UBC International Scholars Program 2027 in Canada | Full Funding

The UBC International Scholars Program 2027 is now accepting applications from outstanding international students who want to pursue an undergraduate degree in Canada. Offered by the University of British Columbia (UBC), this opportunity supports academically talented students who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and significant financial need.

Unlike scholarships based only on grades, the program considers applicants’ financial circumstances alongside their achievements. Depending on the assessed need and the award offered, funding can cover substantial educational and living expenses, potentially up to the full cost of studying at UBC.

Applications opened on October 5, 2026, and the deadline is November 15, 2026. Students must also complete a university admission application and arrange a nomination and teacher reference.

This guide covers scholarship benefits, eligibility, required documents, the application process, and important deadlines for September 2027 entry.

UBC International Scholars Program 2027 Details

The UBC International Scholars Program is designed for first-time undergraduate applicants, not students seeking master’s or PhD funding.

UBC International Scholars Program Benefits

The main purpose of this scholarship is to make a UBC undergraduate education possible for students who cannot afford it without meaningful financial assistance.

Financial support

Depending on the recipient’s financial assessment and scholarship category, an award may help cover:

• Undergraduate tuition fees.
• Necessary living expenses while studying in Canada.
• Other assessed educational costs within the approved funding package.
• Financial needs that cannot be met through family contributions or other available resources.

Important: UBC does not promise an identical funding amount to every recipient. Scholarship support is determined through an assessment of financial need and the conditions of the award.

Academic and student development benefits

Selected scholars also receive access to:

• Dedicated International Scholars Program advising.
• Skill-development workshops and retreats.
• Academic and personal development support.
• Opportunities to explore exchange programs and co-operative education.
• An international community of students and scholars.

These resources can help students adapt to university life, develop leadership skills, and prepare for their future careers.

Four scholarship categories

Students applying to the program are considered for eligible awards within four categories.

1. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

Recognizes academically excellent international students with demonstrated leadership, community involvement, and positive contributions to others.

2. Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

Supports students who have achieved academic excellence despite difficult circumstances, particularly those from impoverished or war-affected regions who need substantial financial assistance.

3. International Impact Award

Recognizes applicants who have contributed to areas such as environmental sustainability, climate action, social justice, inclusion, or community well-being.

4. Vantage One Excellence Award

Designed for outstanding international students who may not yet meet UBC’s direct-entry English-language standard but qualify for the relevant Vantage College pathway. Awards can range up to the full cost of the academic program and living expenses.

Applicants do not select a specific award category on their application. UBC considers them for the awards for which they qualify.

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Eligibility Criteria for UBC International Scholars Program

Students must meet all applicable eligibility requirements. UBC states that exceptions are not available.

Academic requirements

Applicants must:

• Be international students intending to study in Canada with a Canadian study permit.
• Enter UBC directly from an accredited secondary school.
• Have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026 for the 2027 admission cycle.
• Be applying for their first undergraduate degree.
• Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, generally all A grades or an equivalent standard.
• Meet UBC’s general and degree-specific admission requirements.
• Meet the applicable English-language requirements or qualify for the relevant Vantage College pathway.

Financial requirements

Candidates must demonstrate significant financial need.

This means applicants should be able to show that their families cannot afford a substantial portion of the costs of studying at UBC and do not have sufficient alternative funding.

UBC reviews information such as household income, family assets, expenses, dependants, and other financial resources.

Leadership and community involvement

Students should also demonstrate meaningful achievements outside the classroom.

Relevant experiences may include:

• School or community leadership.
• Volunteering and community service.
• Social or environmental initiatives.
• Projects that improve conditions for others.
• Academic or extracurricular achievements.

Leadership does not necessarily mean holding an official position. Applicants should explain what they actually contributed and what changed because of their work.

Before applying for UBC International Scholars, candidates should assess both their academic qualifications and their ability to demonstrate financial need.

Available Courses and Fields of Study

UBC offers undergraduate education across numerous disciplines on its Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.

Students can explore fields such as:

• Arts and humanities.
• Social sciences.
• Science and mathematics.
• Engineering.
• Computer science.
• Business and commerce.
• Environmental studies.
• Agriculture and food-related disciplines.

Students should check the official degree finder for specific programs and campus availability.

Programs that are not eligible

UBC explicitly excludes several programs from International Scholars Program awards, including:

• Bachelor of Nursing at Vancouver or Okanagan.
• Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene.
• Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science.
• Bachelor + Master of Management.
• Dual-degree programs.
• Joint degrees between UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan.
• Joint degrees with other post-secondary institutions.

The first-choice degree and campus matter because award consideration is based on the applicant’s first-choice program.

Required Documents for UBC International Scholars 2027

The scholarship application requires academic, personal, and financial information.

Prepare the following:

Academic information

• High school academic records and transcripts, as requested by UBC.
• Details of the university admission application.
• English-language proficiency evidence, if required.
• Information about academic achievements and awards.

Scholarship application information

• Nomination from an eligible high school or qualifying organization.
• Recommendation from a teacher familiar with the applicant’s academic work.
• Information about extracurricular activities and leadership.
• Four application essays of approximately 150–250 words each.
• Relevant personal and educational background information.

Financial documents and information

UBC assesses family circumstances and may request information or official evidence relating to:

• Annual household income.
• Family expenses.
• Savings, property, and other assets.
• Dependants and school fees.
• Sources of financial assistance.
• Expected family contributions.

Applicants should follow the application platform’s exact document instructions rather than uploading unrelated documents.

Your nominator and teacher referee must be different people, and both must submit their forms before you can complete the scholarship application.

How to Apply for UBC International Scholars Program 2027

The application process involves both admission to the university and a separate scholarship application.

Step 1: Choose your UBC degree and campus

Explore eligible undergraduate programs at UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan.

Select a suitable first-choice program and consider a second-choice option.

Make sure your chosen degree meets scholarship eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Contact your high school about nomination

Speak with your school counsellor, principal, or another authorized nominator.

A high school or eligible organization may nominate up to two students for UBC Vancouver, including Vantage College, and one student for UBC Okanagan.

Confirm that your school can nominate you before proceeding.

Step 3: Apply for admission to UBC

Complete and submit the university’s undergraduate admission application.

You must submit your UBC admission application before beginning your International Scholars Program award application.

Do not wait until the scholarship deadline to start the admission process.

Step 4: Register for the scholarship application

Create an account on UBC’s official International Scholars application platform.

Enter your personal information and follow the online instructions.

Step 5: Invite your nominator and teacher referee

Use the application system to send the required invitations.

Your nominator and teacher referee will receive instructions for completing their forms.

Follow up politely and ask them to finish several days before the deadline.

Step 6: Complete financial information and essays

Provide accurate household financial information and explain your financial circumstances.

Complete the four scholarship essays.

Use specific examples from your own experience to describe leadership, challenges, contributions, and future goals.

Step 7: Submit the scholarship application

Submit all completed sections before November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Check that the nomination and teacher recommendation have also been received.

Step 8: Submit admission documents

Follow the instructions UBC emails after receiving your admission application.

International Scholars applicants must meet the program’s January 31, 2027 document deadline, including the applicable English-language admission requirement.

Step 9: Attend a video interview if invited

Some applicants may be invited to record video responses between January and March 2027.

The interview allows students to discuss their educational background, leadership, and experiences beyond their written application.

Step 10: Check your scholarship decision

Monitor your email for updates from UBC.

Scholarship decisions are expected to be communicated by early to mid-April 2027.

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UBC International Scholars Program 2027 Deadline

The official deadline is November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST).

The regular UBC undergraduate admission deadline is January 15, 2027, but that later deadline does not apply to students seeking consideration for the International Scholars Program.

To be considered for UBC International Scholars, both the university admission application and the scholarship application must be submitted by November 15, 2026.

Selection Process and Application Tips

UBC reviews applications based on academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, community contribution, and verified financial need.

Applicants may go through document assessment and a video interview before decisions are finalized.

How to prepare a stronger application

Demonstrate measurable contributions. Instead of simply writing that you volunteered, describe your responsibilities, the people you helped, and what you learned.

Explain financial need accurately. Financial information should reflect your family’s actual circumstances. UBC may review supporting evidence.

Choose your recommender carefully. Your teacher referee should know your academic abilities and be able to give meaningful examples.

Write original essays. The scholarship essays should communicate your own experiences rather than generic statements about wanting to study abroad.

Apply early. The nomination, financial assessment, and essays require preparation. Beginning shortly before the deadline increases the risk of an incomplete application.

Remember that applying for this need-based scholarship means you will not be considered for UBC’s separate merit-based international entrance awards.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the UBC International Scholars Program 2027 fully funded?

Funding is assessed individually. Some awards can cover the full cost of an eligible academic program and living expenses, but UBC does not guarantee full funding for every selected scholar.

2. What is the deadline for UBC International Scholars 2027?

The deadline is November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Applicants must also complete the required UBC admission application by this date.

3. Can international students apply without IELTS?

Students must satisfy UBC’s applicable English-language admission requirements. UBC accepts several forms of evidence, and some applicants may qualify for a Vantage College pathway. Not every applicant necessarily needs an IELTS result.

4. Are master’s and PhD students eligible?

No. This program is intended for eligible students beginning their first undergraduate degree.

5. Do students need a school nomination?

Yes. Applicants must obtain an eligible nomination and a separate teacher recommendation through the program’s application process.

6. Can students from the United States or the United Kingdom apply?

Yes, applicants from these countries may qualify if they meet the international-student, academic, financial-need, and other program requirements. Nationality alone does not guarantee eligibility.

Other Scholarships Worth Exploring

Students comparing Canadian undergraduate scholarship opportunities may also be interested in the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027 at the University of Toronto.

For applicants interested in American universities, our Arizona State University Scholarships guide provides another starting point for researching US education funding.

Students considering postgraduate opportunities in England can explore the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027.

Those seeking postgraduate support in Japan can also review our Honjo International Scholarship 2027 guide.

These programs have different eligibility criteria, funding arrangements, and deadlines.

Final Thoughts

The UBC International Scholars Program 2027 offers an important opportunity for outstanding students who demonstrate financial need and want to begin undergraduate studies in Canada.

Its combination of financial support, academic opportunities, and student development services makes it worth considering for applicants who meet the strict eligibility requirements.

However, admission and scholarship selection are competitive. Applicants should prepare their school nomination, teacher recommendation, essays, and financial evidence well ahead of the deadline.

Students planning to apply for UBC International Scholars should focus on submitting complete, accurate applications rather than relying only on grades or extracurricular achievements.

The application deadline is November 15, 2026.

Official Links

Apply for UBC Admission

https://you.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/

Official Application Deadlines

https://you.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/dates-deadlines

Applicants should confirm any subsequent updates or additional admission requirements directly with UBC before submitting their applications.

Author: Muhammad Khayam Afridi — Founder & Editor

Global Scholarship Point

Last verified: October 13, 2026.