The University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program supports outstanding international students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and significant financial need.
The program is designed for international students applying for their first undergraduate degree at UBC.
Selected Scholars receive financial support alongside academic advising, skills development opportunities, workshops, and access to exchange and co-op opportunities.
UBC International Scholars Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- University: University of British Columbia
- Study Level: Undergraduate
- Eligible Applicants: International students
- Funding: Financial support based on demonstrated need
- Application Deadline: November 15, 2026
UBC International Scholars Program Details
The UBC International Scholars Program is intended for international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and meaningful contributions to their communities.
In addition to financial support, Scholars become part of an international community at UBC and receive dedicated advising and opportunities for personal and professional development.
Students may also have opportunities to participate in workshops, retreats, exchange programs, and co-op during their undergraduate studies.
UBC International Scholars Benefits
Successful Scholars can receive:
- Financial support toward the cost of their undergraduate education based on demonstrated financial need.
- Access to dedicated International Scholars Program advisors.
- Academic and personal support throughout their studies.
- Skills-building workshops and retreats.
- Opportunities to participate in exchange programs.
- Opportunities to participate in co-op.
- The opportunity to study for a degree at the University of British Columbia and learn alongside students from different countries and backgrounds.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the UBC International Scholars Program, applicants must generally:
- Be an international student who will study in Canada with a Canadian study permit.
- Be entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school.
- Have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026 for the 2027 Winter Session.
- Be applying for their first undergraduate degree.
- Demonstrate significant financial need. Applicants must provide official documentation showing their financial circumstances.
- Show that their family cannot afford a significant portion of their educational costs and does not have access to sufficient external funding.
- Meet UBC’s general admission requirements and the requirements for their selected degree program.
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, such as achieving all As or an equivalent academic standard.
- Meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard.
Students who do not meet the English language requirement for direct entry may have other options, including eligibility for Vantage College and the Vantage One Excellence Award.
Ineligible Programs
The following programs are not eligible for UBC International Scholars Program awards:
- Bachelor of Nursing at UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan
- Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
- Bachelor + Master of Management
- Dual degree programs
- Joint degree programs between UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan
- Joint degree programs with other post-secondary institutions
How to Apply for UBC International Scholars Scholarship
The application process involves both admission to UBC and the International Scholars application.
Step 1: Choose Your Program and Campus
Decide which academic program and UBC campus you want to attend. Applicants are considered for the award based on their first-choice program, but should also select a second-choice program.
Step 2: Discuss the Nomination With Your School
Speak with your secondary school about the nomination process. You will need:
- One nominator, such as a guidance counsellor, principal, or school administrator.
- One teacher referee.
The nominator and teacher referee must be two different people.
Step 3: Apply for Admission to UBC
Submit your undergraduate admission application to UBC. You must complete the UBC admission application before beginning the International Scholars award application.
Step 4: Gather Financial Information
Prepare the required information and supporting documents showing your family’s financial circumstances and your level of financial need.
Step 5: Complete Your Essays
Prepare and submit the required student essays as part of the International Scholars application.
Applicants may also be invited to participate in a video interview.
📋 Required Documents
- Academic transcripts and secondary school records
- A teacher reference
- Other documents requested by UBC during the application process
- Information required for the school nomination
- UBC admission application information
- Student essays required for the International Scholars application
- Evidence of graduation or expected graduation from secondary school
- Proof of financial need and supporting family financial information
- Additional documentation for financial circumstances where required