UBC Undergraduate Scholarships 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)

May 30, 2024
by
MST

The University of British Columbia (UBC) provides undergraduate Scholarships significant financial investment to attract global talent to its Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. For the 2026/2027 academic year, UBC allocates over $35 million annually in awards and scholarships to international undergraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence and community leadership. Recipients can secure funding ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 per year through merit-based programs such as the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) and the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award. You must submit your online admission application by January 15, 2026, to receive automatic consideration for these awards.

UBC offers prestigious entrance awards. International students receive merit-based funding. Academic excellence determines scholarship eligibility. Admission applications trigger automatic consideration.

These 10 scholarships are mentioned because they represent the most verified, high-value financial aid opportunities available to international students in Canada for 2026. Use the factual details below to meet eligibility criteria and strengthen your application for the upcoming semester.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Undergraduate.
Institution(s): University of British Columbia (UBC).
Study in: Canada (Vancouver and Okanagan campuses).
Application Deadline: January 15, 2026 (Annual).
Fields of Study: All undergraduate programs (Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Media, and Fine Arts).

Scholarship Benefits

UBC undergraduate scholarships offer varying levels of support based on the specific award and available university funding.

International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES): Valued between $10,000 and $25,000 per year for the 2026/2027 cycle. This award is renewable for up to three additional years of study, totaling up to $100,000.
Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award: A one-time entrance scholarship valued between $10,000 and $25,000 granted upon admission.
UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award: A $5,000 tuition credit provided to first-year international students who select a UBC Okanagan degree as their first choice.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for merit-based UBC scholarships, you must satisfy four primary requirements.

International Status: You must be an international student studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
New Student Status: You must be entering UBC directly from secondary school or a post-secondary institution (university or college).
Academic Record: You must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and intellectual promise, supported by a strong extracurricular record.
Admission Deadline: You must apply to UBC by the January 15 deadline to be considered for IMES and OIS awards.

Application Process

UBC uses a streamlined “automatic consideration” process for merit-based awards, meaning no separate scholarship application is required for the IMES or OIS awards.

Submit Admission Application: Complete the online application at you.ubc.ca by January 15, 2026.
Meet English Standards: Submit all required documents demonstrating you meet the English Language Admission Standard (ELAS) by February 15, 2026.
Submit Transcripts: Upload your interim transcripts and required academic records by the February 15 deadline.
Wait for Results: Scholarship decisions are announced between mid-March and April 2026, typically arriving shortly after your offer of admission.

UBC Undergraduate Scholarships 2026 FAQs

How much are the scholarships worth? For 2026, IMES and OIS awards range from $10,000 to $25,000 annually.
Do I need a separate application? No. All international undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for OIS and IMES awards when they apply for admission by the deadline.
Can I apply if I’m at UBC Okanagan? Yes. All new international students at UBC Okanagan are eligible for the $5,000 International Welcome Award if they choose Okanagan as their first-choice campus.
When will I find out if I won? Most recipients are notified of their award status by mid-April 2026.