UBC International Scholars Program Awards 2027 in Canada

If you are a talented student willing to study at a top and globally recognized University, you can apply to the University of British Columbia–UBC International Scholars Program Awards 2027/28.

The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers four types of scholarships annually for international applicants. The University provides these four prestigious need-and-merit-based awards through UBC’s International Scholars Program as follows:

Karen Mckellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

This award recognizes talented international undergraduate students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, involvement in student affairs, exceptional leadership skills, community service, and notable achievements in other key areas.

Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

This scheme or award is for outstanding international undergraduate students from war-torn or impoverished areas with academic excellence under challenging circumstances who cannot now attend University without significant financial assistance.

International Impact Award

The International Impact Award is available to exceptional students who have demonstrated a commitment to and solutions for addressing social justice issues, promoting equity and inclusion, mitigating climate change, enhancing societal health and wellness, and safeguarding freedom of expression.

Vantage One Excellence Award

This scheme is a study award from UBC Vantage College for outstanding international students who do not meet the English Language Admission Standard for direct admission to UBC. The award’s value covers the full cost of a student’s academic program and living expenses.

University of British Columbia (UBC) offers approximately 50 scholarships annually across all four awards. Candidates cannot select which award they wish to receive when submitting their application; the UBC team will automatically consider an applicant for the awards if they fulfill the requirements.

Undergraduate Programs at UBC

Please review the official page for undergraduate study programs at UBC:

• 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 Procedure for the International Scholars Program

Candidates can apply for the 2027 by starting on the abovementioned dates. Please follow these guides to apply for the International Scholars Program:

1. Review the application-specific page for the International Scholars Program 2027 .
2. Select the desired academic program and campus you wish to study.
3. Applicants should be nominated by their school or non-profit organizations and submit a reference from an academic referee:

• All candidates should confirm that their school or non-profit organization is eligible to nominate them. One high school, college, or University may appoint a maximum of three students for the UBC Vancouver campus, including Vantage College, and one applicant for the UBC Okanagan campus.
• A non-profit organization can only nominate a high school student involved with its team. This nomination will count towards the total number of nominations allowed from a student’s school.
• Applicants should inform their nominator and academic referee that they’d like to apply for the International Scholars Program and mention the application deadline of November 15, 2025.
• The nominator should be the school counselor or equivalent of the student, and their academic referee should be familiar with them and their work – for example, a teacher for a chosen area of study.

1. Gather all required financial information and notes on any extracurricular activities and awards.
2. Apply for the International Scholars Program by the November 15, 2026 deadline.
3. Submit the admissions application to UBC by the December 1, 2026 deadline.
4. We recommend watching the admission video instructions to easily understand the admission process.

Apply Now

Apply for Admission to UBC

You may visit the official website of the University of British Columbia (UBC) for detailed information about UBC’s International Scholars Program Awards.

Check More Opportunities:

The Peter Salama MPH Tuition Scholarship for Refugees in the U.S.

VISTEC Master and PhD Scholarship 2027 in Thailand

ADB Scholarship at University of Hawaii in Manoa 2027

To apply to the University of British Columbia International Scholars Program Awards, applicants should meet the following criteria:

Must be an international student willing to study in Canada with a Canadian study permit.

Applicants must come from an accredited secondary school or transfer from their first year at a post-secondary college or other University.

They should have graduated from high school no earlier than one year prior to the academic year for which they are applying. For example, candidates for 2026 should have graduated from high school no earlier than November 2024.

You are applying for their first undergraduate degree.

Applicants should meet UBC’s admission requirements, including general and degree-specific criteria and the English Language Admission Standard.

Demonstrate superior academic achievement.

Demonstrate a level of financial need that will otherwise prevent them from pursuing a degree at UBC.

UBC will consider the applicants for the Vantage One Excellence Award if they meet the following criteria:

All previous eligibility criteria apply, except UBC’s English Language Admission requirements for direct admission to UBC.

Applicants should fulfill the UBC Vantage College admission requirements, including the English requirements.

They are coming directly from high school.

They are beginning their undergraduate studies at UBC in the UBC Vantage One Program.

Language Required Scores

Test

Minimum Score

CAEL or CAEL Online

Overall 70

Cambridge English Qualifications

B2 First: 180, C1 Advanced: 180, C2 Proficiency: 180

CEL

600

IELTS (Academic)

Overall: 6.5, with no part less than 6.0

PTE or PTE Online Academic

Overall: 65; Reading: 60; Listening: 60; Writing: 60; Speaking: 60

TOEFL or TOEFL iBT Home Edition

Overall: 90; Reading: 22; Listening: 22; Writing: 21; Speaking: 21

DET (Duolingo English Test)

Overall: 125

Important Notes

For applicants who demonstrate A-level financial need that would otherwise prevent them from pursuing a UBC degree, the University automatically considers all international applicants for the merit-based Outstanding International Student Awards and International Major Entrance Scholarships, with a total maximum value of $25,000 per year. If this amount does not cover the student’s needs for tuition and basic living costs, they can apply for the International Scholars Program.

Applicants applying for the International Scholars Program are not eligible for merit-based awards, including International Major Entrance Scholarships and Outstanding International Student Awards.

UBC’s International Scholars Program covers the full study costs of a student’s academic program and living expenses.

What More Does UBC’s International Scholars Program Offer?

UBC’s International Scholars Program offers students the opportunity to

Earn a Globally Recognized Degree: A UBC degree opens doors and connects you to a vast global alumni network.

Study with Bright Peers: Join a community of engaged young leaders who enrich UBC and the world with diverse perspectives and innovative initiatives.

Access Unique Learning Opportunities: Benefit from community-based projects, annual retreats for leadership development, workshops on career preparation and networking, and events to celebrate your achievements. Focus on health and well-being and participate in study-abroad exchanges to address local challenges in various fields.

Receive Dedicated Support: Enjoy guidance from a team of International Scholars Program advisors and a network of UBC staff to support your academic and personal growth.

Take advantage of unique learning opportunities by accessing several opportunities inside and outside the classroom that will enrich their university experience:

Community-based practical learning projects to help the applicants apply for academic interests to address issues of the local or global community.

Annual retreats will help applicants connect with their community while planning for the next year and developing their leadership skills.

An annual workshop series providing leadership, career preparation, community development, and networking opportunities throughout their degree

Receptions and celebratory events each year to recognize students’ achievements and connect them to the Scholar’s community on campus.

Study-abroad exchange programs will take students to emerging countries to address local health, social infrastructure, education, agriculture, and sustainable development challenges.