UBC International Scholars Program Awards 2025/26 in Canada

If you are a talented student wishing to study at a top globally recognized university, you can apply for the University of British Columbia’s UBC International Scholars Program Awards for 2025/26.

The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers four types of scholarships each year for international applicants. These prestigious need-and-merit-based awards are provided through UBC’s International Scholars Program.

Karen Mckellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

This award recognizes talented international undergraduate students demonstrating superior academic achievement, involvement in student affairs, exceptional leadership skills, community service, and recognized achievement in other key areas.

Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

This scheme or award is for outstanding international undergraduate students from war-torn or impoverished areas with academic excellence under challenging circumstances who now cannot attend University without significant financial assistance.

International Impact Award

The International Impact Award is available to exceptional students who have demonstrated commitment and solutions for social justice issues, equity and inclusion, climate change, societal health and wellness, and freedom of expression.

Vantage One Excellence Award

This scheme is a study award from UBC Vantage College for outstanding international students who do not meet the English Language Admission Standard for direct admission to UBC. The award’s value covers the full cost of a student’s academic program and living expenses.

University of British Columbia (UBC) offers approximately 50 scholarships annually across all four awards. Candidates cannot select which award they wish to receive when submitting their application; the UBC team will automatically consider an applicant for the awards if they fulfill the requirements.

Summary

• Host University: University of British Columbia (UBC)
• Location: British Columbia, Canada
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Study Level: Undergraduate
• Academic Year: 2025/26
• Number of Scholarships: 50
• Eligible Countries: All
• Important Dates
  • Submit your International Scholars Program application: November 15, 2024
  • Submit your online application for admission to UBC: December 1, 2024
  • Meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard: January 31, 2024
  • Submit required documents for UBC admission: January 31, 2025
  • Notification of award status: Mid-April, 2025

Also, read about the University of British Columbia Fellowships 2025 in Canada (Funded)

Benefits

UBC’s International Scholars Program covers the full study costs of a student’s academic program and living expenses.

What More UBC’s International Scholars Program Offers?

UBC’s International Scholars Program offers students the opportunity to:

• Earn a Globally Recognized Degree: A UBC degree opens doors and connects you to a vast global alumni network.
• Study with Bright Peers: Join a community of engaged young leaders who enrich UBC and the world with diverse perspectives and innovative initiatives.
• Access Unique Learning Opportunities: Benefit from community-based projects, annual retreats for leadership development, workshops on career preparation and networking, and events to celebrate your achievements. Focus on health and well-being and participate in study-abroad exchanges to address local challenges in various fields.
• Receive Dedicated Support: Enjoy guidance from a team of International Scholars Program advisors and a network of UBC staff to support your academic and personal growth.

Take advantage of unique learning opportunities by accessing several opportunities inside and outside the classroom that will enrich their university experience:

1. Community-based practical learning projects to help the applicants apply for academic interests to fulfill issues of the local or global community.
2. Annual retreats will help the applicants connect with their community while they plan for the next year and develop their leadership skills.
3. An annual workshop series providing leadership, career preparation, community development, and networking opportunities throughout their degree
4. Receptions and celebratory events each year to recognize students’ achievements and connect them to the Scholar’s community on campus.
5. Study-abroad exchange programs will take students to emerging countries to address local health, social infrastructure, education, agriculture, and sustainable development challenges.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply to the University of British Columbia International Scholars Program Awards, applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Must be an international student willing to study in Canada with a Canadian study permit.
• Applicants must come from an accredited secondary school or transfer from their first year at a post-secondary college or other University.
• They should have graduated from high school no earlier than one year before the academic year they are applying to. For example, candidates for 2025 should have graduated from high school no earlier than November 2023.
• Be applying for their first undergraduate degree.
• Applicants should meet UBC’s admission requirements, including general and degree-specific criteria and the English Language Admission Standard.
• Demonstrate superior academic achievement.
• Demonstrate a level of financial need that will otherwise prevent them from pursuing a degree at UBC.

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

• All previous eligibility criteria apply, except UBC’s English Language Admission requirements for direct admission to UBC.
• Applicants should fulfill the UBC Vantage College admission requirements, including the English requirements.
• They are coming directly from high school.
• Be beginning their undergraduate studies at UBC in the UBC Vantage One Program.

Language Required Scores:

Important Notes:

• For applicants who demonstrate A-level financial need that will otherwise prevent them from pursuing a UBC degree, the University automatically considers all international applicants for the merit-based Outstanding International Student Awards and International Major Entrance Scholarships scholarships, with a total maximum value of $25,000 annually). If this amount does not cover the student’s needs for tuition and basic living costs, they can apply for the International Scholars Program.
• Applicants applying for the International Scholars Program are not eligible for merit-based awards, including International Major Entrance Scholarships and Outstanding International Student Awards.

Undergraduate Programs at UBC

Please review the official page for undergraduate study programs at UBC:

• Business and economics
• Earth, environment, and sustainability
• Education
• Engineering and technology
• Health and life sciences
• History, law, and politics
• Languages and linguistics
• Math, chemistry, and physics
• Media and fine arts
• People, culture, and society

How To Apply

Candidates can apply for the 2025/26 by starting on the abovementioned dates. Please follow these guides to apply for the International Scholars Program:

1. Review the application-specific page for the International Scholars Program 2025/26.
2. Select the desired academic program and campus you wish to study.
3. Applicants should get nominated by their school or non-profit organizations and submit a reference from an academic referee:

• All candidates should confirm that their school or non-profit organization is eligible to nominate them. One high school, college, or University may appoint a maximum of three students for the UBC Vancouver campus, including Vantage College, and one applicant for the UBC Okanagan campus.
• A non-profit organization can only nominate a high school student involved with its team. This nomination will count towards the total number of nominations allowed from a student’s school.
• Applicants should inform their nominator and academic referee that they’d like to apply for the International Scholars Program and mention the application deadline of November 15, 2023.
• The nominator should be the school counsellor or equivalent of the student, and their academic referee should be familiar with them and their work—for example, a teacher for a chosen area of study.

4. Gather all required financial information and notes on any extracurricular activities and awards.
5. Apply for the International Scholars Programme by the November 15, 2024 deadline.
6. Submit the admissions application to UBC by the December 1, 2024 deadline.
7. We advise you to watch the admission video instructions to understand the admission process easily.

Apply Now

Apply for Admission to UBC

You may visit the official website of the University of British Columbia (UBC) for detailed information about the UBC’s International Scholars Program Awards.