
You will need to provide the required personal information, academic history, educational documents, and any other materials requested for your chosen program.
Make sure your application is complete and submitted before the applicable deadline.
For students interested in the International Scholars Program, completing the admission application is a necessary step before beginning the scholarship application.
Step 3: Determine Which Scholarship Matches Your Circumstances
Review the available scholarships and identify the award that best matches your qualifications.
If you have excellent grades and strong extracurricular achievements, the IMES or OIS Award may be worth considering.
If you have outstanding academic results, demonstrated leadership, and significant financial need, investigate the International Scholars Program.
Remember that applicants to the International Scholars Program are not considered for the merit-based entrance awards described earlier. You should therefore review the award categories carefully before deciding which route is most suitable.
Step 4: Prepare Your Supporting Documents
Gather the documents required for your university and scholarship applications.
Depending on the award, these may include:
- Academic transcripts and examination results.
- Educational certificates.
- Information about extracurricular activities.
- Details of leadership roles and community involvement.
- Financial records showing family income and expenses.
- Information about family assets and dependants.
- A school nomination.
- A teacher’s recommendation.
- Written scholarship essays.
Applicants for the International Scholars Program should pay particular attention to the financial documentation requirements.
Your application should provide a clear and accurate picture of your academic achievements, personal circumstances, leadership experience, and financial need.
Step 5: Complete the Scholarship Application
For merit-based entrance awards such as the IMES and OIS Award, eligible applicants are automatically considered after applying for admission by the required deadline.
The International Scholars Program requires a separate application.
Applicants must arrange the required nomination and teacher reference, complete the relevant application sections, and submit their supporting information before the deadline.
For September 2027 entry, the International Scholars Program application deadline is November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
Do not wait until the final day to submit your application. Starting early gives you more time to resolve technical problems, collect financial records, and ensure that your references have completed their forms.
Step 6: Monitor Your Application
After submitting your application, check your email regularly for updates from UBC.
Review your spam folder as well, because important university messages can sometimes be filtered incorrectly.
Respond promptly if the university requests additional documents or information.
Applicants should also monitor their admission status and make sure they satisfy all academic and language requirements within the specified deadlines.
Tips for Improving Your UBC Scholarship Application
Competition for major university scholarships can be strong. A carefully prepared application can help the selection committee understand your achievements and circumstances.
Consider the following recommendations.
Maintain excellent academic results. Strong grades are important for merit-based scholarships and the International Scholars Program. Aim to demonstrate consistent academic performance rather than relying on one outstanding examination result.
Demonstrate meaningful leadership. Leadership does not necessarily mean holding a prestigious title. Organizing a community initiative, helping younger students, leading a school project, or supporting a local educational programme can demonstrate responsibility and initiative.
Explain your achievements clearly. When describing extracurricular activities, explain what you did, whom you helped, what challenges you faced, and what results you achieved.
Provide accurate financial information. If you are applying for a need-based award, make sure your financial information is complete and supported by the required documentation. Do not exaggerate your circumstances.
Write thoughtful scholarship essays. Use your essays to explain your goals, experiences, values, and plans for contributing to your community. Provide specific examples instead of making general statements about wanting to change the world.
Follow the instructions carefully. Missing documents, incomplete references, or late submissions can affect your application. Create a checklist and confirm that every requirement has been completed.
Finally, remember that a scholarship application is not simply a list of achievements. It is an opportunity to explain how your academic goals, personal experiences, and future plans align with the award’s objectives.
Can International Students Receive Fully Funded Scholarships at UBC?
Yes, some UBC scholarship opportunities can provide substantial financial support, and certain awards may cover the full cost of an eligible academic programme and living expenses.
The International Scholars Program is particularly relevant for students with exceptional academic performance, demonstrated leadership, and significant financial need.
However, not every UBC scholarship is fully funded.
For example, the International Major Entrance Scholarship provides a specified annual award, while the Outstanding International Student Award is a one-time merit-based scholarship.
Applicants should distinguish between a scholarship that reduces tuition fees and one that may cover tuition, living expenses, and other eligible educational costs.
Even when an award provides substantial support, you should confirm exactly which expenses are covered before accepting an offer.
You should also check whether the scholarship is renewable and whether renewal depends on maintaining a particular academic standing or meeting other conditions.
Do not assume that a scholarship covers airfare, visa-related expenses, health insurance, personal spending, or every other cost associated with studying in Canada. Coverage varies by award.
Are UBC Scholarships Available for International Graduate Students?
UBC also offers funding opportunities for students pursuing graduate education, including master’s and doctoral degrees.
However, graduate scholarships are generally administered through different programmes, faculties, departments, and funding arrangements from the undergraduate entrance awards discussed in this article.
Graduate funding may include scholarships, fellowships, research funding, teaching assistantships, and other forms of financial support.
Eligibility depends on the graduate programme, academic qualifications, research interests, and the particular funding opportunity.
If you intend to pursue a master’s degree or PhD, check the funding opportunities associated with your intended graduate programme rather than assuming that the undergraduate scholarships listed above apply to you.
Also, confirm whether you need to submit a separate scholarship application or whether your admission application automatically places you under consideration for particular funding opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is the University of British Columbia scholarship for international students?
The amount depends on the scholarship. For the 2026/2027 academic year, the International Major Entrance Scholarship is valued at CAD $10,000 to CAD $25,000 per year. Other awards have different values, and some need-based scholarships may provide substantially more financial support depending on the student’s circumstances and award conditions.
2. Can Nigerian students apply for UBC scholarships?
Yes. Nigerian students can apply for eligible UBC scholarships if they meet the relevant admission and award requirements. Applicants should review their academic qualifications, programme requirements, citizenship and study-permit conditions, and financial documentation requirements. Nigerian applicants interested in the International Scholars Program should also arrange the required school nomination and teacher reference.
3. Do I need a separate application for UBC entrance scholarships?
Not always. Eligible applicants are automatically considered for the International Major Entrance Scholarship and Outstanding International Student Award when they apply for admission by the required deadline. However, the International Scholars Program requires a separate scholarship application and additional supporting information.
4. What is the deadline for UBC International Scholars Program applications for 2027?
For students applying for September 2027 entry, the International Scholars Program application deadline is November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Applicants should complete the university admission application and prepare their nomination, teacher reference, essays, and financial documentation well before the deadline.
5. Does receiving a UBC scholarship guarantee a Canadian study permit?
No. Receiving a scholarship does not automatically guarantee a Canadian study permit. Students must satisfy the applicable Canadian immigration requirements and provide the documents required for their individual applications. Scholarship recipients should confirm their funding arrangements and prepare the necessary documentation before applying for a study permit.
Conclusion
The University of British Columbia Scholarships for internnational students provide valuable opportunities for students seeking an internationally recognized education in Canada.
From the International Major Entrance Scholarship and Outstanding International Student Award to the International Scholars Program, UBC offers several options for students with different academic achievements and financial circumstances.
The most suitable scholarship depends on your qualifications, intended programme, leadership experience, and financial needs. Students with outstanding grades may benefit from merit-based entrance awards, while those who require significant financial assistance should carefully investigate the International Scholars Program.
To improve your chances, prepare your academic records early, document your achievements, review the eligibility criteria, and submit every required form before the deadline.
Ready to apply? If you are planning to begin your undergraduate studies at UBC in September 2027, review the official scholarship requirements and begin your application as soon as possible.
Your first step is to visit the official application portal below.
