The University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program is one of Canada’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarship opportunities for outstanding international students. Designed for academically gifted students who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and financial need, the program provides substantial financial support to help recipients complete their undergraduate degrees.
UBC consistently ranks among the world’s leading universities and attracts students from more than 160 countries. Through the International Scholars Program, talented students can access a world-class education while significantly reducing or eliminating the financial burden of studying abroad.
Whether you aspire to study engineering, business, computer science, health sciences, or the arts, this scholarship could make your dream of studying in Canada a reality.
What is the UBC International Scholars Program?
The UBC International Scholars Program is a merit- and need-based scholarship for exceptional international undergraduate students. Depending on financial need, the scholarship can cover a significant portion—or even the full cost—of tuition, fees, and living expenses throughout an undergraduate degree.
Is the UBC International Scholars Program Fully Funded?
Yes. Selected students may receive funding that covers:
- Full tuition
- Student fees
- Living expenses
- Housing costs
- Books and learning materials
The exact funding package depends on demonstrated financial need.
Who Can Apply?
International students who:
- Are applying directly from secondary school
- Demonstrate excellent academic achievement
- Show leadership potential
- Have participated in community service
- Demonstrate financial need
- Meet UBC admission requirements
Scholarship Overview
| Scholarship Name | University of British Columbia International Scholars Program |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| University | University of British Columbia (UBC) |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate |
| Scholarship Type | Merit and Need-Based |
| Funding | Partial to Fully Funded |
| Eligible Students | International Students |
| Duration | Up to Four Years |
| IELTS Required | Yes, if required for admission |
| Application Fee | University admission fee may apply |
| Application Deadline | Usually November–December (subject to annual updates) |
About the University of British Columbia
Founded in 1908, UBC is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected universities. It has campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna and is recognized globally for excellence in teaching, innovation, and research.
Students at UBC benefit from:
- Globally recognized degrees
- Modern research facilities
- International student support
- Diverse student community
- Strong graduate employment outcomes
- Industry partnerships
- Entrepreneurship opportunities
Types of Scholarships Under the International Scholars Program
The International Scholars Program includes several prestigious awards.
Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
This award recognizes students with:
- Outstanding academic performance
- Proven leadership
- Community service
- Financial need
Funding can cover the full cost of attendance.
Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
Designed for students from disadvantaged or conflict-affected regions who have demonstrated resilience, academic excellence, leadership, and financial need.
International Impact Award
Recognizes students who have made meaningful contributions to their schools or communities through leadership, service, innovation, or social impact.
Vantage One Excellence Award
Supports academically strong international students who need additional English language preparation before beginning their degree.
Scholarship Benefits
Depending on the award and financial assessment, recipients may receive:
- Full tuition coverage
- Student fees
- Residence expenses
- Meal plans
- Books and supplies
- Living allowance
- Renewable funding for up to four years
- Academic advising
- Leadership development
- Career services
- Access to internships and research opportunities
Funding is renewable provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Fields of Study
Recipients may pursue a wide variety of undergraduate programs.
Popular fields include:
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Software Engineering
- Cybersecurity
Business
- Commerce
- Finance
- Accounting
- Marketing
- International Business
Health Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Life Sciences
Arts and Humanities
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Psychology
- Economics
- Sociology
- History
Science
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Statistics
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should:
- Be international students studying on a Canadian study permit.
- Be entering UBC directly from secondary school (or shortly after graduation).
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
- Show leadership qualities.
- Participate actively in extracurricular activities.
- Demonstrate financial need that would otherwise prevent attendance.
- Meet UBC’s admission requirements.
- Meet English language proficiency requirements where applicable.
Academic Requirements
Successful applicants generally have:
- Excellent secondary school grades
- Strong academic consistency
- Leadership experience
- Volunteer work
- School club participation
- Community engagement
- Awards and recognitions
Admission is highly competitive.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose previous education was not in English may need to submit one of the following:
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Duolingo English Test (if accepted for the admission cycle)
- Other approved English proficiency tests
Minimum scores vary by program.
Required Documents
Applicants typically submit:
- Completed UBC admission application
- Academic transcripts
- Passport
- Personal profile
- Scholarship application
- Financial information
- School nomination (if required)
- English proficiency results
- Recommendation letters (if requested)
Some programs may request additional documentation.
Selection Criteria
The university evaluates applicants based on:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership
- Community involvement
- Personal character
- Financial need
- Innovation
- Future potential
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
How to Apply
Step 1
Choose an undergraduate program at UBC.
Step 2
Apply for admission before the admission deadline.
Step 3
Submit the International Scholars Program application before the scholarship deadline.
Step 4
Provide all required academic and financial documents.
Step 5
Complete your personal profile carefully, highlighting your leadership, achievements, and community contributions.
Step 6
Monitor your application portal for updates.
Application Timeline
Although dates change each year, applicants should expect:
| Activity | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Scholarship application opens | September |
| Scholarship deadline | November |
| UBC admission deadline | December–January |
| Admission decisions | March–April |
| Scholarship offers | Spring |
Always verify the latest deadlines on the official UBC admissions and scholarships pages.
Why Choose UBC?
UBC offers:
- One of Canada’s highest-ranked universities
- Internationally respected degrees
- Extensive research opportunities
- Strong graduate employability
- Diverse student population
- Beautiful campuses
- Excellent student support services
- Access to internships and co-op programs
Graduates enjoy strong career prospects in Canada and internationally.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
To submit a competitive application:
- Maintain outstanding grades throughout secondary school.
- Demonstrate sustained leadership in school or community initiatives.
- Participate in volunteer work and extracurricular activities.
- Prepare a compelling personal profile with concrete examples of your impact.
- Clearly explain your financial need where required.
- Gather recommendation letters early.
- Submit all application materials before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UBC International Scholars Program fully funded?
The program can provide funding up to the full cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, depending on financial need.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The scholarship is specifically intended for outstanding international undergraduate students.
Do I need IELTS?
You may need to meet UBC’s English language proficiency requirements if your previous education was not conducted in English.
Is financial need required?
Yes. Most awards under the International Scholars Program consider demonstrated financial need alongside academic merit and leadership.
Can transfer students apply?
Generally, the program is intended for students entering UBC directly from secondary school. Transfer applicants are typically not eligible.
Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes. Funding is renewable for up to four years, provided recipients maintain satisfactory academic standing and continue to meet scholarship conditions.
Why This Scholarship Is Highly Competitive
The UBC International Scholars Program receives applications from outstanding students around the world. Successful applicants distinguish themselves through a combination of academic excellence, leadership, community service, and financial need.
A strong application tells a compelling story of achievement, resilience, and future potential while demonstrating how the scholarship will enable the student to contribute positively to the UBC community and society.
Final Thoughts
The University of British Columbia International Scholars Program is among Canada’s premier undergraduate scholarship opportunities for international students. By combining generous financial support with access to one of the world’s leading universities, it opens doors for talented students who might otherwise be unable to pursue higher education abroad.
If you have an excellent academic record, a proven commitment to leadership and community service, and genuine financial need, preparing your application early can significantly improve your chances of success.
