The International Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia offers four categories of prestigious need-and-merit-based awards to international students. UBC’s International Scholars are part of the International Scholars Program, which offers the chance to earn a globally recognized degree at a top university.
There are four categories of prestigious need-and-merit-based awards available through UBC’s International Scholars Program.
You won’t select which award you wish to receive when you submit your application – our team will automatically consider you for the awards that you are eligible for.
UBC International Scholars Program Awards Categories
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. It recognizes students who have made a positive impact through their involvement in various school and community service projects and initiatives and attained notable achievement in other academic or extra-curricular pursuits.
Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
This award recognizes outstanding international undergraduate students from impoverished or war-torn areas who have achieved academic excellence under challenging circumstances, and who would be unable to attend university without significant financial assistance. Students should demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
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International Impact Award
This award is offered to exceptional students who have demonstrated leadership as well as commitment to solutions for sustainability and climate change, natural resource conservation and management, social justice, equity and inclusion, or societal health and wellness. Priority is given to first-generation learners and those from diverse backgrounds.
Vantage One Excellence Award
UBC Vantage College offers this award for academically outstanding international students who do not yet meet the English Language Admission Standard for direct admission to UBC. The awards range in value up to the full cost of a student’s academic program and living expenses. Students should demonstrate leadership skills, impactful involvement in student affairs and community service, and notable achievement in other academic or extra-curricular pursuits.
UBC International Scholars Summary
- Host Institution(s): University of British Columbia in Canada
- Number of Awards: Approximately 50 distributed across 4 awards
- Target group: International students
Scholarship value/inclusions/duration:
The value of the UBC International Scholars Program is proportional to your financial need. Financial need is determined by totaling tuition, fees, and living costs, and subtracting the financial contribution you and your family can make each year. A standard needs assessment is based on the financial information provided by you and your family.
Your award may be renewed for up to three additional years of undergraduate study or to degree completion – whichever comes first – provided you achieve satisfactory academic standing in your faculty, continue to demonstrate financial need, and maintain your Canadian study permit (student visa).
International Scholars Program Eligibility:
To be considered for the International Scholars Program:
- You must be an international student who will be studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
- You must be entering UBC from a recognized secondary school, or transferring from your first year at a post-secondary college or other university.
- You must have graduated from high school no earlier than the month of June two years prior to the academic year you are applying to. For example, applicants for the 2024 Winter session must have graduated from high school no earlier than November 2022.
- You must be applying for your first undergraduate degree.
- You must demonstrate superior academic achievement (achieve all As or equivalent standards).
- You must demonstrate a level of financial need that would otherwise prevent you from pursuing a UBC degree.
- You must meet UBC’s admission requirements, including general and degree-specific requirements and the English Language Admission Standard.
Applicants will be considered for the Vantage One Excellence Award if:
- All previous eligibility criteria apply, except you must not yet meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard for direct admission to UBC.
- You must meet the UBC Vantage College admission requirements, including the English requirements for Vantage College.
- You must be coming directly from high school
- You must be beginning your undergraduate studies at UBC in the UBC Vantage One Program.
University of British Columbia International Scholars Program Application instructions:
To apply for the International Scholars program, you must be nominated by your school or non-profit, and submit a reference from an academic referee. Confirm that your school or non-profit is able to nominate you, and inform your nominator and academic referee that you’d like to apply for the International Scholars Program. You won’t select which award you wish to receive when you submit your application – UBC will automatically consider you for the awards that you are eligible for.
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Apply for the International Scholars Program by submitting the application by 15 November and submit your admissions application to UBC by 1 December. You must meet the UBC English Language Admission Requirement by 31 January.
It is important to visit the official website (link found below) to access the online application form and for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.
