Imagine arriving at one of Canada’s most respected universities with your tuition and living costs largely covered, surrounded by a tight-knit community of high-achieving students from more than 100 countries who share your drive to create positive change. For exceptional international students who combine outstanding academics with real leadership and genuine financial need, the UBC International Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia turns that vision into reality.
This prestigious program, running since 2001, has supported over 560 scholars from 108+ countries. It goes far beyond a simple scholarship. Recipients gain access to a globally recognized undergraduate degree, dedicated academic and career advising, more than 200 hours of leadership and skill-building workshops, retreats, peer mentoring, and a powerful global network that lasts well beyond graduation.
The program bundles four distinct awards under one application. You do not choose a specific award in advance. Instead, UBC evaluates your full profile—academic excellence, leadership or community impact, resilience, and demonstrated financial need—and matches you to the most appropriate award. If you receive an offer through this program, you will not be considered for UBC’s other merit-based international entrance scholarships.
Here is everything you need to know about the four awards, who they are designed for, and how to position yourself strongly for the 2027 intake.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Host University: University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Scholarship Type: Undergraduate Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition fee, Living stipend, etc.
Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
This award recognizes exceptional prospective international undergraduate students who demonstrate superior academic achievement and exemplary leadership skills that support and empower others through collaboration, empathy, and active listening.
See More Posts in Jobs, Scholarships, Technology, Career/Motivations, Football News Feeds
Join Job Whatsapp Channel, Scholarship Whatsapp Channel, Tech Whatsapp Channel, Follow Our Twitter (X) Channel.
Recipients have typically led meaningful school or community projects, shown notable achievement in academics or extracurricular activities, and created tangible positive impact. The award looks for students who do not just succeed individually but lift those around them. If your story includes organizing initiatives that improved your school or local community, mentoring peers, or driving collaborative change, this award aligns closely with your profile.
Key focus: Leadership that centers empathy, active listening, and collective progress rather than individual accolades alone.
Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
Named in honor of a former UBC leader, this award targets outstanding international undergraduate students from impoverished or war-torn areas who have achieved academic excellence under extremely challenging circumstances.
It is designed for students who would be unable to attend university without significant financial assistance. Beyond academics, selectors look for leadership potential and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in their communities once they have the opportunity. If your educational journey involved overcoming poverty, conflict, displacement, or systemic barriers while maintaining top performance, this award exists to remove the final financial obstacle.
Key focus: Resilience forged in adversity and the determination to pay forward the opportunities you receive.
International Impact Award
This award supports exceptional students who have already demonstrated leadership and commitment to addressing pressing global issues. Priority areas include sustainability and climate change, natural resource conservation, social justice, equity and inclusion, societal health and wellness, and freedom of expression.
It particularly encourages applications from first-generation learners and students from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds. If your work—whether through advocacy, community projects, research, or initiatives—tackles big challenges and creates measurable solutions or awareness, this award recognizes that drive.
Key focus: Tangible commitment to impact on issues that matter globally, paired with the potential to amplify that impact during and after your UBC degree.
Vantage One Excellence Award
Academically outstanding international students whose English language proficiency does not yet meet UBC’s direct-entry requirements can receive transformative support through the Vantage One Excellence Award.
These students enroll in the UBC Vantage One program—a specially designed pathway that combines academic courses with intensive English language support. The award can cover up to the full cost of the academic program and living expenses. It is renewable for up to three additional years (or until degree completion), subject to annual review of academic progress and continued financial need.
This award opens doors for high-achieving students who need a supportive bridge into full UBC degree programs in fields such as Science or Applied Science. It combines financial support with an integrated academic and language foundation that sets students up for long-term success.
Key focus: Academic excellence plus the potential to thrive once given the right language and academic preparation through Vantage College.
See Also:
- Fully Funded Graduate Assistantships in Mussel Ecology at Texas A&M University USA: Drive Real Conservation Impact in Texas Freshwater Ecosystems
- Fully Funded MS and PhD Positions in Forest Ecology, Disturbance Ecology, and Fire Ecology at Utah State University USA
- Fully Funded PhD in Fisheries Ecology at Louisiana State University 2026 in USA (Stipend and Tuition Included)
Who Is Eligible for the UBC International Scholars Program?
While each award has its own emphasis, all share core requirements:
- You must be an international student who will study in Canada on a valid study permit.
- You are entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school and applying for your first undergraduate degree.
- You graduated from high school no earlier than June two years prior to your intended start term (for September 2027 entry, this generally means graduation no earlier than June 2025).
- You demonstrate superior academic achievement (typically all As or equivalent in your final years).
- You have significant, documented financial need that makes attending UBC impossible without substantial assistance. UBC requires detailed financial documentation covering family income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
- You show leadership qualities, community contributions, or meaningful impact aligned with one of the award themes.
- You meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard or are eligible for the Vantage One program.
Certain programs are ineligible, including Bachelor of Nursing (both campuses), Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, and some dual or joint degrees. Always verify your intended program against the latest guidelines.
Click Here to See other Scholarships.
Get Standard CV and Scholarship Essay/Statement of Purpose/Motivation Letter from a Professional.
- Join this Whatsapp Channel to Get More Infos and Tips
- Join Telegram Channel for Daily Jobs, Scholarships, Business and Career Updates
How to Apply to the UBC International Scholars Program
Applications for the September 2027 intake are expected to open in summer 2026. Historically, the timeline has followed this pattern:
- International Scholars Program application deadline: mid-November (recent cycles closed around November 15–17).
- UBC undergraduate admission application deadline: early December (often December 1).
- Supporting documents and English requirements: typically due in January or early February.
The process usually involves:
- Securing a nomination or endorsement from your secondary school (often through a guidance counselor) or a recognized non-profit organization.
- Obtaining an academic reference from a teacher or school official.
- Completing a detailed online application that includes personal statements about your leadership, challenges overcome, community impact, and goals.
- Submitting comprehensive financial documentation proving need.
- Applying separately (but in parallel) for admission to UBC.
Because the financial review is thorough and the deadlines are firm, begin gathering documents early. Submit your Scholars Program application a few days before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Critical note: Applying through the International Scholars Program means you will not be considered for UBC’s other merit-based awards for international students. Weigh this carefully if you also qualify for high-value merit scholarships.
For the most current instructions, deadlines, and forms, visit the official page regularly: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/international-scholars/
You should also monitor UBC’s main admissions and dates pages: https://you.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/, and https://you.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/dates-deadlines/
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Strong academics are the baseline. What sets winning applications apart is authenticity, depth, and evidence. Quantify your impact wherever possible (number of people reached, funds raised, policies influenced, projects sustained). Be specific and honest when describing financial circumstances—UBC’s reviewers are experienced and look for genuine, documented need.
If nomination is required, approach your counselor or organization early and provide them with clear information about the program and your achievements. Craft your statements to show not only what you have done but also how those experiences shaped your values and future ambitions. Connect your story to the specific themes of the award you believe fits you best.
Life as a UBC International Scholar
Financial support is only the beginning. Scholars join a vibrant, supportive community that includes dedicated advisors, skill-building workshops, leadership retreats, and opportunities for co-op, exchange, and research. Many describe the experience as life-changing: the removal of financial pressure allows full focus on studies and growth, while the cohort of peers from diverse backgrounds creates lasting friendships and collaborative opportunities.
Past recipients have gone on to pursue graduate studies at top institutions, launch impactful careers in engineering, policy, health sciences, sustainability, and the arts, and continue contributing to their home communities and the world.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
The UBC International Scholars Program rewards more than grades. It invests in students who have already shown they can lead, overcome, and create impact—and who simply need the resources to reach their full potential at a world-class university.
If your academic record is strong, your story demonstrates leadership or resilience, and your financial situation would otherwise prevent you from attending UBC, this program deserves your full attention.
Start preparing your documents and monitoring the official site now. The opportunity for September 2027 will open in summer 2026.
Official Program Page: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/international-scholars/
Bookmark it, share this guide with classmates and mentors who might qualify, and begin building the strongest possible application. Your future at UBC could start with one well-prepared submission.