About this opportunity
The UBC International Scholars Program is the University of British Columbia's flagship need-and-merit-based scholarship for exceptional international students entering undergraduate study in Canada. Open for September 2027 entry, it brings together scholars from diverse countries who have demonstrated leadership qualities, outstanding academic performance, exceptional community contributions, and significant financial need. Applicants are automatically considered for the four awards they are eligible for: 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 (worth up to the full cost of the academic programme and living expenses for students entering UBC's Vantage College). Scholars receive dedicated advising, skill-building workshops and retreats, and options for exchange and co-op participation alongside meaningful financial support.
The UBC International Scholars Program 2027 is a fully funded scholarship offered by University of British Columbia for applicants heading to Canada. Applications close on Nov 15, 2026.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Be an international student who will be studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit
- Be entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school for your first undergraduate degree (2027 Winter session applicants must have graduated high school no earlier than June 2026)
- Demonstrate significant financial need: prove with official documents that a UBC degree would be impossible without meaningful financial help
- Demonstrate superior academic achievement (all As or equivalent standard) and meet UBC's general, degree-specific and English Language Admission Standard
- Be nominated by your high school or a registered non-profit organisation (up to two nominations for UBC Vancouver including Vantage College, one for UBC Okanagan), with one nominator and one teacher referee (different people)
- Not be applying for an ineligible degree: Bachelor of Nursing (Okanagan and Vancouver), Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor + Master of Management, or dual/joint degrees
What the opportunity may offer
- Automatic consideration for four prestigious need-and-merit-based awards (Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow, Donald A. Wehrung, International Impact, Vantage One Excellence) based on your profile
- Vantage One Excellence Award ranges in value up to the full cost of the academic programme and living expenses for eligible Vantage College entrants
- Dedicated International Scholars Program advisors supporting your academic, personal and career development
- Skill-building workshops, retreats and a vibrant globally connected scholar community
- Option to participate in exchange and co-op programmes while completing your degree
- Study a globally recognised degree at one of Canada's top universities across the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses
Required documents
- Completed UBC undergraduate admissions application (required before the award application can be started)
- Completed International Scholars award application including answers to 4 essay questions (approximately 150-250 words each)
- Nomination by a high school or registered non-profit organisation, with completed nominator and teacher referee recommendation forms
- Family financial information: annual income and expenses, family wealth and assets, dependents, annual school fees, and sources of financial support, plus the cost estimator used to calculate financial need
- Official supporting documents requested by the UBC Undergraduate Admissions Office (transcripts and high school academic certificates, due by January 31, 2027)
Application process
- Decide on your academic programme and campus (mid-September); you will be considered for your first-choice programme
- Discuss the nomination with your school in late September: confirm the school can nominate you and identify your nominator and teacher referee
- Submit your UBC admissions application in early October — this must be completed before you can access the award application
- Create your award application account and invite your nominator and teacher referee to complete their recommendation forms
- Gather financial information and complete your sections of the award application (essays, activities, awards, financial need calculation) by mid-October
- Submit the completed International Scholars Program application by November 15, well before the deadline in case of technical difficulties
- Submit all required admission documents by January 31, 2027
- Complete a video interview if invited (January to March), then watch for award results released February to April
Before you apply
- □Apply before Nov 15, 2026 — confirm the date in your own time zone
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition set by University of British Columbia
- □Prepare your 5 required documents in the format asked for
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
The 2027 International Scholars Program application is due November 15 (2026), with nominator and teacher referee recommendations to be completed a few days before that date. Required supporting documents for admissions are due January 31, 2027. Video interviews run January to March, and results are released on a rolling basis from February to April, with all decisions communicated by early to mid-April. The official page recommends starting as early as possible: applications that start shortly before the deadline are less likely to be successful.
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline for the UBC International Scholars Program 2027?
The International Scholars Program application is due November 15, 2026. Recommender forms should be completed a few days before that, and required admissions documents are due January 31, 2027. UBC recommends starting as early as possible.
What does the UBC International Scholars Program cover?
The four awards are need-and-merit-based: the Vantage One Excellence Award ranges up to the full cost of the academic programme and living expenses. The value of the Karen McKellin, Wehrung and Impact awards depends on assessed financial need, plus dedicated advising, workshops and co-op/exchange options.
Who is eligible for the UBC International Scholars Program?
International students entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school for their first undergraduate degree, with superior academic achievement (all As or equivalent), significant documented financial need, and a nomination from their high school or a registered non-profit organisation. 2027-entry applicants must have graduated high school no earlier than June 2026.
Do I need to choose which award to apply for?
No. UBC's team automatically considers you for every award you are eligible for — the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, International Impact Award, and Vantage One Excellence Award.
Which degrees are excluded from the UBC International Scholars Program?
The Bachelor of Nursing degree (Okanagan and Vancouver), Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor + Master of Management, dual degrees, and joint degrees are not eligible. Also note that if you apply to the International Scholars Program, you are not considered for UBC's merit-based awards.
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-25UShireZone is not affiliated with University of British Columbia. We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.