UBC International Scholars Program 2027 – Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarship in Canada

University of British Columbia (UBC) Undergraduate (Bachelor's) Canada (Vancouver / Okanagan)
UBC International Scholars Program - Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarship

Scholarship Description

The UBC International Scholars Program is a prestigious, need-and-merit-based scholarship offered by the University of British Columbia (UBC) to outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership qualities, and significant financial need. The program brings together Scholars from diverse countries and cultures to foster a vibrant and globally connected learning community.

As a UBC International Scholar, you will earn a globally recognized degree at a top university, study with the brightest students in the world, and gain access to unique learning opportunities, dedicated advising, skill-building workshops, retreats, and the option to participate in exchange and co-op programs. Since 2001, the program has supported over 680 International Scholars from more than 111 countries.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at the University of British Columbia, with campuses in Vancouver and Okanagan, Canada. UBC is one of the world's leading research universities, consistently ranked among the top 40 universities globally.

Scholarship Deadline

Applications for the September 2027 intake are now open. The deadline to submit your International Scholars Program application and your UBC admissions application is November 15, 2026.

Applications Open: October 5, 2026

Award Application Deadline: November 15, 2026

Document Deadline: January 31, 2027

Recommendation: Start your application process as early as possible. Applications started shortly before the deadline are less likely to be successful.

Host Institution

The University of British Columbia (UBC) – a global centre for teaching, learning, and research, consistently ranked among the top 40 universities in the world. UBC has two main campuses: Vancouver and Okanagan, both offering world-class academic programs and a vibrant student community.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor's degree).

Fields: All eligible undergraduate programs offered at UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan. However, the following degrees are not eligible for the International Scholars Program:

  • Bachelor of Nursing (Okanagan and Vancouver)
  • Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene
  • Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
  • Bachelor + Master of Management degree
  • Dual degrees and joint degrees between UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver
  • Joint degrees with other post-secondary institutions

Target Group

International students who will be studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit, entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school, and applying for their first undergraduate degree. Applicants must demonstrate superior academic achievement (all As or equivalent), leadership qualities, exceptional community contributions, and significant financial need.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration: The scholarship covers the full duration of your undergraduate degree (typically 4 years).

Award Value: The awards range in value up to the full cost of your academic program and living expenses, minus the financial contribution you and your family can make annually. The exact value depends on your assessed financial need and the cost of your program.

Number of Awards: Approximately 50 scholarships are awarded annually across all four award categories.

Award Categories:

  • International Leader of Tomorrow Award: Recognizes exceptional academic achievement and exemplary leadership skills that empower others through collaboration, empathy, and active listening.
  • Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award: Recognizes outstanding international undergraduate students from impoverished or war-torn areas who have achieved academic excellence under challenging circumstances.
  • International Impact Award: Recognizes exceptional students who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to solutions for sustainability, climate change, social justice, equity, and inclusion.
  • Vantage One Excellence Award: Offered by UBC Vantage College for academically outstanding international students who do not yet meet the English Language Admission Standard.

📊 Summary of Benefits:
Coverage: Tuition + Living expenses (up to full cost)
Duration: Full undergraduate degree (4 years)
Number of Awards: ~50 annually
Categories: 4 prestigious need-and-merit awards

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria (no exceptions):

  • Citizenship: Must be an international student who will be studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
  • Educational background: Must be entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school and applying for your first undergraduate degree. Applicants for 2027 Winter session must have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026.
  • Financial need: Must prove a significant level of financial need. It would be impossible for you to pursue a UBC degree without meaningful financial help. You must submit official documents demonstrating your financial need.
  • Admission requirements: Must meet UBC's admission requirements, including general and degree-specific requirements.
  • Academic achievement: Must demonstrate superior academic achievement (achieve all As or equivalent standard).
  • English language: Must meet UBC's English Language Admission Standard.

Important: If you apply to the International Scholars Program, you will not be considered for merit-based awards. Applicants may only be considered for either the merit-based or financial need-based award program.

✅ Eligible Candidates

  • International students studying in Canada on a study permit.
  • Entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school.
  • Applying for first undergraduate degree.
  • Demonstrating superior academic achievement (all As or equivalent).
  • Proving significant financial need.
  • Meeting UBC's English Language Admission Standard.

❌ Ineligible Candidates

  • Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
  • Students applying for excluded degrees (Nursing, Dental Hygiene, etc.).
  • Students not demonstrating significant financial need.
  • Students applying for a second undergraduate degree.
  • Students not meeting UBC's admission or English language requirements.

Application Procedure

  1. Mid-September: Decide on your program and campus – Choose the academic program and campus you want to study at. You will be considered for your first choice program, but you should still select a second choice.
  2. Late September: Discuss the nomination with your school – You need one nominator (guidance counsellor, principal, administrator, etc.) and one teacher referee. The nominator and teacher referee must be different people. A high school or registered non-profit organization may nominate up to two students for UBC Vancouver and one student for UBC Okanagan.
  3. Early October: Apply to UBC – Submit your UBC Admissions application. You must complete your admissions application before starting your award application.
  4. Early October: Create an account and invite your nominator and referee – Start your award application by creating an account on the UBC scholarship portal. Invite your nominator and teacher referee to complete their forms. You cannot complete your award application until both forms are submitted.
  5. Mid-October: Gather financial and personal information – Complete your sections of the award application. You will be asked for information including annual income and expenses, family wealth and assets, dependents and school fees, sources of financial support, extracurricular information, awards, and 4 essay questions (approximately 150-250 words each).
  6. By November 15: Submit your completed application – The International Scholars Program application is due November 15. Submit well in advance in case of technical difficulties.
  7. By January 31: Submit required documents – Submit any documents required for your admission to UBC, including transcripts and English language test results. Your document deadline is January 31, not the date listed in the general UBC application email.
  8. January – March: Video interview (if invited) – Applicants may be invited to complete a video interview. You will have one week to record your responses using the online application platform.
  9. February – April: Results released – Award decisions are released on a rolling basis. By early- to mid-April, you will be notified if you have received an award.

Important notes: Start early — beginning shortly before the deadline makes success less likely. Follow up with your nominator and referee to ensure they submit their forms a few days before November 15. Check your email (including spam) regularly for updates from UBC.

Official Website & Application Links

UBC International Scholars Program – Official Page

Application Portal: Available on the UBC Undergraduate Scholarships website

UBC Admissions: How to Apply to UBC

Scholarships groups Join Facebook Group Join Telegram Channel

💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements

The UBC International Scholars Program is one of Canada's most prestigious and comprehensive undergraduate scholarships for international students. With awards covering up to the full cost of tuition and living expenses, it opens the door to a world-class education at a top-ranked university for students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement but lack the financial means to attend.

Key strategies for a successful application:

  • Start early — the application process is in-depth and requires significant preparation. Begin in September.
  • Secure your nominator and teacher referee early. They must be different people and submit their forms a few days before November 15.
  • Complete your UBC admissions application first — you cannot start the award application without it.
  • Gather your family's financial information well in advance, including income, expenses, assets, and dependents.
  • Write compelling responses to the 4 essay questions (150-250 words each) that highlight your leadership, community impact, and financial need.
  • Submit your application well before November 15 to avoid technical difficulties.
  • Submit all required documents, including English language test results, by January 31.

Important reminders: The program is highly competitive with approximately 50 awards across four categories. Applicants must demonstrate superior academic achievement (all As or equivalent) and significant financial need. If you apply to the International Scholars Program, you will not be considered for merit-based awards. The deadline for the September 2027 intake is November 15, 2026.

UBC International Scholars Program 2027 – FAQ

What is the UBC International Scholars Program?

It is a need-and-merit-based scholarship for international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership qualities, and significant financial need. It brings together Scholars from diverse countries and cultures at UBC.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline to submit your International Scholars Program application and UBC admissions application is November 15, 2026. Required documents are due January 31, 2027.

What is the value of the scholarship?

The awards range in value up to the full cost of your academic program and living expenses, minus the financial contribution you and your family can make. Approximately 50 scholarships are awarded annually across four categories.

Who is eligible to apply?

International students who will be studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit, entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school, applying for their first undergraduate degree, demonstrating superior academic achievement (all As or equivalent), and proving significant financial need.

Do I need a nomination?

Yes. You need one nominator (guidance counsellor, principal, administrator, etc.) and one teacher referee. The nominator and teacher referee must be different people. A high school or registered non-profit organization may nominate up to two students for UBC Vancouver and one student for UBC Okanagan.

What documents do I need to submit?

You will need to submit your UBC admissions application, the International Scholars Program award application (including 4 essay questions of 150-250 words each), financial documents demonstrating significant need, and required admission documents by January 31.

When will I know if I received the scholarship?

Results are released on a rolling basis throughout February – April. By early- to mid-April, you will be notified if you have received an award.

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