University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program 2025/26
The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers four prestigious scholarships annually for international students through the International Scholars Program. These awards are both need- and merit-based, acknowledging academic excellence, leadership skills, and other important qualities.
Scholarship Categories
- Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
- Description: This scholarship targets exceptional international undergraduate students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, participation in student life, community involvement, and accomplishments in various other areas.
- Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
- Description: This award supports academically strong international students from conflict zones or economically disadvantaged regions who have excelled academically under difficult conditions and require significant financial assistance to attend UBC.
- International Impact Award
- Description: This scholarship is for students committed to tackling major social issues, such as social justice, equity, climate change, public health, and freedom of expression.
- Vantage One Excellence Award
- Description: Provided by UBC Vantage College, this award is for high-achieving international students who do not meet the English Language Admission Standard for direct admission to UBC. It covers the full costs of the academic program and living expenses.
UBC offers around 50 scholarships annually across these four categories. Applicants are automatically considered for the relevant award based on their qualifications.
Scholarship Overview
- 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
Key Dates:
- International Scholars Program Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
- UBC Admission Application Deadline: December 1, 2024
- English Language Admission Standard Deadline: January 31, 2025
- Submission of Admission Documents: January 31, 2025
- Award Notification: Mid-April 2025
These scholarships provide a unique opportunity for international students to earn a degree at UBC, covering tuition and living costs for the entire program.
Benefits of the International Scholars Program
UBC’s International Scholars Program offers a range of advantages:
- Earn a Globally Recognized Degree: A UBC qualification opens doors worldwide and connects you with a vast alumni network.
- Engage with a Diverse Community: Study alongside a group of driven young leaders who contribute to UBC’s global reputation with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
- Access Unique Learning Experiences: Participate in community projects, annual leadership retreats, career workshops, and study-abroad opportunities that address local challenges in various sectors.
- Receive Personalized Support: Get guidance from a dedicated team of advisors and a network of UBC staff to ensure academic and personal growth.
Additional Opportunities:
- Community-Based Projects: Gain practical experience by applying academic knowledge to solve real-world issues at local or global levels.
- Annual Retreats: Connect with peers, plan for the coming year, and hone leadership skills.
- Workshops: Attend workshops on leadership, career development, community engagement, and networking throughout your degree.
- Recognition Events: Participate in receptions and events that celebrate academic achievements and strengthen ties with the Scholars community.
- Study-Abroad Programs: Engage in international exchanges to address challenges related to health, education, sustainable development, and more in emerging countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for UBC’s International Scholars Program Awards, applicants must:
- Be international students intending to study in Canada on a study permit.
- Apply directly from a recognized secondary school or transfer from the first year at a post-secondary institution.
- Have graduated from high school no earlier than one year before the application year (for 2025, not before November 2023).
- Be pursuing their first undergraduate degree.
- Meet UBC’s general and degree-specific admission requirements, including the English Language Admission Standard.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
- Show a level of financial need that would otherwise prevent them from attending UBC.
Note: Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria, except for the English Language Admission Standard, will be considered for the Vantage One Excellence Award if they fulfill the UBC Vantage College requirements.
Important Notes
- Applicants who demonstrate significant financial need are automatically considered for the Outstanding International Student Awards and International Major Entrance Scholarships, worth up to $25,000 annually. If this is insufficient to cover tuition and living costs, students may apply for the International Scholars Program.
- Applicants for the International Scholars Program are not eligible for merit-based scholarships, including the International Major Entrance Scholarships and Outstanding International Student Awards.
Eligible Fields of Study
- 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
Application Process
To apply for the 2025/26 International Scholars Program:
- Review the specific program information for the International Scholars Program 2025/26.
- Choose the academic program and UBC campus.
- Nomination: Obtain a nomination from your school or a non-profit organization. Submit a reference from an academic referee:
- Schools and non-profits can nominate up to three students for UBC Vancouver and one for UBC Okanagan.
- A non-profit can only nominate students it directly works with, and this nomination counts toward the school’s total.
- Financial Information: Gather necessary financial details and records of extracurricular activities and awards.
- Apply for the Program by the November 15, 2024 deadline.
- Submit UBC Admission Application by December 1, 2024.
For more information, watch the admission video instructions to understand the application process better.
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