The University of British Columbia (UBC) recognizes the academic achievement of outstanding students from around the world by devoting more than $35 million annually to awards, scholarships, and other forms of financial support for international undergraduate students.
Application Timeline:
- January 15, 2027
Tell Me About The Award:
UBC devotes more than $35 million annually to scholarships, awards, and financial support for international undergraduate students. These awards recognize academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and leadership potential, making UBC one of North America’s most international universities.
Which Fields are Eligible?
- All undergraduate programs at UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan.
Type:
- Undergraduate Scholarships | Merit‑based & Need‑based | Canada
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be new international students entering UBC directly from secondary school or post‑secondary institutions.
- Hold a valid Canadian study permit (student visa).
- Demonstrate academic excellence and extracurricular/community involvement.
- Apply to UBC by the admissions deadline.
Scholarship Categories:
- International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
- Value: $10,000 – $25,000/year.
- Renewable for up to 3 additional years.
- For exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs.
- Outstanding International Student Award (OIS)
- Value: $10,000 – $25,000 (one‑time award).
- Awarded upon admission to students with strong academics and extracurricular involvement.
- UBC Okanagan Global Elevation Award
- Value: $8,000 (renewable up to 4 years).
- Applied directly to tuition fees at UBC Okanagan.
- UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award
- Value: $5,000 (first‑year tuition credit).
- For students who list UBC Okanagan as their first‑choice program.
- International Scholars Program
- For high achievers with significant financial need.
- Includes mentorship, advising, and leadership development.
- UBC Vantage One Scholarships
- For academically strong students whose English proficiency does not yet meet direct admission requirements.
- Includes Entrance, Excellence, and IMES awards.
How are Applicants Selected?
- Based on academic achievement, intellectual promise, and extracurricular/community involvement.
- Highly competitive; only successful recipients are notified.
- Award offers sent before the admission acceptance deadline (usually May 1).
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- International students worldwide (108+ countries represented).
Where will the Award be Taken?
- UBC Vancouver Campus
- UBC Okanagan Campus
How Many Awards?
- Over 560 International Scholars since 2001.
- Multiple IMES, OIS, and Okanagan awards offered annually.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- $10,000 – $25,000/year (IMES).
- $10,000 – $25,000 one‑time (OIS).
- $8,000 renewable tuition credit (Global Elevation Award).
- $5,000 first‑year tuition credit (Welcome Award).
- Full support + mentorship (International Scholars Program).
- Specialized scholarships for Vantage One students.
How Long Will the Award Last?
- IMES: renewable up to 4 years.
- OIS: one‑time award.
- Global Elevation Award: renewable up to 4 years.
- Welcome Award: first year only.
- International Scholars Program: full undergraduate degree duration.
How to Apply:
- Apply to UBC by the admissions deadline.
- Automatic consideration for IMES and OIS.
- For International Scholars Program or Vantage One awards, follow specific application guidance.
- Successful recipients notified between Feb – Apr 2026.
👉 Visit the Application Webpage for Details
