Join our community to have access to latest scholarship and study abroad information. Join Now.
About the International Scholars Award at UBC Canada
University of British Colombia (UBC) offers four prestigious need-and-merit-based awards for international students through the International Scholars Program. UBC gives about 50 scholarships each year across all four awards. Applicants don’t have to select which award they wish to receive when they submit their application – the UBC team will automatically consider each application and match for the awards that fit. See other prestigious scholarships in Canada
For timely updates on opportunities and application tips, join our scholars’ community on Whatsapp
Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
This award recognizes international undergraduate students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, exceptional leadership skills, involvement in student affairs and community service, and recognized achievement in other key areas.
Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
This award recognizes outstanding international undergraduate students from impoverished or war-torn areas who have achieved academic excellence under challenging circumstances, and who would be unable to attend university without significant financial assistance.
International Impact Award
This award is offered to exceptional students who have expressed commitment to and solutions for social justice issues, climate change, equity and inclusion, societal health and wellness, and freedom of expression.
Vantage One Excellence Award
This award is offered by UBC Vantage College for academically outstanding international students who do not yet meet the English Language Admission Standard for direct admission to UBC. The awards range in value up to the full cost of a student’s academic program and living expenses.
See how you can study in Norway for free
Eligibility for the International Scholars Award UBC, Canada
To be eligible for the international scholar’s award at the University of British Colombia, the applicant must:
- be an international student who will be studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
- be entering UBC from a recognized secondary school, or transferring from your first year at a post-secondary college or other universities.
- have graduated from high school no earlier than the month of June one year prior to the academic year you are applying to. For example, applicants for 2023 must have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2022.
- be applying for your first undergraduate degree.
- must demonstrate superior academic achievement (achieve all As or equivalent standards).
- 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, totaling a maximum value of $25,000 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.)
- must meet UBC’s admission requirements, including general and degree-specific requirements and the English Language Admission Standard.
See the list of Application free Universities in Australia
How to apply for the International Scholars Program at UBC Canada
- Decide on the academic program you want to study, and which campus you want to choose.
- Submit your application to UBC.
- 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.
A single high school, college, or university may nominate up to three 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.
(Please note: your nominator should be your school counselor 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.)
- Gather your required financial information, as well as notes on any extracurricular activities and awards.
- Apply for the International Scholars Program by completing the form.
Use this strategy to win hidden scholarships
Application deadlines for the UBC International Scholars Award
November 15: must have submitted an online application for admission to UBC, and submitted your International Scholars Program application. Although you can specify two-degree choices in your application, only your first-choice degree will be considered for an International Scholars Program award.
January 31: Meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard for direct entry, or the English language requirement for UBC Vantage College if you have applied to a Vantage One program and are hoping to be considered for the Vantage One Excellent Award.
January 31: Submit any documents required for your admission to UBC. Please submit by this deadline, not the date indicated in your “next steps” email.
Mid-April: You will be informed if you have received an award.
For more details, visit the official university website
