The UBC International Scholars Program 2027 offers exceptional international students an opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada with significant financial support.
The program is designed for international students who have outstanding academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, meaningful community involvement, and significant financial need. Unlike many scholarships that focus mainly on academic performance, UBC’s International Scholars Program also considers a student’s financial circumstances, leadership, extracurricular activities and potential to make a positive impact.
For the September 2027 intake, UBC states that applications will open in early October 2026. International students who want to be considered for the International Scholars Program must submit their UBC admission application and scholarship application by November 15, 2026.
UBC International Scholars Program 2027 – Quick Overview
| Scholarship | UBC International Scholars Program |
|---|---|
| Host university | University of British Columbia |
| Study location | Canada |
| Study level | Undergraduate |
| Eligible applicants | International students |
| Intake | September 2027 |
| Application opening | Early October 2026 |
| Scholarship deadline | November 15, 2026 |
| UBC admission deadline | January 15, 2027 |
| Financial need | Required |
| Academic standard | Superior academic achievement |
| Leadership | Required |
| English requirement | UBC English Language Admission Standard |
| Nomination | Required |
| Awards | Four International Scholars Program award categories |
| Official application | UBC Undergraduate Admissions |
What Is the UBC International Scholars Program?
The UBC International Scholars Program is a need-and-merit-based award program for outstanding international undergraduate students entering the University of British Columbia.
UBC says the program is intended for students who have demonstrated leadership, exceptional contributions to their communities, outstanding academic performance and significant financial need.
International Scholars also become part of a community that provides academic, personal and career support. The program includes skill-building workshops and retreats, dedicated advising and opportunities to participate in activities such as exchange and co-op.
The program has supported more than 560 International Scholars since 2001, with scholars representing more than 108 countries. UBC also reports that more than 200 hours of developmental workshops and one-on-one support are available to scholars throughout their degree.
What Does the UBC International Scholars Program Cover?
The value of an International Scholars award depends on the award category and the student’s circumstances.
One important point for applicants is that UBC does not ask applicants to select one of the four award categories. Instead, the university automatically considers applicants for the awards for which they are eligible.
The four categories are:
1. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
This award recognizes exceptional international undergraduate applicants who demonstrate strong academic achievement and outstanding leadership.
UBC describes the award as recognizing students who support and empower others through collaboration, empathy and active listening. Community service, school projects, academic achievements and extracurricular accomplishments can form part of the assessment.
2. Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
This award is intended for outstanding international students from impoverished or war-torn areas who have achieved academic excellence despite difficult circumstances.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive contribution to their communities.
3. International Impact Award
The International Impact Award recognizes students who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to addressing important global or social issues.
Areas highlighted by UBC include:
- Sustainability and climate change
- Natural resource conservation and management
- Social justice
- Equity and inclusion
- Societal health and wellness
UBC also gives priority to first-generation learners and students from diverse lived backgrounds for this award.
4. Vantage One Excellence Award
The Vantage One Excellence Award is offered through UBC Vantage College to academically outstanding international students who do not yet meet the English Language Admission Standard required for direct admission to UBC.
UBC states that awards can be worth up to the full cost of a student’s academic program and living expenses.
Applicants should also demonstrate leadership, involvement in student affairs or community service, and notable academic or extracurricular achievements.
Who Can Apply for the UBC International Scholars Program?
The eligibility requirements are strict. UBC states that there are no exceptions to the eligibility criteria.
To be considered for the 2027 International Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following requirements.
1. You must be an international student
2. You must be entering UBC directly from secondary school
- The program is designed for students entering their first undergraduate degree directly from an accredited secondary school.
- For the 2027 Winter Session, applicants must have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026.
- This means the program is not designed for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree.
3. You must be applying for your first undergraduate degree
4. You must demonstrate significant financial need
Financial need is one of the most important parts of this scholarship.
UBC assesses the applicant’s financial circumstances, including factors such as:
- Family gross income
- Family expenses
- Family assets
- Dependents
- Existing educational costs
- Available sources of financial support
5. You must have outstanding academic achievement
6. You must meet UBC admission requirements
Which Programs Are Not Eligible?
Not every UBC undergraduate degree is eligible for the International Scholars Program.
UBC currently lists the following as ineligible:
- Bachelor of Nursing at UBC Vancouver and UBC 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 check the current UBC program information before choosing a degree.
Do You Need a Nomination?
Yes.
The UBC International Scholars Program requires applicants to have a nominator and a teacher referee.
The nominator may be a:
- Guidance counsellor
- Principal
- School administrator
- Other appropriate school representative
The nominator and teacher referee must be different people.
The teacher referee should know the applicant and be familiar with their work in the area of study they have chosen.
UBC also places limits on the number of students that a school can nominate. A high school or eligible registered nonprofit organization may nominate up to two students for UBC Vancouver, including Vantage College, and one student for UBC Okanagan.
Therefore, students should speak with their school early rather than waiting until the scholarship deadline.
Documents and Information Required
The International Scholars Program application is detailed and requires applicants to provide both academic and financial information.
Applicants should be prepared to provide information about:
- Family annual income
- Family expenses
- Family assets and wealth
- Dependents
- Annual school fees
- Sources of financial support
- Expected family contribution
- Extracurricular activities
- Awards and achievements
- Leadership activities
- Community involvement
- Academic information
The application also includes four essay questions, with responses generally around 150–250 words each.
Applicants should therefore begin collecting financial and academic information well before the deadline.
How to Apply for the UBC International Scholars Program 2027
The application process involves several stages.
Step 1: Choose your UBC program and campus
Before starting the scholarship application, decide what you want to study and whether your first-choice program is at UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan.
UBC says award consideration is based on your first-choice program, although applicants should still provide a second-choice program.
Step 2: Speak with your school about nomination
Contact your guidance counsellor, principal or appropriate school representative.
Confirm that your school can nominate you and that you meet the International Scholars Program eligibility requirements.
You should also identify a suitable teacher who can serve as your referee.
Step 3: Apply for admission to UBC
You must submit your UBC undergraduate admission application before you can complete the International Scholars Program award application.
For the 2027 intake, UBC says undergraduate applications open in early October 2026.
The general UBC application deadline is January 15, 2027, but International Scholars applicants must submit the scholarship application much earlier.
Step 4: Create your scholarship application
After submitting your UBC admission application, create your International Scholars Program application.
You will need to provide your nominator’s and teacher referee’s contact information so UBC can invite them to complete their sections.
Both recommendation forms must be submitted before you can complete the award application.
Step 5: Complete the financial information
Prepare detailed information about your family’s financial situation.
This includes income, expenses, assets, dependents and other sources of financial support.
Because UBC conducts a financial assessment, applicants should provide accurate information and supporting documentation where required.
Step 6: Complete the essays
The application includes four short essay questions.
Do not treat these essays as a simple academic statement.
Use them to clearly explain your experiences, leadership, community involvement, achievements, goals and the impact you have made.
Your responses should be specific rather than making broad claims about yourself.
Step 7: Submit the application before November 15, 2026
The International Scholars Program application deadline for the September 2027 intake is November 15, 2026.
UBC recommends submitting the application before the deadline in case applicants experience technical problems.
Official UBC Links
UBC International Scholars Program:
Official UBC International Scholars Program page
Application dates and deadlines:
Official UBC Dates and Deadlines
Scholarships for international students:
Official UBC scholarships and awards page
UBC International Scholars Program 2027 Deadline
The key date international students should remember is:
November 15, 2026 – International Scholars Program application deadline
This deadline is earlier than UBC’s general undergraduate admission deadline of January 15, 2027.
UBC’s current dates page confirms that international applicants seeking consideration for International Scholars Program awards must apply to UBC and submit the award application by November 15, 2026.
After applying, International Scholars Program applicants have another important deadline:
January 31, 2027 – required admission documents and English Language Admission Standard
UBC specifically states that International Scholars Program applicants should meet this January 31 deadline even if their individual UBC “Next Steps” email gives a different document deadline.
UBC International Scholars Program 2027 Timeline
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Early October 2026 | UBC applications open for September 2027 |
| September–October 2026 | Choose program, discuss nomination and prepare application |
| October 2026 | Submit UBC admission application and begin scholarship application |
| November 15, 2026 | International Scholars Program deadline |
| January 31, 2027 | Deadline for required documents and English requirement |
| January–March 2027 | Some applicants may be invited for a video interview |
| February–April 2027 | Scholarship decisions released on a rolling basis |
| Early–mid April 2027 | UBC expects to notify applicants about award decisions |
| May 1, 2027 | Housing application deadline for students planning to live in residence |
The dates above are based on UBC’s current 2027 admissions and International Scholars information.
Does UBC Interview International Scholars Applicants?
Some applicants may be invited to complete a video interview.
UBC says the interview stage takes place between January and March 2027.
If invited, applicants will have one week to complete the video interview and record their responses through the online application platform.
The interview gives applicants an opportunity to discuss who they are, their educational experiences and leadership experiences beyond what appears in their written application.
When Will UBC International Scholars Results Be Released?
UBC says International Scholars Program results are released on a rolling basis between February and April 2027.
By early to mid-April, applicants should receive notification about whether they have received an award.
Applicants should regularly check their email, including their spam or junk folder, because UBC may communicate through different systems during the application process.
Can You Apply for Other UBC Scholarships?
Applicants should pay close attention to the distinction between the International Scholars Program and UBC’s merit-based awards.
UBC states that students who apply for the International Scholars Program will not be considered for merit-based awards.
UBC’s other international entrance awards include the International Major Entrance Scholarship and Outstanding International Student Award, which have separate eligibility considerations.
Students should therefore review UBC’s scholarship options carefully before deciding which award route applies to them.
Is the UBC International Scholars Program Fully Funded?
The answer depends on the specific award and the student’s circumstances.
UBC’s current information does not present the International Scholars Program as one single fixed-value scholarship. Instead, it consists of four award categories with different purposes.
For example, UBC states that the Vantage One Excellence Award can be worth up to the full cost of a student’s academic program and living expenses.
The overall International Scholars Program is need-and-merit based, and UBC assesses each applicant’s financial circumstances.
For this reason, applicants should not rely on old websites that advertise one fixed “full scholarship” amount for every International Scholar.
FAQs
When is the UBC International Scholars Program deadline for 2027?
The deadline for the September 2027 intake is November 15, 2026. This is earlier than UBC’s general undergraduate application deadline of January 15, 2027.
Who is eligible for the UBC International Scholars Program?
The program is for international students entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school for their first undergraduate degree. Applicants must demonstrate superior academic achievement, significant financial need, leadership and community involvement, and meet UBC’s admission and English-language requirements.
Do I need a nomination for the UBC International Scholars Program?
Yes. Applicants need a nominator and a teacher referee. The nominator and referee must be different people.
Can international students from Africa apply?
Yes. The program is open to eligible international students. UBC’s International Scholars community includes students from more than 108 countries. However, applicants must satisfy all of the program’s eligibility requirements.
Can I apply if I already have a bachelor’s degree?
No. The program is intended for students applying for their first undergraduate degree.
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