The University of British Columbia UBC International Scholars Program for International Students (Fully Funded)

The University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program offers prestigious funding packages to high-achieving international students who possess strong leadership qualities and face substantial financial constraints. This fully funded pathway brings together outstanding scholars from diverse global communities to pursue undergraduate studies across UBC campuses in Canada.

Selected recipients gain comprehensive financial backing along with structured academic guidance, professional development opportunities, and career mentorship through specialized program advisors.

Program Benefits and Student Experience

Scholars at the University of British Columbia enjoy complete institutional integration while benefiting from a tight-knit support network. Program highlights include:

• Dedicated Academic and Personal Advising: Tailored guidance throughout your undergraduate degree to foster academic excellence, personal development, and long-term career planning.
• World-Class Education: Opportunity to earn a globally respected degree at a top-tier Canadian university alongside peers from over 150 nations.
• Skill-Building Workshops and Leadership Retreats: Access to specialized seminars focused on personal growth, intercultural communication, and career readiness.
• Co-op and Academic Exchange Options: Participation in real-world paid work terms or global study-abroad programs while maintaining scholarship support.
• Comprehensive Financial Coverage: Awards cover total demonstrated financial need, accounting for tuition, mandatory student fees, and living costs minus any annual personal or family contributions.

Overview of International Scholars Awards

The UBC International Scholars Program encompasses four major award categories. Candidates are assessed holistically and automatically paired with the specific scholarship that best matches their profile.

1. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

This award targets scholars who demonstrate superior academic achievement alongside leadership capabilities and active involvement in school or community initiatives.

2. Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

Designed for exceptional students from impoverished or war-torn regions who have achieved high academic standing despite severe personal or socio-economic hardship.

3. International Impact Award

Awarded to candidates showing stellar academic records together with a deep commitment to global issues such as climate action, social justice, equity, or community health.

4. Vantage One Excellence Award

Offered through UBC Vantage College, this award supports academically strong international students who require additional English language preparation before entering direct degree programs.

Eligibility Criteria

All applicants must satisfy every program requirement listed below without exception.

Educational and Academic Requirements

• Student Status: You must be an international student who will complete studies in Canada under a valid Canadian study permit.
• Direct High School Entry: Applicants must enter UBC directly from an accredited secondary school.
• Graduation Timeline: Candidates applying for the 2027 Winter intake must have completed secondary school no earlier than June 2026.
• First Undergraduate Degree: You must be applying for your very first undergraduate program.
• Academic Achievement: Applicants must demonstrate superior academic records, maintaining all A grades or an equivalent standard.
• English Language Admission Standard: Candidates must satisfy the English proficiency requirements set by UBC. Students who fall short of direct entry standards may be considered through the Vantage College pathway.

Demonstrated Financial Need

• Evidence of Need: You must prove that attending UBC would be financially impossible without significant institution-backed financial aid.
• Official Documentation: Candidates must provide verified financial documents showing that family income and assets cannot cover educational expenses.
• Financial Need Calculation: The exact award value equals the total cost of attendance (tuition, textbooks, housing, health insurance, and personal expenses) minus any funds the student and family can reasonably contribute each year.
• Single Award Track: Applicants can only be considered for need-based awards under the International Scholars Program or standard UBC merit awards, not both in the same application cycle.

Excluded Academic Programs

The following degree pathways are not eligible for funding through the UBC International Scholars Program:

• Bachelor of Nursing (both Vancouver and Okanagan campuses)
• Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene
• Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
• Dual degree programs
• Bachelor + Master of Management dual degrees
• Joint degree programs between UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver
• Joint degree programs offered with external post-secondary institutions

Step-by-Step Application Roadmap

Step 1: Mid-September – Select Your Campus and Program Choice

Determine your intended field of study and preferred campus location (UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan). Your award assessment focuses primarily on your first-choice academic program, though you should also select a second-choice program on your general admissions application.

Step 2: Late September – Secure Nominations and References

Every candidate requires one school nominator and one separate teacher referee.

Important Distinction: The nominator and teacher referee must be two different individuals.

• Nominator: This should be a school principal, guidance counsellor, or senior administrator capable of evaluating your personal character, community involvement, and academic goals. Registered non-profit organizations may nominate candidates if they operate as educational institutions or run dedicated mentorship programs for disadvantaged youth.
• Nomination Limits: High schools or non-profits may nominate up to two students for UBC Vancouver (including Vantage College) and one student for UBC Okanagan.
• Teacher Referee: Must be an instructor who is directly familiar with your academic work and intellectual achievements in your chosen study area.

Step 3: Early October – Complete Your UBC Admission Application

Submit your online undergraduate admissions application via the UBC Undergraduate Portal

. You must submit your university admission application before starting the International Scholars application, as your scholarship submission requires confirmation of your admission portal application.

Step 4: Early October – Set Up Your Scholarship Account

Brief your nominator and teacher referee regarding nomination limits and inform them that they will receive automated email recommendation requests. Create your scholarship profile on the UBC International Scholars portal and send out digital forms to both parties. Follow up to ensure both references are submitted well before the deadline, as your application cannot be processed until both external endorsements are complete.

Step 5: Mid-October – Gather Financial Data and Draft Essay Responses

Collect all required personal and household documentation, including:

• Total annual family income and recurring household expenses
• Real estate, savings, investments, and overall family asset values
• List of financial dependents and associated educational costs
• External funding sources, sponsorship details, or private contributions
• Calculation of household contribution using the official cost estimator
• Detailed list of extracurricular leadership projects, volunteer work, and honours
• Written responses for 4 essay prompts (approximately 150 to 250 words each)

Step 6: By November 15 – Submit the Scholarship Application

Finalize and submit the complete International Scholars application on or before November 15. Submitting several days prior to the deadline helps avoid potential server delays or technical errors.

Step 7: By January 31 – Provide Supporting Academic Documents

Following your initial application, the UBC Undergraduate Admissions Office will send an email titled “Your UBC Application – Next Steps”. As an International Scholars Program applicant, your deadline to upload high school transcripts and academic certificates is January 31, overriding any standard dates mentioned in general admissions correspondence.

Detailed Financial Comparison: UBC Cost of Study

Understanding the total financial requirements highlights why the UBC International Scholars Program is vital for recipients. The table below breaks down typical annual costs for international students studying at the UBC Vancouver campus:

Note: International Scholars receive full funding packages covering these tuition rates, mandatory student fees, and living expenses based on assessed personal need.

Selection Process and Notification Timeline

The evaluation of International Scholars applications is thorough and selective.

Some shortlisted candidates may receive invitations to complete an asynchronous online video interview between January and March. Invited applicants typically have one week from the request date to record and upload their responses. Official award offers are distributed on a rolling basis beginning in February, with all decision notices sent by mid-April.

Tips for a Winning Application

To maximize your chances of securing an International Scholars Award, structure your submission around the core values of the program.

1. Highlight Community Impact: Focus on instances where your initiative brought tangible benefits to your school, town, or broader community.
2. Be Transparent with Financial Data: Ensure that all financial details match official documentation precisely. Discrepancies can delay review or result in disqualification.
3. Engage Nominators Early: Share your essays and resume with your nominator and referee so their written letters reinforce your overall narrative.
4. Write Concise Essays: Adhere strictly to the word count limits (150 to 250 words) and answer each prompt directly with concrete examples.

For complete program updates and portal links, visit the official UBC International Scholars Program Page

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