University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program 2027 in Canada

Imagine walking onto the University of British Columbia campus knowing that your academic excellence, leadership, and genuine financial need have opened the door to one of Canada’s most respected universities. For high-achieving international students who cannot otherwise afford a UBC degree, the UBC International Scholars Program exists precisely for this purpose.

The UBC International Scholars Program is a prestigious need-and-merit-based award pathway for international students entering their first undergraduate degree directly from secondary school. It targets those who combine outstanding academic performance, demonstrated leadership and community impact, and significant financial need. Applications for the September 2027 intake opened on October 5, 2026, and the award application deadline is November 15, 2026.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the program, from eligibility and award categories to the application process and practical tips, so you can decide whether it is the right opportunity and prepare a strong application.

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: Canada
• Host University: University of British Columbia (UBC) – Vancouver and Okanagan campuses
• Scholarship Type: Undergraduate Scholarships
• Eligible Countries: International students from all countries (who will study on a Canadian study permit)
• Scholarship Benefits: Need- and merit-based financial support commensurate with demonstrated need (ranging from partial tuition and living costs up to the full cost of the academic program and living expenses in some cases), plus dedicated advising, skill-building workshops, retreats, and access to exchange and co-op opportunities
• Application Deadline: November 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST (for September 2027 intake)

What Is the UBC International Scholars Program?

UBC created the International Scholars Program to bring together some of the world’s brightest young undergraduates who have shown exceptional extracurricular involvement, a commitment to positive global and social change, and a dedication to giving back to their communities. Since 2001 the program has supported more than 680 International Scholars from over 111 countries.

Unlike purely merit-based entrance awards, the International Scholars Program places equal weight on financial need. UBC conducts a detailed financial assessment that reviews family gross income, expenses, assets, and other sources of support. The resulting award value is sized to the gap between a student’s resources and the cost of attending UBC. Awards can range from meaningful partial support to coverage approaching the full cost of tuition and living expenses, depending on the assessed need and the specific award category.

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Importantly, students who apply to the International Scholars Program are not considered for UBC’s pure merit-based awards such as the International Major Entrance Scholarships. You must choose one pathway.

See Also:

• University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program 2027 in Canada
• University of British Columbia Scholarships in Canada: The Complete Guide to Funding Your Degree in 2027
• How To Secure the University of British Columbia (UBC) Dean Entrance Scholarship in Canada: Fully Funded

Who Is Eligible for the UBC International Scholars Program?

Eligibility criteria are strict, and UBC states that there are no exceptions. To be considered you must meet all of the following requirements:

• You are an international student who will study in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
• You are entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school.
• For the 2027 Winter session, you graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026.
• You are applying for your first undergraduate degree.
• You demonstrate superior academic achievement (typically all As or the equivalent standard).
• You meet UBC’s general and program-specific admission requirements, including the English Language Admission Standard. Students who do not yet meet the English standard may be considered for the Vantage College pathway and the associated Vantage One Excellence Award.
• You can prove a significant level of financial need. It would be impossible for you to pursue a UBC degree without meaningful financial help, and your family is not able to afford a significant portion of the educational costs and does not have access to substantial external funding.
• You show leadership qualities and exceptional contributions to your school or community.

Certain degrees are not eligible for International Scholars Program awards, including Bachelor of Nursing (both campuses), Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor + Master of Management, dual degrees, and joint degrees between UBC campuses or with other institutions.

A school or eligible organization must nominate you. A high school may nominate up to two students for UBC Vancouver (including Vantage College) and one student for UBC Okanagan. In limited cases a registered non-profit organization may nominate a student, typically where it serves as the primary educational or mentorship provider in war-torn, politically unstable, or economically disadvantaged areas.

Award Categories Within the Program

You do not select a specific award when you apply. UBC automatically considers you for every category for which you are eligible. The four prestigious need-and-merit-based awards are:

• Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award — Recognizes exceptional students who demonstrate superior academic achievement and exemplary leadership skills that support and empower others through collaboration, empathy, and active listening. Strong community service and extracurricular impact are key.
• Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award — Designed for outstanding students from impoverished or war-torn areas who have achieved academic excellence under challenging circumstances and would be unable to attend university without significant financial assistance.
• International Impact Award — Supports students who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to solutions in sustainability and climate change, natural resource conservation, social justice, equity and inclusion, or societal health and wellness. Priority is often given to first-generation learners and students from diverse lived backgrounds.
• Vantage One Excellence Award — Offered through UBC Vantage College for academically outstanding international students who do not yet meet the English Language Admission Standard for direct entry. This pathway can cover a substantial portion of program and living costs.

In addition to financial support, Scholars receive dedicated International Scholars Program advisors throughout their degree, access to skill-building workshops and retreats, and the option to participate in exchange programs and co-op work terms.

How to Apply for the UBC International Scholars Program 2027

The process has several coordinated steps and deadlines. Starting early is strongly recommended; applications submitted close to the deadline are less likely to succeed.

1. Apply for admission to UBC. You must submit a UBC undergraduate admission application and select your first-choice program (and a second choice). The award application cannot be completed without this step. Review program requirements on the UBC undergraduate admissions site.
2. Secure your nomination and teacher referee early. Discuss the nomination with your school guidance counselor, principal, or administrator (and identify a separate teacher referee who knows your academic work) by late September or early October. Each school has nomination limits.
3. Create your award application account. The 2027 International Scholars Program application portal opened on October 5, 2026. Access it via the official application link: 2027 International Scholars Program Application. Set your time zone to Pacific Time.
4. Invite your nominator and teacher referee. Inside the portal, request recommendations so they can complete their forms. Their submissions must be finished before the main deadline.
5. Complete your application sections. Provide detailed financial documentation (family income, expenses, assets, dependents, other support), list extracurricular activities and awards, and answer the essay questions. Gather supporting documents in advance.
6. Submit by the deadline. The award application must be submitted by November 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time. Supporting admission documents and English proficiency evidence are typically due by January 31, 2027. Some applicants may be invited to a video interview.

Decisions are usually communicated in mid-April. Questions can be directed to international.awards@ubc.ca (include your full name).

Tips for a Competitive Application

Success depends on more than strong grades. Focus on these areas:

• Document leadership and community impact with specific examples and measurable outcomes rather than general statements.
• Prepare thorough, accurate financial documentation. Incomplete or inconsistent information weakens the need assessment.
• Write clear, reflective essays that connect your experiences to your future goals and to the values of the International Scholars community.
• Coordinate early with your nominator and referee so their forms are submitted well before the deadline.
• Ensure you meet English language requirements or explore the Vantage College option if needed.
• Apply for admission to UBC promptly and keep all deadlines in mind, including housing (May 1 for some options).

Because the program is highly competitive and the number of awards varies with available funding, treat the application as a complete package that demonstrates both excellence and genuine need.

Why Study at UBC as an International Scholar?

UBC is consistently ranked among the top universities globally and is known for its research strength, diverse student body, and beautiful campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan. International Scholars join a supportive cohort of peers from around the world and receive ongoing academic, personal, and career advising. The combination of a world-class degree and targeted support has helped many alumni pursue impactful careers and further studies.

A UBC degree also connects you to a large global alumni network. For students who meet the academic and leadership bar but face real financial barriers, the International Scholars Program can make this opportunity realistic.

Conclusion

The UBC International Scholars Program 2027 offers a rare pathway for high-achieving international students with significant financial need to pursue an undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia. With applications open until November 15, 2026, now is the time to confirm your eligibility, speak with your school about nomination, prepare financial documentation, and begin both the admission and award applications.

Review the official details on the UBC International Scholars page and the application portal. If the criteria match your profile, this could be the opportunity that makes studying in Canada possible. Start early, present your strongest case, and take the next step toward joining the next cohort of UBC International Scholars.

Official program information is available on the UBC International Scholars page.