UBC International Scholars Program 2027 in Canada | Fully Funded

UBC International Scholars Program 2027 in Canada for International Students (Undergraduate Scholarship)

About the Scholarship

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is accepting applications for its 2027 International Scholars Program, offering outstanding international students an opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree in Canada with significant financial support.

The programme is designed for academically talented students who have demonstrated leadership abilities, contributed positively to their communities and require financial assistance to attend university.

Through this programme, UBC aims to support exceptional young people from different countries and backgrounds, helping them access quality education and develop the skills needed to make a positive difference in their communities and the world.

Successful applicants will become part of an international community of scholars and receive dedicated academic and personal development support throughout their studies.

The programme includes four award categories, and applicants are automatically considered for the awards they qualify for.

Scholarship Benefits

The UBC International Scholars Program provides financial assistance based on each successful applicant's demonstrated financial need.

Depending on the award category and individual circumstances, the support can cover a significant portion or potentially the full cost of studying at UBC.

Other benefits include:

• Financial support towards tuition and educational expenses.
• Assistance with living and study costs, depending on the award.
• Dedicated academic and personal development advisers.
• Access to leadership development opportunities.
• Skills-building workshops and retreats.
• Opportunities to participate in exchange programmes and co-op experiences.

Note: The award amount is not the same for every student. UBC assesses each applicant's financial circumstances and determines the level of support required.

Available Scholarship Awards

There are four award categories under the International Scholars Program:

1. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

This award recognises outstanding international students with excellent academic records and strong leadership abilities. It is intended for students who have demonstrated a positive impact through community involvement, school activities and initiatives that support others.

2. Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

This award supports academically outstanding students from impoverished or war-torn areas who have achieved excellent results despite challenging circumstances and would be unable to attend university without significant financial assistance.

3. International Impact Award

This award recognises international students who have demonstrated leadership and made meaningful contributions in areas such as sustainability, social justice and health.

4. Vantage One Excellence Award

This award supports academically outstanding international students who do not yet meet UBC's English Language Admission Standard and are applying to eligible Vantage One programmes.

The award can provide financial support towards the full cost of the academic programme and living expenses.

Applicants do not need to select an award category. UBC will automatically consider them for the awards for which they are eligible.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the UBC International Scholars Program 2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be an international student who will study in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
• Be entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school.
• Be applying for their first undergraduate degree.
• Demonstrate exceptional academic performance, generally achieving all As or an equivalent standard.
• Show strong leadership abilities and meaningful contributions to their school or community.
• Demonstrate significant financial need and prove that they would be unable to attend UBC without substantial financial assistance.
• Meet UBC's general and programme-specific admission requirements.
• Meet the university's English Language Admission Standard, or qualify for an eligible Vantage One programme.

Additional educational requirement: Applicants for the 2027 Winter Session must have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026.

Applicants should also note that certain programmes are excluded from the International Scholars Program, including Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor + Master of Management and certain dual or joint degrees.

Required Documents and Application Information

Applicants should be prepared to provide information and documents relating to their academic background, leadership experience and financial circumstances.

These include:

• Academic transcripts and secondary school results.
• Information about family income and annual expenses.
• Details of family assets and financial resources.
• Information about dependants and school fees.
• Records of awards and extracurricular activities.
• Personal essays responding to four application questions.
• A nomination from a school official or eligible organisation.
• A recommendation from a teacher.

The essays are approximately 150–250 words each.

Applicants must have two different people supporting their application: one nominator and one teacher referee.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose your preferred programme

Explore the undergraduate programmes available at UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan and select your preferred course of study.

Step 2: Request a school nomination

Speak with your high school counsellor, principal or another eligible school official about nominating you for the scholarship.

You will also need a teacher referee who can provide a recommendation about your academic abilities and potential.

Step 3: Apply for admission to UBC

Submit your undergraduate admission application through the university's official admissions portal. You must apply for admission before completing your International Scholars Program application.

Step 4: Complete the scholarship application

Create an account on the scholarship application platform and invite your nominator and teacher referee to complete their respective forms.

Step 5: Provide your financial information

Complete the financial assessment section, including information about family income, expenses, assets and available financial support.

Step 6: Submit your application

Complete the required essays, review your information and submit your application before the deadline.

Ensure that your nominator and teacher referee have also submitted their forms.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the 2027 UBC International Scholars Program has been extended.

New deadline: 25 November 2026 at 12:00 noon Pacific Time.

The original deadline was 15 November 2026, but UBC has officially extended it.

Applicants should complete their applications as early as possible because the nomination and recommendation forms must also be submitted before the deadline.

Important subsequent deadline: Successful applicants must submit the required admission documents and meet the applicable English language requirements by 31 January 2027.

Official Application Links

Interested applicants can access the following official university resources:

Scholarship Information: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/international-scholars

Scholarship Application Portal: https://undergraduatescholarships.ubc.ca/prog/2027_international_scholars_program_application/

UBC Undergraduate Admissions: https://you.ubc.ca/

Important Notice

The UBC International Scholars Program is competitive. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.

Applicants should provide accurate information about their academic achievements, leadership experience and family financial circumstances.

Always use the university's official website and application platform. Do not pay individuals or agents who promise to secure a scholarship award.

For further information, visit the official University of British Columbia website.