The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers one of the most prestigious scholarship opportunities for international students through its International Leader of Tomorrow Award (ILOT).
This merit-based award recognizes exceptional international students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills, and involvement in their communities.
For those seeking to pursue higher education in Canada, this scholarship represents a significant opportunity to attend one of the country’s premier institutions while receiving substantial financial support.
What is the UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award?
The ILOT Award is a comprehensive financial package designed to help outstanding international students pursue undergraduate studies at UBC. The award covers a significant portion of the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses.
It is awarded based on a combination of academic excellence, leadership potential, community involvement, and financial need.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the ILOT Award, applicants must:
- Be international students who will study at UBC on a Canadian study permit
- Be applying for their first undergraduate degree
- Be nominated by their school or educational institution
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement (typically equivalent to an “A” average)
- Show outstanding leadership skills and community involvement
- Demonstrate financial need that would otherwise prevent them from attending UBC
- Be applying to UBC for the first time
Award Value
The ILOT Award is a needs-based scholarship with values that vary depending on the individual student’s financial circumstances. The award may cover:
- Total academic costs (tuition and fees)
- A portion of living expenses
- Annual renewal for up to four years of undergraduate study (or five years for five-year programs)
The actual value is determined by assessing the gap between the total cost of attendance and the family’s ability to contribute.
Application Process
The application process for the ILOT Award involves several steps:
- Nomination: Students must first be nominated by their school. Schools should contact UBC’s International Student Initiative for nomination information.
- UBC Application: Submit a complete application for admission to UBC by the deadline.
- Award Application: Complete the separate ILOT Award application, which includes:
- Personal information
- Family financial information with supporting documentation
- Essays demonstrating leadership and community involvement
- Two reference letters
- School Transcript: Ensure official school transcripts are submitted.
- Financial Documentation: Provide detailed financial information and supporting documents as requested.
Important Deadlines
For students applying for the 2026/2027 academic year:
- Nomination Deadline: December 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: December 15, 2025
- Supporting Document Deadline: January 31, 2026
Selection Criteria
The selection committee evaluates applicants based on:
- Academic Excellence: Consistently strong academic performance
- Leadership Abilities: Demonstrated leadership in school or community
- Community Involvement: Active participation in service initiatives
- Achievement in the Arts, Sports, or Other Areas: Evidence of excellence in extracurricular activities
- Financial Need: Demonstrated need for financial assistance
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Begin gathering materials and preparing your application well ahead of deadlines.
- Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your leadership experiences and their impact.
- Be Authentic: Share genuine stories about your community involvement.
- Detailed Financial Need: Provide comprehensive documentation of your financial situation.
- Strong References: Choose references who know your abilities well and can speak to your leadership potential.
Life at UBC
The University of British Columbia offers:
- Two stunning campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan
- Over 200 undergraduate programs
- World-class research facilities
- Diverse student community with students from 150+ countries
- Extensive extracurricular opportunities
- Strong career support services
Contact Information
For specific inquiries about the ILOT Award:
- Email: international.awards@ubc.ca
- Phone: +1-604-822-8999
Conclusion
The UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award represents an exceptional opportunity for outstanding international students seeking to study in Canada.
With its focus on academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, the award seeks to identify and support the next generation of global leaders.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate the qualities UBC is looking for, this prestigious scholarship could make your educational dreams at one of Canada’s top universities a reality.
Begin your journey to becoming a UBC International Leader of Tomorrow today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply directly for the ILOT Award?
No, you must be nominated by your school or educational institution to be considered.
Is the award renewable?
Yes, the ILOT Award can be renewed for up to four years (or five years for five-year programs) provided you maintain satisfactory academic standing.
Does the award cover the full cost of attendance?
The award value varies based on financial need assessment. It may cover full or partial costs depending on your financial circumstances.
Can I apply if I’m already studying at another university?
No, the ILOT Award is only available to students applying to UBC for their first undergraduate degree.
What if my financial situation changes during my studies?
UBC reviews financial needs annually. Changes in your financial situation may affect the award value in subsequent years.