UBC International Scholars Program 2027

The UBC International Scholars Program is a competitive undergraduate award programme for international students who combine high academic achievement with leadership, meaningful community involvement and substantial financial need.

The programme is offered by the University of British Columbia for eligible students entering undergraduate study at its Vancouver or Okanagan campuses. Applicants must be entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school and applying for their first undergraduate degree.

UBC conducts a detailed financial assessment as part of the selection process. Applicants are required to provide information and supporting documentation covering family income, expenses, assets, dependants, educational costs and other sources of financial support.

There are four award categories within the International Scholars Program:

• Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
• Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
• International Impact Award
• Vantage One Excellence Award

Applicants do not select a particular award when completing the application. UBC considers candidates automatically for the International Scholars awards for which they are eligible.

International Scholars also receive access to dedicated advising, skill-building workshops and retreats, and may have opportunities to participate in exchange and co-operative education while completing their degree.

Applicants must:

• Be an international student who will study in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
• Enter UBC directly from an accredited secondary school.
• Be applying for their first undergraduate degree.
• For the 2027 Winter Session, have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026.
• Demonstrate superior academic achievement, described by UBC as achieving all As or an equivalent standard.
• Demonstrate significant financial need and provide official supporting documentation.
• Show that their family cannot afford a significant proportion of their educational costs and does not have sufficient access to external funding.
• Meet UBC’s general and degree-specific admission requirements.
• Meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard or, where applicable, qualify for the relevant UBC Vantage College route.
• Obtain an eligible nomination and a separate teacher reference as part of the International Scholars application.

The following degrees are not eligible for International Scholars Program awards:

• Bachelor of Nursing at UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan
• Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene
• Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
• Bachelor + Master of Management
• Dual degrees
• Joint degrees between UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver
• Joint degrees with other post-secondary institutions

Successful International Scholars may receive:

• Need-and-merit-based financial support assessed according to the applicant’s demonstrated financial need.
• Access to a recognised undergraduate degree at UBC.
• Dedicated International Scholars Program advising and support.
• Skill-building workshops and retreats.
• Academic, personal and career development support.
• Access to an international community of UBC Scholars.
• The option to explore exchange opportunities where eligible.
• The option to participate in co-operative education where available within the chosen programme.

The Vantage One Excellence Award may range in value up to the full cost of a student’s academic programme and living expenses.

• Completed UBC undergraduate admission application.
• Nominator details and completed nomination form.
• Separate teacher referee details and recommendation.
• Information about annual family income and expenses.
• Information about family wealth and assets.
• Information about dependants and annual school fees.
• Details of other sources of financial support.
• Estimated family contribution and financial need.
• Extracurricular activity information.
• Awards and achievements.
• Four essay responses of approximately 150–250 words each.
• Required financial supporting information and documentation.

• Superior academic achievement.
• Leadership qualities and leadership potential.
• Exceptional contributions to school or community.
• Extracurricular involvement and achievements.
• Demonstrated significant financial need.
• Strength and authenticity of the application.
• Ability to meet UBC admission requirements.
• Alignment with the specific International Scholars award categories.

• Study for an undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia.
• Receive financial support based on demonstrated need and award eligibility.
• Join an established global community of International Scholars.
• Access dedicated academic, personal and career advising.
• Develop leadership and professional skills through workshops and retreats.
• Explore opportunities such as co-op and academic exchange where available.
• Study alongside students from a wide range of countries and backgrounds.