Application Opens: October 5, 2026
LOCATION: Canada
The UBC International Scholars Program is for international students who have demonstrated leadership qualities, exceptional contributions to their communities, have outstanding academic performance, and require meaningful financial support to attend UBC.
By bringing together Scholars from diverse countries and cultures, the program fosters a vibrant and globally connected learning community.
As a UBC International Scholar, you will
Earn a globally recognized degree at a top university.
Study with the brightest students in the world.
Get access to unique learning opportunities.
Get dedicated advising and support
ELIGIBILITY:
Eligibility for the Program
You must meet all of these requirements to be eligible for the program. There are no exceptions to the eligibility criteria.
As part of our evaluation process, we do a financial assessment. This includes reviewing documents outlining your family’s gross income, expenses, family assets, etc.
If you apply to the International Scholars Program, you will not be considered for merit-based awards.
Educational background
You are an international student who will be studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
You are entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school.
Applicants for 2027 Winter session must have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026.
You are applying for your first undergraduate degree.
Significant financial need
You can prove a significant level of financial need. It would be impossible for you to pursue a UBC degree without meaningful financial help. You will be required to submit official documents that demonstrate your financial need.
Your family is not able to afford a significant level of your educational costs and does not have access to external funding.
Financial need may be different for each applicant. The financial need estimation is the amount that represents how much financial support you would require to live and study at UBC after all your resources have been accounted for. Review UBC’s merit and entrance-based award options first to determine which award program is right for you. Applicants may only be considered for either our merit-based or financial need-based award program.
Admission requirements
You meet UBC’s admission requirements, including general and degree-specific requirements.
You demonstrate superior academic achievement (achieve all As or equivalent standard).
You meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard. If you do not satisfy this requirement for direct entry, you may be eligible for Vantage College and the Vantage One Excellence Award.
The following degrees are not eligible for UBC International Scholars Program awards: Bachelor of Nursing degree (Okanagan and Vancouver), Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor + Master of Management degree, dual degrees, joint degrees between UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver, and joint degrees with other post-secondary institutions.
To apply for the International Scholars Program
Applications for the September 2027 intake will open on October 5, 2026. We recommend starting the application process as early as possible.
Applicants are required to first apply for admission to UBC, speak with their high school about the nomination, gather family and financial information, and complete their student essays. Applicants may also be invited to complete a video interview.
Applications started shortly before the deadline are less likely to be successful, so beginning early will help ensure you have enough time to complete each step carefully.
BENEFIT:
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—the team will automatically consider you for the awards that you are eligible for.
Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
