UBC International Scholars Program 2027 in Canada | Eligibility & Apply

Published by EjoScholar 20 Oct 2026 · Updated 20 Oct 2026. Editorial policy · Official source last checked 20 Oct 2026

About the Scholarship

The University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program 2027 provides financial support to outstanding international students who plan to begin their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia in Canada in September 2027. The program is intended for students who combine strong academic achievement with leadership, meaningful contributions to their communities, and significant financial need.

Unlike an award based on academic results alone, the International Scholars Program considers an applicant's educational record, leadership potential, community involvement, and financial circumstances. Applicants must demonstrate that meaningful financial assistance is necessary for them to pursue a UBC degree.

UBC's program includes four award categories: the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, the International Impact Award, and the Vantage One Excellence Award. Applicants do not choose a specific award category when submitting their application; UBC considers them for the awards for which they qualify.

Scholarship Overview

Host institution: The University of British Columbia (UBC)
Host country: Canada
Intake: September 2027
Study level: Undergraduate
Eligible applicants: International students who meet the program's academic, admission, nomination, and financial-need requirements
Funding: Need-based financial support determined by UBC's assessment of the applicant's circumstances
Application deadline: November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time
Official application portal: UBC's International Scholars Program application system

Applicants should read the official eligibility requirements carefully before preparing an application. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee admission to UBC or receipt of a scholarship.

What Makes This Program Different?

The International Scholars Program is designed for students whose academic potential and community contributions are strong but whose financial circumstances would make university study difficult without substantial assistance. UBC assesses each applicant's financial need using information about family income, expenses, assets, dependants, and other available sources of support.

The amount of support is not a single guaranteed sum for every recipient. UBC assesses the financial resources available to the student and family and the remaining cost of attending the university. Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that all education and living expenses will automatically be covered.

Official Information and Application

Before applying, review UBC's official program requirements, the nomination process, eligible degree programs, and application instructions. Applicants must submit an admission application to UBC and complete the separate International Scholars Program application.

Important: The scholarship application deadline is November 15, 2026. Applicants should begin early because the nomination, teacher reference, financial information, and written responses require preparation.

Scholarship Benefits

- Financial assistance: UBC assesses each applicant's financial need and available family resources to determine the level of support required.
- Support toward educational costs: Funding helps eligible scholars pursue their undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia.
- Potential support for living expenses: Support depends on the assessed financial need and the applicable award. Not every recipient is guaranteed the same amount.
- Academic and personal development: Scholars can benefit from advising and support opportunities associated with the program.
- Four award categories: Eligible applicants may be considered for the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, International Impact Award, or Vantage One Excellence Award.

Important: UBC determines funding based on individual circumstances. No single award amount is guaranteed to every applicant. Confirm the terms of your award with UBC.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the applicable requirements of the UBC International Scholars Program.
- International student status: Applicants must be international students who will study in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
- Educational background: Applicants must enter UBC directly from an accredited secondary school.
- Graduation date: For the September 2027 intake, applicants must have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026.
- First undergraduate degree: Applicants must be pursuing their first undergraduate degree.
- Academic achievement: Applicants must demonstrate superior academic performance, described by UBC as all As or an equivalent standard.
- Financial need: Applicants must demonstrate significant financial need and show that their family cannot afford a substantial portion of the educational costs and lacks sufficient alternative funding.
- Admission requirements: Applicants must meet UBC's general and degree-specific admission requirements, including its English-language admission requirements.
- Nomination: Applicants need an eligible school nominator and a separate teacher referee. Both must submit their required forms.
- Eligible degree program: The intended degree must qualify under the program's rules.
Degree exclusions: UBC lists exclusions that include the Bachelor of Nursing at either campus, Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor + Master of Management, dual degrees, certain joint degrees between UBC campuses, and joint degrees with other post-secondary institutions.

Review the official UBC International Scholars Program page for the complete requirements. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following information and materials for UBC admission and the International Scholars Program application. Exact requirements may vary by applicant.
- High school academic records and certificates required by UBC Admissions.
- Family financial information, including income, expenses, assets, dependants, school fees, and available financial support.
- Information needed to assess the family's contribution and the applicant's financial need.
- Details of extracurricular activities, leadership experience, community involvement, awards, and achievements.
- Responses to the four essay questions in the scholarship application. UBC indicates that each response is approximately 150–250 words.
- A nomination form completed by an eligible school nominator.
- A recommendation or reference form completed by a separate teacher referee.
- Any additional academic records, English-language evidence, or supporting documents requested by UBC Admissions.
Important: This is a preparation checklist, not a substitute for the official application instructions. Check your UBC application account for the exact documents required in your case. UBC states that required admission documents and English-language requirements must be completed by January 31, 2027, for this scholarship process.

Application Procedure

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Read the official UBC International Scholars Program requirements. Confirm that you meet the academic, financial-need, secondary-school graduation, and admission criteria.

Step 2: Choose your degree program

Research eligible undergraduate programs and choose the UBC campus and degree you wish to attend. Check that your intended program is not excluded from the scholarship.

Step 3: Arrange your nomination and reference

Contact your school early to arrange an eligible nominator and a separate teacher referee. Explain the deadlines and allow enough time for both people to submit their forms.

Step 4: Apply for admission to UBC

Submit your undergraduate admission application through UBC's official admissions system. Complete the admission application before starting the International Scholars Program award application.

Step 5: Prepare your financial information and essays

Gather accurate information about family income, expenses, assets, dependants, educational costs, and other financial support. Prepare your extracurricular activity details, achievements, and responses to the scholarship essay questions.

Step 6: Complete the scholarship application

Create an account through UBC's official scholarship application portal. Complete the application and ensure your nominator and teacher referee submit their required forms. Both forms must be submitted before you can complete the application.

Step 7: Submit before the deadline

Submit your completed application by November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Apply early to allow time to resolve technical problems or missing information.

Step 8: Complete outstanding admission requirements

Monitor your UBC application account and email. UBC states that required admission documents and English-language requirements must be completed by January 31, 2027, for this process.

Step 9: Monitor your application

Check your email, including your spam folder, for updates or requests from UBC. Applicants may be invited to complete a video interview. UBC indicates that award decisions are expected on a rolling basis from February through April 2027.

Official source: UBC International Scholars Program

Direct application portal: UBC 2027 International Scholars Program application

Source & Verification

Official Source you.ubc.ca

Source Status Official source checked

Last Checked 20 Oct 2026

Reviewed By Admin

Always confirm the current deadline and requirements on the official source before applying. EjoScholar is an independent information platform and does not process applications.

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