UBC International Scholars Program (University of British Columbia) 2025 | Apply Now

Are you aiming to study at one of Canada’s leading research universities? The UBC International Scholars Program offers exceptional international students the chance to receive fully funded scholarships based on academic excellence, leadership, and financial need. This prestigious program not only supports tuition and living costs but also provides unique academic and community opportunities at the University of British Columbia.

Here is everything to know about the UBC International Scholars Program covering its awards, benefits, and application process.

About UBC International Scholars Program:

The University of British Columbia’s/UBC International Scholars Program is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship designed for exceptional international students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, and a commitment to social impact. These scholars are high achievers with outstanding extracurricular involvement and a clear desire to make a difference both locally and globally. Through the program, students earn a globally recognized UBC degree and join a vibrant, diverse community of top-performing peers.

They benefit from unique learning opportunities such as community-based experiential projects, leadership retreats, professional development workshops, and study-abroad programs focused on addressing global challenges. In addition to financial support, scholars receive dedicated academic and personal advising, career guidance, and access to resources that promote wellbeing and community care. The program fosters the development of globally minded, socially engaged leaders prepared to create meaningful change in the world.

Note: For full more information, visit the official website of UBC International Scholars Program.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be considered for the UBC International Scholars Program, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Must be an international student who will pursue studies in Canada on a valid Canadian study permit.
• Must be entering UBC directly from a recognized secondary school or transferring from the first year of a post-secondary institution (college or university).
• Must have graduated from high school no earlier than one gap year prior to the academic year of application. For example, applicants for the 2025 Winter Session must have completed high school no earlier than November 2023.
• Must be applying for a first undergraduate degree.
• Must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, typically reflected in a record of all A grades or an equivalent standard.
• Must demonstrate financial need that would otherwise prevent access to a UBC education. All international applicants are automatically considered for the merit-based International Major Entrance Scholarships and Outstanding International Student Awards.  If these awards do not fully cover tuition and basic living expenses, the applicant may be eligible to apply for the International Scholars Program.
• Must meet UBC’s general and program-specific admission requirements, including the English Language Admission Standard.

UBC will consider applicants for the Vantage One Excellence Award if they meet the following criteria:

• Not yet meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard for direct undergraduate admission.
• Meet the UBC Vantage College admission requirements, including the English language criteria specific to Vantage College.
• Be entering directly from high school.
• Begin undergraduate studies through the UBC Vantage One Program.

Note: For complete details, visit the official website of UBC International Scholars Program.

Benefits:

The UBC International Scholars Program provides financial assistance to help students focus on their studies.

• Full coverage of tuition fees
• Support for living expenses
• Funding available for the entire duration of the academic program

Note: For more details, visit the official website: UBC International Scholars Program

List of UBC Scholarships:

UBC offers four prestigious, need- and merit-based scholarships through its International Scholars Program.

Note: Applicants are not required to select a specific award when submitting the application. All eligible candidates will be automatically considered for the International Scholars Program awards. No separate application is needed.

• Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
  Recognizes academically outstanding international students who demonstrate strong leadership, collaboration, and a positive impact through community and school involvement.
• Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
  Awarded to exceptional students from war-torn or disadvantaged regions who have excelled academically despite significant challenges and who require substantial financial assistance.
• International Impact Award
  Granted to students who show leadership and a commitment to sustainability, equity, social justice, health, or community wellbeing. Preference is given to first-generation learners and those from diverse backgrounds.
• Vantage One Excellence Award
  For academically strong students admitted through UBC Vantage College who do not yet meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard. The award supports tuition and living expenses and recognizes leadership and community engagement.

Application Deadline:

The application deadlines for the UBC International Scholars Program include key dates for scholarship submission, university admission, language requirements, and document completion. Take note of the following:

• November 15: Deadline to submit the International Scholars Program application.
• December 1: Deadline to submit the online application for admission to UBC. Although two degree choices may be specified, only the first-choice program will be considered for the International Scholars Program.
• January 31: Deadline to meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard for direct entry, or the English language requirement for UBC Vantage College (for those applying to the Vantage One Excellence Award).
• January 31: Deadline to submit all documents required for admission to UBC. This deadline applies regardless of the date indicated in the “next steps” email.
• Mid-April: Notification of award decisions.

Note: For full and up-to-date deadline details, visit the official website of UBC International Scholars Program.

Requirements:

To apply successfully, applicants must prepare and submit the following documents for the UBC International Scholars Program:

• Application Form
• Academic Reference
• Nomination Letter (if applicable)
• Financial Information
• English Language Proficiency

Note: For full and detailed information about the requirements, visit the official UBC International Scholars Program website.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Start by reviewing the full details and application instructions on the UBC International Scholars Program page.

Step 2: Choose Your Academic Program and Campus
Select the  academic program you want to study, and which campus to which you wish to apply. Only the first-choice program will be considered for International Scholars Program awards, though a second choice can be added.
Note: Some programs are not eligible for these awards, including:

• UBC Okanagan Bachelor of Nursing
• Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene
• Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
• Bachelor + Master of Management degree
• Dual degrees and joint degrees with UBC campuses or other institutions

Step 3: Secure a Nomination and Academic Reference
Applicants must be nominated by their school or a non-profit organization and provide a reference from an academic referee.

• Each high school, college, or university may nominate up to two students for UBC Vancouver (including Vantage College) and one student for UBC Okanagan.
• A non-profit may only nominate one high school student involved with their organization.
  Inform both your nominator (e.g., school counselor) and academic referee (e.g., subject teacher) of the November 15 nomination and application deadline.

Step 4: Gather Required Documents
Prepare the following:

• Financial information
• A summary of extracurricular activities, achievements, and awards

Step 5: Submit the International Scholars Program Application
Complete and submit the application for the scholarship by the November 15 deadline.

Step 6: Submit the UBC Admissions Application
Apply for admissions application here to UBC by December 1.

Note: For complete instructions and to submit your application, visit the official website of UBC International Scholars Program

Contact Details:

If you have questions or need assistance regarding the UBC International Scholarship Program, you can reach out through the contact details below:

• Address: 1200–1874 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
• Phone: +1 877-272-1422

Note: These contact details are based on the information available on the official University of British Columbia website. Please verify through their contact page for the most up-to-date information.

Final Thoughts:

The University of British Columbia’s International Scholars Program provides a unique opportunity for exceptional international students with strong academics, leadership, and a passion for social impact. Scholars receive full financial support and access to valuable learning experiences, helping them succeed academically and make a difference in their communities. This program allows students to earn a globally recognized degree while developing as leaders who aim to create positive change.

Don’t forget to explore other scholarships that may assist in funding your education, whether they are local, National, or international.

Check out the scholarship guides on this website for additional options.

References:

• University of British Columbia. (n.d.). International Scholars. UBC Undergraduate Programs and Admissions. Retrieved May 14, 2025, from https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/international-scholars/
• Opportunities Pedia. (n.d.). UBC International Scholars Program 2025 in Canada (Fully Funded). Opportunities Pedia. Retrieved May 14, 2025, from https://opportunitiespedia.com/ubc-international-scholars-program/
• Scholarships.af. (n.d.). UBC International Scholars Program. Retrieved May 14, 2025, from https://scholarships.af/opportunity/ubc-international-scholars-program/