UBC International Scholars Program 2027–2028 – Are you an international student hoping to earn an undergraduate degree in Canada but worried about the cost of studying abroad?
The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers an opportunity for academically outstanding students who have demonstrated leadership and need substantial financial assistance to attend university. Through its International Scholars Program, UBC provides competitive awards that can help eligible students cover the cost of their education and living expenses.
Applications for September 2027 entry are open, and the scholarship application deadline is November 15, 2026. This guide explains the scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, documents, application process, and important deadlines.
Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | UBC International Scholars Program |
| Host institution | University of British Columbia |
| Host country | Canada |
| Study level | Undergraduate |
| Eligible applicants | International students entering directly from secondary school |
| Entry year | September 2027 |
| Scholarship type | Competitive, need-and-merit-based awards |
| Funding | Award value depends on demonstrated financial need and the scholarship category; awards can cover substantial educational and living costs |
| Application status | Open for September 2027 entry |
| Scholarship deadline | November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time |
| Admission application | Must also be submitted by November 15, 2026 |
| Official application information | UBC International Scholars Program |
About the UBC International Scholars Program
The University of British Columbia is a public research university in Canada with campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan region. It welcomes students from different countries and offers undergraduate programmes across a wide range of academic disciplines.
The UBC International Scholars Program is designed for international students who combine excellent academic performance with leadership potential, meaningful contributions to their communities, and significant financial need. It aims to make a UBC education accessible to exceptional students who would otherwise struggle to afford it.
The programme includes four award categories: the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, the International Impact Award, and the Vantage One Excellence Award. Applicants do not choose a specific award category themselves. UBC assesses their circumstances and considers them for the awards for which they are eligible.
These awards are competitive. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection, and applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their academic strengths, personal achievements, leadership, and financial circumstances.
It is also important to understand that the International Scholars Program is different from UBC’s merit-based entrance scholarships. The International Scholars Program considers both academic merit and financial need, while merit-based awards primarily recognise academic achievement and extracurricular involvement. Applicants cannot be considered for both types of award at the same time.
Financial Benefits and Coverage
The UBC International Scholars Program can provide substantial financial assistance to successful applicants. The value of an award depends on the student’s assessed financial need, available resources, and the particular award category.
For some recipients, the award may cover the full cost of their academic programme and living expenses. However, applicants should not assume that every successful student will receive an identical package or that the scholarship automatically guarantees full funding in every case.
UBC assesses applicants’ financial circumstances by reviewing information such as family income, expenses, assets, dependants, school fees, and other sources of financial support. The university uses this information to estimate how much assistance a student needs after accounting for available resources.
The four award categories have different purposes:
- Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award: Recognises international students with excellent academic records and strong leadership qualities. The award places particular emphasis on students who support and empower others through collaboration, empathy, and community involvement.
- Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award: Supports outstanding international students from impoverished or war-torn areas who have achieved academic excellence despite challenging circumstances and cannot attend university without significant financial assistance.
- International Impact Award: Recognises students who demonstrate leadership and commitment to addressing issues such as sustainability, climate change, natural resource conservation, social justice, equity, inclusion, and societal health and wellness. Priority is given to first-generation learners and students from diverse lived backgrounds.
- Vantage One Excellence Award: Supports academically outstanding international students who do not yet meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard for direct entry and are eligible for the Vantage One pathway. The award can be worth up to the full cost of the academic programme and living expenses.
In addition to financial assistance, International Scholars receive dedicated advising and support throughout their degree. The programme also provides opportunities for skill development, workshops, retreats, and other activities that support students’ academic and personal growth.
Before applying, review the official UBC International Scholars Program page for the award descriptions and current requirements.
Eligible Programs and Courses
The International Scholars Program supports eligible undergraduate programmes at UBC’s Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. Applicants should first identify a degree programme that matches their academic interests and career goals.
Depending on the campus and programme, options may include disciplines such as:
- Arts and humanities
- Business and commerce
- Computer science and related technology fields
- Engineering
- Environmental and sustainability studies
- Life sciences
- Mathematics and physical sciences
- Social sciences
This list is illustrative, not a guarantee that every degree within these areas qualifies for an International Scholars award. Applicants must confirm that their intended programme is eligible and satisfies UBC’s general and degree-specific admission requirements.
Some programmes are explicitly excluded from International Scholars Program awards. These include the Bachelor of Nursing degree at either campus, the Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene, the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, the Bachelor of Management degree combined with a master’s degree, certain dual and joint degrees, and joint degrees with other post-secondary institutions.
Applicants should review the current programme exclusions before choosing their first-choice degree. UBC states that award consideration is based on the applicant’s first-choice programme, although students should still identify a second-choice programme when applying for admission.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the UBC International Scholars Program for September 2027 entry, applicants must satisfy the programme’s academic, financial, educational, and admission requirements.
International student status
Applicants must be international students who will study in Canada on a Canadian study permit. The programme is intended for students entering UBC from outside the Canadian domestic student category.
Entry directly from secondary school
Applicants must be entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school and applying for their first undergraduate degree.
For the September 2027 intake, UBC states that applicants must have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026. Students who have already completed an undergraduate degree should not assume they qualify.
Excellent academic performance
Applicants must demonstrate superior academic achievement, described by UBC as achieving all As or an equivalent standard. Meeting this expectation does not guarantee an award because the selection process also considers leadership, community contributions, financial need, and other relevant circumstances.
Leadership and community involvement
Applicants should have demonstrated leadership qualities and made meaningful contributions to their schools or communities. This can include community service, initiatives addressing social problems, student activities, and other contributions that show a commitment to helping others.
Applicants should explain their actual responsibilities and achievements rather than simply listing clubs or activities. Evidence of initiative, sustained involvement, collaboration, and measurable contributions can help reviewers understand the applicant’s impact.
Significant financial need
Applicants must demonstrate that attending UBC would be impossible without meaningful financial assistance. Their families must be unable to cover a significant portion of the educational costs and must not have access to sufficient external funding.
UBC assesses financial need using information about income, expenses, family assets, dependants, school fees, and other available resources. Applicants should be prepared to provide accurate financial information and supporting documentation.
Admission and English-language requirements
Applicants must meet UBC’s general admission requirements, the requirements of their intended degree, and the university’s English Language Admission Standard.
Students who do not meet the English-language standard for direct admission may potentially be eligible for the Vantage College pathway and its associated Excellence Award, provided they satisfy the relevant requirements.
Programme exclusions
Applicants must select an eligible degree. Several nursing, dental hygiene, medical laboratory science, combined management, dual-degree, and joint-degree programmes are excluded from International Scholars Program awards.
Review the official eligibility criteria carefully before starting the application.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare their admission materials, scholarship application information, recommendations, and financial records well before the deadline.
The precise documents required for admission can vary by applicant and degree programme. However, the International Scholars Program application requires information and supporting materials in the following areas:
Academic and admission information
- Academic records and secondary school information.
- Information required to complete the UBC undergraduate admission application.
- Any additional academic documents requested by UBC Admissions.
- Evidence of meeting the English Language Admission Standard, where required.
Financial information
- Family income and annual expenses.
- Information about family assets and wealth.
- Details of dependants and annual school fees.
- Information about available financial support and other funding sources.
- Supporting official financial documents requested by UBC.
Leadership and personal achievements
- Information about extracurricular activities and community involvement.
- Details of awards and other achievements.
- Responses to the scholarship’s essay questions.
Nominations and recommendations
- A nominator who can discuss the applicant’s educational goals and character.
- A teacher referee who knows the applicant’s work in their chosen area.
The nominator and teacher referee must be different people. UBC sets limits on how many students a school or eligible organisation can nominate, so applicants should discuss the process with their school early.
The university’s instructions describe four essay questions, generally around 150–250 words each. Applicants should check the live application for the current prompts and requirements rather than relying on older examples.
UBC may request additional admission documents after the application is submitted. Applicants must follow the instructions sent by the admissions office and ensure that all required documents are received by the applicable deadline.
How to Apply for the UBC International Scholars Program
The process involves applying for admission to UBC and completing a separate scholarship application. Applicants should begin early because both the scholarship and admission requirements must be addressed.
Step 1: Choose an eligible degree programme
Review UBC’s undergraduate programmes and decide which campus and degree best match your interests. Confirm that your intended programme is eligible for International Scholars funding and check its admission requirements.
You should also identify a second-choice programme where appropriate.
Step 2: Discuss the nomination with your school
Speak with your school counsellor, principal, administrator, or another suitable nominator as early as possible. You will also need a teacher referee who is familiar with your work and can comment on your strengths in the area you intend to study.
The nominator and teacher referee must be different people. Confirm that they are willing and able to complete their respective forms before proceeding.
UBC permits certain eligible nonprofit organisations to nominate students in specific circumstances, particularly where the organisation provides an educational or leadership-development role for students who lack access to a conventional school nomination. Applicants should read UBC’s rules carefully before relying on this route.
Step 3: Apply for admission to UBC
Complete the university’s undergraduate admission application and submit it by the required deadline. You must have completed your UBC admission application before you can start the International Scholars award application.
Allow time to provide accurate academic information and to check that your selected degree is eligible.
Step 4: Start the scholarship application
Create an account in the scholarship application system and invite your nominator and teacher referee to complete their forms. Follow up with both people to ensure that they receive their invitations and submit their recommendations on time.
UBC states that you cannot complete your award application until both required forms have been submitted.
Step 5: Complete the financial assessment and essays
Gather the information needed to explain your family’s financial situation. This includes income, expenses, assets, dependants, school fees, and other available sources of funding.
Complete the financial information and cost-estimation sections carefully. Your responses should be accurate and consistent with the supporting documents you provide.
You will also need to describe your extracurricular activities, awards, leadership experience, and community contributions, and answer the scholarship essay questions. Use specific examples to explain what you did, why it mattered, and what you learned.
Step 6: Submit the completed application by November 15, 2026
The International Scholars Program application and UBC admission application are both due by November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
Your nominator and teacher referee should submit their forms several days before the deadline. Do not wait until the final day, particularly because the scholarship application cannot be completed until both forms have been submitted.
Step 7: Submit any outstanding admission documents
After applying, check your email and UBC’s applicant portal for instructions about transcripts, academic certificates, English-language requirements, and any other documents.
UBC gives International Scholars Program applicants a document deadline of January 31, 2027, rather than the later deadline that may appear in a general admissions email. If a required document is not available by then, UBC instructs applicants to submit it as soon as it becomes available.
Always follow the latest instructions issued by the university.
Step 8: Prepare for a possible video interview
Some applicants may be invited to complete a video interview between January and March 2027. According to UBC’s application guidance, invited applicants have one week to complete this stage.
The interview may ask you to reflect on your educational experiences, leadership, and personal achievements. Prepare to discuss your goals and experiences clearly, using genuine examples.
Step 9: Monitor your email for the result
UBC indicates that scholarship decisions are released on a rolling basis between February and April, with award notifications expected by early to mid-April. Check your inbox and spam folder regularly and ensure that UBC emails are not being filtered out.
Application Deadline and Current Status
The UBC International Scholars Program is open for September 2027 entry as of October 9, 2026.
The most important dates are:
| Application milestone | Deadline or period |
|---|---|
| UBC admission and scholarship applications | November 15, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time |
| Required admission documents and English-language requirements | January 31, 2027 |
| Possible video interviews | January–March 2027 |
| Expected award decisions | February–April 2027 |
Applicants should treat November 15 as the key deadline. Submitting the admission application alone does not complete the scholarship application. Equally, starting the scholarship application without submitting the required recommendations will leave the application incomplete.
Because the programme is competitive and requires substantial preparation, begin as early as possible. Check UBC’s official application instructions and deadlines before submitting.
Selection Process and Application Tips
UBC assesses applicants using a combination of academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, financial need, and programme eligibility. The university reviews applicants’ circumstances to determine which award category, if any, is appropriate.
There is no guarantee of an award simply because an applicant meets the stated requirements. The strength of the overall application matters.
The following tips can help you prepare a clearer and more complete application.
Demonstrate leadership with examples. Explain what you contributed to your school or community, the responsibilities you held, and the outcomes of your work. You do not need to present yourself as the founder of a large organisation. Consistent, meaningful contributions can also demonstrate leadership.
Explain your financial need honestly. Provide accurate figures and supporting records. Do not exaggerate financial hardship or leave out relevant sources of support. Your explanation should make it clear why financial assistance is essential for you to attend UBC.
Write focused scholarship essays. Answer each prompt directly. Use specific experiences to show your motivation, personal development, and commitment to contributing to your community. Avoid generic statements that could apply to any applicant.
Coordinate with your nominator and teacher referee early. Both forms are required before the scholarship application can be completed. Give your referees enough time to prepare thoughtful responses and submit them before the deadline.
Check programme eligibility before applying. Some degrees are excluded from the International Scholars Program. Confirm your first-choice degree’s eligibility and review its admission requirements before investing time in the application.
Keep your information consistent. Academic records, financial information, essays, and recommendation forms should tell a coherent and truthful story about your achievements, circumstances, and goals.
Submit early and monitor your email. Technical problems or missing forms can put an otherwise strong application at risk. Submit well before November 15 and keep checking your email for requests from UBC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UBC International Scholars Program open for 2027–2028?
Yes. UBC confirms that applications for September 2027 entry are open. The scholarship application deadline is November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
Can international students receive a fully funded scholarship at UBC?
The International Scholars Program offers competitive need-and-merit-based awards that can cover substantial educational and living costs. Some awards, including the Vantage One Excellence Award, can be worth up to the full cost of the academic programme and living expenses. The actual amount depends on the award category and the student’s assessed circumstances.
Can students from Nigeria apply?
Nigerian students may apply if they meet all the programme’s requirements, including international student status, direct entry from secondary school, excellent academic performance, demonstrated leadership, significant financial need, and the relevant admission requirements. Eligibility does not guarantee selection.
Do I need to apply for admission to UBC separately?
Yes. Applicants must complete their UBC admission application before starting the International Scholars award application. Both applications must be submitted by November 15, 2026.
Is IELTS compulsory for the scholarship?
Applicants must meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard. Whether IELTS is required depends on the university’s accepted ways of demonstrating English proficiency and the applicant’s circumstances. Check UBC’s current English-language requirements rather than assuming that one particular test is compulsory for everyone.
What documents are required for the scholarship?
Applicants need academic and admission information, detailed financial information, scholarship essays, and forms from a nominator and a separate teacher referee. UBC may also request transcripts, certificates, English-language evidence, or other supporting documents.
Can I apply if I have already started university?
The International Scholars Program is designed for students entering directly from an accredited secondary school to pursue their first undergraduate degree. Students who have already started post-secondary study should carefully review UBC’s eligibility rules before applying, as the programme is not intended for general university transfers.
When will UBC announce the scholarship results?
UBC indicates that award decisions are released on a rolling basis from February to April 2027, with successful applicants expected to be informed by early to mid-April.
Conclusion
The UBC International Scholars Program 2027–2028 is a valuable opportunity for international students who have excellent academic records, demonstrated leadership, meaningful community involvement, and significant financial need. Depending on the award category and individual circumstances, successful applicants may receive funding that covers substantial educational and living costs while also benefiting from dedicated academic and personal support.
The most important step is to begin early. Choose an eligible undergraduate programme, speak with your nominator and teacher referee, gather your financial documents, and complete both the UBC admission and scholarship applications by November 15, 2026. Review the official requirements carefully and ensure that every part of your application is complete before the deadline.
References
you.ubc.ca – Undergraduate Programs and Admissions
you.ubc.ca – Undergraduate Programs and Admissions
you.ubc.ca – Undergraduate Programs and Admissions
