Applications for the UBC International Scholars Program 2027 open on October 5, 2026 for international students seeking undergraduate study at the University of British Columbia in Canada.
The programme offers prestigious need-and-merit-based scholarships to international students with exceptional academic results, strong leadership and community involvement, and significant financial need.
Depending on the award and the student’s assessed financial circumstances, support can extend up to the full cost of the academic programme and living expenses. However, UBC does not publish one fixed scholarship amount for every International Scholar.
The deadline to apply to UBC and submit the International Scholars award application is:
November 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
UBC’s ordinary undergraduate deadline is later, so students seeking this scholarship must follow the earlier November deadline.
Students can also explore all scholarships, fully funded scholarships, and scholarships still open on Scholarships Central.
UBC International Scholars Program 2027 Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | University of British Columbia |
| Country | Canada |
| Degree level | Undergraduate |
| Intake | September 2027 |
| Applications open | October 5, 2026 |
| Scholarship deadline | November 15, 2026 |
| Closing time | 11:59 p.m. PST |
| Applicants | International students |
| Funding type | Need + merit |
| Fixed scholarship amount | No |
| School nomination | Required |
| Teacher referee | Required |
| Essays | 4 essays, around 150–250 words each |
| Academic expectation | All As or equivalent standard |
| Financial need | Significant need required |
| Admission documents deadline | January 31, 2027 |
| English requirement deadline | January 31, 2027 |
| Possible video interview | January–March 2027 |
| Scholarship results | February–April 2027 |
UBC states that applicants must meet all eligibility requirements, and there are no exceptions to the programme criteria.
What Is the UBC International Scholars Program?
The UBC International Scholars Program supports exceptional international students who have demonstrated:
- outstanding academic achievement;
- leadership ability;
- meaningful community involvement;
- significant financial need.
It is not simply an academic merit scholarship.
UBC conducts a detailed financial assessment and reviews family income, expenses, assets and available financial resources before determining eligibility and the level of financial support required.
UBC International Scholars Program Scholarship Amount
There is no single fixed scholarship amount for every International Scholar.
The amount of assistance depends on factors including:
- tuition and programme costs;
- the student’s living costs;
- family financial resources;
- external funding;
- demonstrated financial need;
- the specific International Scholars award received.
Some awards can provide support up to the full cost of the academic programme and living expenses.
For example, UBC explicitly states that the Vantage One Excellence Award can range up to the full cost of a student’s programme and living expenses.
Applicants should therefore avoid websites claiming that every student automatically receives one fixed amount such as CAD 50,000 or CAD 100,000.
Is the UBC International Scholars Program Fully Funded?
Potentially, depending on the award and assessed financial need.
Some International Scholars can receive support that covers very substantial educational and living costs. However, UBC does not promise the exact same full-cost package to every successful applicant.
The most accurate description is:
A need-and-merit scholarship programme that can provide substantial financial assistance, potentially including full programme and living costs depending on the award and demonstrated need.
Four UBC International Scholars Awards
Applicants submit one International Scholars application.
You do not choose a specific scholarship. UBC automatically considers you for the awards for which you qualify.
Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
This award recognizes international students with outstanding academic performance and exemplary leadership.
UBC looks for students who have made a positive impact through school, community service, extracurricular activities and other initiatives.
Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
This award is particularly relevant to exceptional students from impoverished or war-torn areas who have achieved academic excellence despite difficult circumstances.
Applicants should also demonstrate leadership and a commitment to positively affecting their communities.
International Impact Award
This award is intended for students who have shown leadership and commitment to areas such as:
- sustainability and climate change;
- natural-resource conservation;
- social justice;
- equity and inclusion;
- societal health and wellness.
UBC says priority may be given to first-generation learners and students from diverse lived backgrounds.
Vantage One Excellence Award
This award is offered through UBC Vantage College to academically outstanding international students who do not yet satisfy the English Language Admission Standard for direct UBC entry.
The award can reach:
up to the full cost of the academic programme and living expenses.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the UBC International Scholars Program 2027, you must:
- be an international student who will study in Canada on a study permit;
- enter UBC directly from an accredited secondary school;
- have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026 for the 2027 Winter Session;
- be applying for your first undergraduate degree;
- demonstrate significant financial need;
- satisfy UBC general and degree-specific admission requirements;
- demonstrate exceptional academic performance;
- meet the applicable English-language requirement.
UBC describes the required academic level as:
“all As or equivalent standard.”
UBC International Scholars GPA Requirement
UBC does not publish one universal GPA or percentage such as:
- 3.8/4.0;
- 4.0/4.0;
- 90%;
- 95%.
The official wording is:
all As or equivalent standard.
Because educational systems differ widely, applicants should not assume that an unofficial percentage conversion applies equally to A Levels, IB, Pakistani boards, Indian boards or other curricula.
Significant Financial Need Is Mandatory
Financial need is not optional for this programme.
UBC says applicants must demonstrate that it would be impossible to pursue a UBC degree without meaningful financial assistance.
Families must generally show that they cannot afford a significant portion of the student’s educational costs and do not have sufficient access to outside funding.
UBC assesses information such as:
- gross household income;
- annual expenses;
- assets and wealth;
- dependents;
- current school fees;
- available financial support;
- expected family contribution.
Official supporting documents are required.
UBC International Scholars Program for Pakistani Students
Pakistani students can apply if they meet the same international eligibility rules.
A Pakistani applicant should generally:
- be completing or have recently completed secondary education;
- have graduated no earlier than June 2026 for this cycle;
- be applying directly from secondary school;
- be seeking a first undergraduate degree;
- demonstrate exceptional academic results;
- show substantial financial need;
- secure a school nomination;
- obtain a separate teacher reference;
- meet UBC admission and English requirements.
There is no separate Pakistan-specific quota or application process.
School Nomination Is Required
Applicants cannot complete the process independently.
You need:
One Nominator
This can usually be a:
- guidance counsellor;
- principal;
- school administrator.
The nominator should be able to discuss your character and educational goals.
One Teacher Referee
Your teacher referee should know you and your academic work, preferably in an area connected with your intended field of study.
They Must Be Different People
UBC specifically requires the nominator and teacher referee to be two different people.
How Many Students Can a School Nominate?
Schools cannot nominate unlimited applicants.
UBC allows a high school or qualifying registered non-profit to nominate:
UBC Vancouver
Up to 2 students
This includes students applying to Vantage College.
UBC Okanagan
Up to 1 student
Students should therefore speak to their school early because there may be an internal school-selection process.
Can an NGO Nominate a Student?
In limited circumstances.
A registered non-profit may act as a nominator when it effectively serves as an educational institution or provides education, leadership development and mentorship to disadvantaged high-school graduates.
UBC says this option is typically intended for students from areas affected by war, political instability or severe economic disadvantage where another educational nomination option is unavailable.
It should not be treated as a general alternative when an ordinary high school is available.
References Must Be Submitted Before You Can Finish
Applicants send electronic invitations to:
- their nominator; and
- their teacher referee.
Both individuals must complete their recommendation forms.
UBC states that the student cannot complete the International Scholars application until both forms have been submitted.
UBC recommends that recommendation forms be finished several days before November 15.
Four Scholarship Essays
The International Scholars application includes:
4 essay questions
with responses of approximately:
150–250 words each.
Applicants are also asked about:
- extracurricular activities;
- awards;
- family finances;
- assets;
- expenses;
- dependents;
- financial support;
- expected family contribution.
The process is therefore significantly more detailed than a normal UBC admission application.
How to Approach the UBC International Scholars Essays
Because the programme evaluates both academic potential and leadership, strong responses should provide concrete evidence rather than broad claims.
A useful structure is:
situation → action → result → what you learned → future relevance
Applicants should demonstrate:
- genuine leadership;
- measurable community impact;
- initiative;
- resilience;
- collaboration;
- academic motivation.
Financial information should be factual and consistent with the official documents submitted later.
Apply to UBC Before Starting the Scholarship Application
The order matters.
You must first:
submit your UBC admission application
before beginning the International Scholars award application.
The scholarship application asks you to confirm that the UBC admission application has already been submitted.
Therefore, applicants should not wait until November 15 to begin both processes.
Your First-Choice Programme Matters
UBC allows applicants to select first- and second-choice programmes.
For International Scholars consideration, however, UBC says the award assessment is based on your:
first-choice programme.
Students should therefore select their first choice carefully.
Programmes Not Eligible for International Scholars
Not every UBC undergraduate programme qualifies.
Current exclusions include:
- Bachelor of Nursing — Vancouver;
- Bachelor of Nursing — Okanagan;
- Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene;
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science;
- Bachelor + Master of Management;
- dual degrees;
- joint degrees between UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan;
- joint degrees with other post-secondary institutions.
Applicants should confirm programme eligibility before beginning the nomination process.
Important: International Scholars vs UBC Merit Scholarships
This is one of the most important rules in the entire application.
UBC states:
If you apply to the International Scholars Program, you will not be considered for UBC merit-based awards.
This means International Scholars applicants cannot simultaneously compete for awards such as the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES).
UBC’s IMES eligibility rules specifically exclude students nominated for a need-and-merit International Scholars award.
Which Route Should You Choose?
Consider International Scholars if you have:
- exceptional academic results;
- strong leadership;
- substantial financial need.
Consider UBC’s merit-based international awards if you have:
- exceptional academics and extracurricular achievements;
- but do not have the level of financial need required for International Scholars.
Applicants should choose carefully because the routes cannot be combined.
UBC International Scholars Deadline 2027
Applications open:
October 5, 2026
Deadline:
November 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST
UBC requires international students seeking International Scholars consideration to submit both their UBC application and award application by this earlier deadline.
Do Not Wait Until UBC’s January Deadline
The normal UBC undergraduate application deadline is:
January 15, 2027
But that deadline is too late for International Scholars.
Students who want International Scholars consideration must apply by:
November 15, 2026.
This is one of the easiest ways to accidentally miss the scholarship.
January 31, 2027 Document Deadline
After completing the scholarship application, International Scholars candidates must submit required admission documents by:
January 31, 2027.
This includes documents UBC needs to evaluate admission.
Importantly, UBC tells International Scholars applicants to use the January 31 deadline even if another date appears in the “Next Steps” email.
English Language Deadline
International Scholars applicants must also satisfy the applicable UBC English requirement by:
January 31, 2027.
This is earlier than the February deadline that may apply to some ordinary UBC applicants.
IELTS, TOEFL and English Requirements
For direct undergraduate admission, UBC currently accepts several ways of meeting its English Language Admission Standard.
Common test routes include approximately:
| Test | Minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 90 overall under the applicable scale |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 |
| PTE Academic | 65 |
| Cambridge English | 180 |
| CAEL | 70 |
Students may also satisfy the requirement through certain qualifying English-medium educational backgrounds.
Applicants should verify the latest accepted scores on the official UBC English Language Admission Standard page.
What If You Do Not Meet Direct-Entry English Requirements?
Some academically outstanding international students may qualify for:
UBC Vantage College
and the:
Vantage One Excellence Award
This route is specifically designed for students who do not yet meet UBC’s direct-entry English Language Admission Standard.
The Vantage One Excellence Award can provide funding up to the full cost of the programme and living expenses.
Video Interview
A video interview is not required for every applicant.
UBC says some applicants may be invited to complete one between:
January and March 2027.
Invited candidates receive approximately:
one week
to record and submit their responses.
The interview gives applicants another opportunity to discuss their educational background, leadership and experiences beyond the written application.
UBC International Scholars Results
Results are released on a rolling basis between:
February and April 2027.
UBC says applicants should know whether they received an International Scholars award by:
early to mid-April 2027.
Applicants should regularly monitor their email and spam folder during this period.
UBC International Scholars 2027 Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | October 5, 2026 |
| UBC + scholarship application deadline | November 15, 2026, 11:59 p.m. PST |
| Admission documents | January 31, 2027 |
| English requirement | January 31, 2027 |
| Possible video interview | January–March 2027 |
| Award decisions begin | February 2027 |
| Final scholarship decisions | Early–mid April 2027 |
| Housing deadline | May 1, 2027 |
| Studies begin | September 2027 |
UBC’s official deadline calendar confirms the November 15 scholarship deadline, January 31 International Scholars document deadline and April award announcements.
Housing Application
UBC gives International Scholars applicants a slightly unusual instruction.
If you intend to live in UBC residence, UBC recommends waiting until the International Scholars decisions are released before submitting your housing application.
The first-year housing deadline is:
May 1, 2027.
How to Apply for the UBC International Scholars Program 2027
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Confirm that you meet the academic, financial, secondary-school and degree requirements.
Step 2: Choose Your Campus and Programme
Choose UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan and select your first-choice degree carefully because your scholarship consideration is based on that first choice.
Step 3: Ask Your School for Nomination
Contact your school counsellor, principal or administrator early.
Remember that schools have nomination limits.
Step 4: Choose a Separate Teacher Referee
Your teacher referee cannot be the same person as your nominator.
Step 5: Apply to UBC
Submit your undergraduate admission application before beginning the award application.
Step 6: Start the International Scholars Application
Applications open on:
October 5, 2026.
Create your award application account and invite your nominator and teacher referee.
Step 7: Gather Financial Documents
Prepare accurate information on:
- income;
- expenses;
- assets;
- dependents;
- current educational costs;
- outside funding;
- family contribution.
Step 8: Complete the Four Essays
Prepare four concise responses of approximately 150–250 words each.
Step 9: Confirm Both Recommendations
You cannot finish the application until the nominator and teacher forms have been submitted.
Step 10: Submit by November 15
Complete both the UBC admission application and International Scholars application by:
November 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the UBC International Scholars Program 2027 open?
October 5, 2026.
What is the deadline?
November 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
Can Pakistani students apply?
Yes, if they satisfy all International Scholars eligibility requirements.
Is UBC International Scholars fully funded?
Funding depends on the award and demonstrated financial need. Some awards can provide support up to full programme and living costs.
How much is the scholarship?
UBC does not publish one universal amount for every recipient.
Is financial need required?
Yes. Significant demonstrated financial need is a core eligibility requirement.
What grades are required?
UBC expects all As or an equivalent academic standard.
Is there a fixed GPA requirement?
No universal numerical GPA is published.
Do I need a school nomination?
Yes.
Can my teacher also be my nominator?
No. They must be different people.
How many students can a school nominate?
Up to two for UBC Vancouver, including Vantage College, and one for UBC Okanagan.
How many essays are required?
Four essays, approximately 150–250 words each.
Can I apply for IMES and International Scholars together?
No. International Scholars applicants are not considered for UBC’s merit-only awards such as IMES.
Is an interview required?
Not for everyone. Selected applicants may be invited to a recorded video interview.
When will results be announced?
Final award decisions should be communicated by early to mid-April 2027.
Official UBC Links
UBC International Scholars Program
UBC English Language Admission Standard
UBC Scholarships for International Students
Related Scholarships on Scholarships Central
Students looking for other international undergraduate opportunities can also explore:
Fully Funded Scholarships Still Open
Final Thoughts
The UBC International Scholars Program 2027 is one of Canada’s strongest undergraduate funding opportunities for international students who combine exceptional academics and leadership with genuine financial need.
Applications open on October 5, 2026, and both the UBC admission application and International Scholars application must be completed by November 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
Applicants should start early because the process requires a school nomination, a separate teacher reference, four essays and detailed financial documentation. Schools also face strict nomination limits, and students cannot complete their application until both recommendation forms have been submitted.
The programme can provide substantial financial support, including awards capable of covering full academic and living costs. However, applicants should not assume that every International Scholar receives one identical fixed-value package.
Finally, students should understand the strategic tradeoff: applying to International Scholars means giving up consideration for UBC’s merit-only entrance awards such as IMES. Students with exceptional academics but without substantial financial need should therefore consider UBC’s merit-scholarship route instead.