The University of British Columbia (UBC) consistently ranks among the world’s top universities, and its scholarship programs make it more accessible than many students realize. Whether you are an international student seeking significant financial support or a Canadian citizen aiming for prestige awards, University of British Columbia scholarships in Canada can cover substantial portions of tuition and living costs.
UBC invests more than $35 million annually in awards, scholarships, and other financial support for international undergraduate students alone, with recipients coming from over 111 countries. Combined with strong graduate funding packages, these opportunities help thousands of students turn an ambitious academic plan into reality. This guide covers the major University of British Columbia scholarships in Canada across undergraduate and graduate levels, including eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and practical application steps.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Host University: University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Scholarship Type: Undergraduate Scholarships/MSC Scholarships/PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All countries (international students on study permits); Canadian citizens and permanent residents for certain awards
- Scholarship Benefits: Partial tuition fee (e.g., $10,000–$25,000/year renewable IMES), full or substantial tuition coverage through need-based International Scholars awards, living stipend plus tuition (e.g., 4YF at $24,000 stipend + full tuition; Killam at $40,000 per year), and other awards up to $80,000 over four years (Presidential Scholars for domestic students)
- Application Deadline: Varies by award—November 15, 2026 (International Scholars Program for 2027 intake); December 1, 2026 (Presidential Scholars and many domestic entrance awards); program-specific deadlines for graduate admissions and funding (check individual program pages and Graduate School award listings)
Why University of British Columbia Scholarships Stand Out
UBC operates two main campuses—Vancouver and Okanagan—and offers a wide range of programs from engineering and business to arts, sciences, and medicine. What sets its funding apart is the combination of merit-based awards, need-and-merit awards, and structured doctoral funding.
Many awards are either automatic upon application or require only a clear indication in the admission form. This reduces the burden of separate scholarship essays for several major awards. At the same time, the most competitive need-based programs reward both academic excellence and demonstrated financial need, creating pathways for high-achieving students who might otherwise be unable to attend.
Undergraduate Scholarships at UBC
Undergraduate funding at UBC falls into two broad categories: merit-based entrance awards and need-and-merit awards.
International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
The International Major Entrance Scholarship is one of the flagship merit-based awards for international students entering directly from secondary school.
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- Value: $10,000–$25,000 per year for the 2026/2027 academic year, renewable for up to three additional years
- Eligibility: New international students on a Canadian study permit, entering from secondary school, with exceptional academic achievement and strong extracurricular or community involvement
- Application: Automatic consideration if you apply to UBC by the admissions deadline
- Note: Students nominated for the International Scholars Program are not considered for IMES
Students receive notification after an admission offer, typically between mid-February and April. Maintaining satisfactory academic progress is required for renewal.
Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award
This is a one-time merit-based entrance award for qualified international students. It recognizes both academic strength and extracurricular involvement and is also automatic for students who apply by the relevant deadline and are not nominated for need-and-merit awards.
UBC International Scholars Program
This is the university’s most comprehensive need-and-merit program for international undergraduates. It targets students who combine outstanding academics and leadership with significant financial need that would otherwise prevent them from attending UBC.
Key features include:
- Coverage based on demonstrated financial need (can substantially reduce or cover the gap between family resources and the full cost of attendance)
- Dedicated advising and community support
- Access to unique opportunities in research, co-ops, and leadership development
Important deadline: International applicants must apply to UBC and submit the award application by November 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m. PST) to be considered for the September 2027 intake. Detailed information is available on the official International Scholars page.
Categories within the program include awards such as the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award and the Vantage One Excellence Award (for students entering through UBC Vantage College).
Presidential Scholars Awards (Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents)
For domestic students, the Presidential Scholars Awards represent the most prestigious entrance recognition.
- Renewable awards of up to $80,000 over four years on the Vancouver campus (up to $40,000 on the Okanagan campus)
- One-time awards of approximately $5,000 are also available
- Eligibility: Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering from high school or CEGEP who demonstrate excellence across academics, leadership, arts, community service, athletics, or school involvement
Students must apply to UBC by December 1 and indicate interest in the award within the application. Evaluation is based on the academic profile and personal profile for the first-choice degree.
Additional Undergraduate Awards
UBC Okanagan offers automatic awards such as the Global Elevation Award ($8,000, renewable) for all new international undergraduates and program-specific launch awards. Continuing students can apply for International Community Achievement Awards (up to $10,000) and faculty-specific awards. Vantage College students have access to specialized IMES and Entrance Awards, with some packages reaching up to $85,000 over four years depending on the track.
For official details and the full list of current awards, visit the UBC scholarships and awards pages for international students and Canadian students.
Graduate and PhD Scholarships at UBC
Graduate funding at UBC is often structured differently from undergraduate awards. Many doctoral students receive multi-year packages that combine stipends and tuition coverage.
Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF)
Effective from September 2026 onward, the 4YF provides:
- $24,000 annual stipend plus full tuition coverage
- Duration of up to four years
- Eligibility: Outstanding domestic and international doctoral students (including PhD, DMA, and MDPhD)
Nomination and timing are set by individual graduate programs. This base funding helps attract and retain top research talent.
Killam Doctoral Scholarships
These are among the most prestigious awards available to graduate students at UBC.
- Value: $40,000 per annum for up to two years
- Open to Canadian, permanent resident, and international doctoral candidates
- Typically awarded to top candidates in the Affiliated Fellowships competition (approximately 25 awards per year)
Killam recipients on the Vancouver campus may also receive additional tuition support through the 4YF program when eligible.
Other Graduate Funding Opportunities
- Affiliated Fellowships (Master’s): Approximately 50 awards annually based on academic excellence; deadline around December 1, 2026
- Canada Graduate Research Scholarships – Master’s (CGRS M) and Doctoral (CGRS D): Federal tri-agency awards with specific deadlines (e.g., December 1 for Master’s in recent cycles; September for doctoral)
- Graduate Support Initiative (GSI) Awards: Entrance scholarships, multi-year packages, and top-ups managed at the program or faculty level
- Departmental and faculty awards, plus external opportunities such as the Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship or Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards
Many programs guarantee minimum funding packages for doctoral students (sometimes $40,000 or more per year for the first four years, depending on the department). Always check the specific graduate program page for guaranteed funding details.
See Also:
- Fully Funded UBC Masters Scholarship: How International Students Can Secure Funding in Canada
- University of Manitoba Graduate Scholarship in Canada: Your Complete Guide
- How to Win the BOC Sciences Chemistry Scholarship 2026: Complete Guide for Undergraduates and Postgraduates
Eligibility Overview and Application Strategy
Eligibility varies by award:
- International students (study permit holders) can access IMES, OIS, International Scholars Program, 4YF, Killam, and many departmental awards
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents can access Presidential Scholars, Centennial Scholars Entrance Awards, 4YF, Killam, and federal research scholarships
- Most entrance awards require direct entry from secondary school for undergraduate programs
- Graduate awards typically require admission to a research-based master’s or doctoral program
Key application tips:
- Apply early. For International Scholars consideration, the November 15 deadline is firm. Domestic major awards often require a December 1 application.
- Complete every section of the UBC application thoroughly, especially the personal profile and any awards section.
- For need-based awards, prepare clear documentation of financial circumstances.
- For graduate study, contact potential supervisors early and inquire about funding packages during the admission process.
- Maintain strong academic records and document extracurricular leadership or research experience.
Official application and deadline information can be found at the UBC Undergraduate Programs and Admissions dates and deadlines page and the Graduate School Award Opportunities page.
Practical Considerations for International Students
International tuition at UBC is higher than domestic rates, so scholarships make a meaningful difference. Combining a renewable entrance award with careful budgeting, part-time work eligibility (where permitted on a study permit), and campus resources such as the UBC Bursary Program (primarily for domestic students with government loans) or departmental support can create a workable financial plan.
Students should also explore external scholarships from their home governments, organizations such as the Canadian government, or private foundations, as these can be stacked with UBC awards in many cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate application for most UBC entrance scholarships?
For IMES and OIS, no—consideration is automatic with a timely UBC application. The International Scholars Program and Presidential Scholars require specific steps or indications within the process.
Can international students receive full funding?
Need-based awards through the International Scholars Program can cover a substantial portion of costs based on demonstrated need. Doctoral packages such as the 4YF provide stipend plus tuition. Fully funded packages depend on the program and individual circumstances.
What are the most important deadlines for 2027 entry?
November 15, 2026 for International Scholars Program consideration; December 1, 2026 for many major domestic entrance awards; program-specific deadlines for graduate admissions and funding.
Are there scholarships for continuing students?
Yes. International Community Achievement Awards, Premier Undergraduate and Wesbrook Scholarships, and various faculty and graduate awards are available after enrollment.
Next Steps and Official Resources
University of British Columbia scholarships in Canada reward academic excellence, leadership, and, in many cases, financial need. Start by reviewing the official pages, preparing a strong application, and applying well before the relevant deadlines.
Helpful links:
- Scholarships and awards for international students: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/
- International Scholars Program: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/international-scholars/
- Dates and deadlines: https://you.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/dates-deadlines/
- Graduate award opportunities: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/scholarships-awards-funding/award-opportunities
- UBC main site: https://www.ubc.ca/
With careful planning and a strong application, many students successfully secure University of British Columbia scholarships in Canada and begin their studies with reduced financial pressure. Research the specific awards that match your profile, gather your documents early, and submit a complete application by the stated deadlines.