The University of British Columbia offers undergraduate scholarships and awards for international students entering degree programmes at its Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. UBC says it devotes more than CAD $35 million annually to awards, scholarships, and other financial support for international undergraduate students.
The main UBC undergraduate scholarships include merit-based entrance awards, the International Major Entrance Scholarship, the Outstanding International Student Award, the International Scholars Program, and other campus-specific awards. Some awards are considered automatically with admission, while others require a separate application or school nomination.
This guide explains how to find suitable ubc undergraduate scholarships, check the eligibility rules, prepare documents, apply for UBC admission, complete a scholarship application, and track the 2027 deadlines. Award values and application dates can change, so applicants should confirm the current information on the official UBC website.
What Are UBC Undergraduate Scholarships?
UBC undergraduate scholarships are financial awards for students entering a first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia. They may be based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, leadership, community impact, financial need, or a combination of these factors.
UBC’s merit-based entrance awards are generally considered when an eligible student receives an offer of admission. The International Scholars Program is different because it considers significant financial need, leadership, exceptional community contributions, and outstanding academic performance.
For more scholarship resources, visit the undergraduate scholarships category, explore British Columbia scholarships for international students, and browse the North American scholarships category.
1. Choose the Right UBC Undergraduate Scholarship
The first step is to understand which UBC award matches your background. UBC does not use one single scholarship application for every international undergraduate award.
Merit-Based Awards
UBC states that merit-based awards are considered automatically after an eligible student receives an offer of admission. Consideration is based on academic achievement and extracurricular involvement.
The International Major Entrance Scholarship, known as IMES, is for exceptional international students entering undergraduate programmes. For the 2026/2027 academic year, UBC lists IMES values of CAD $10,000–$25,000 per year. The award may be renewable for up to 3 additional years, although the number and value of awards depend on available funding.
The Outstanding International Student Award, or OIS, is a one-time merit-based entrance scholarship offered to qualified international students with admission. Its value and number of awards may vary by year.
Need-and-Merit Awards
The International Scholars Program is designed for international students who show leadership, exceptional contributions to their communities, outstanding academic performance, and significant financial need.
Applicants may be considered for either UBC’s merit-based award route or its need-and-merit International Scholars route. UBC advises applicants to review the merit-based options before deciding which programme fits their circumstances.
Campus and Pathway Awards
UBC also lists awards connected with UBC Okanagan and Vantage One. The exact eligibility requirements depend on the campus, programme, and admission pathway.
Read the full award description before applying. Do not assume that an award covering tuition will also cover housing, food, books, health insurance, travel, or personal costs.
2. Check the UBC Undergraduate Scholarships Eligibility Requirements
The second step is to compare your academic and personal profile with the official award rules.
International Student Status
For the main international awards, applicants must be international students who will study in Canada on a Canadian study permit. Changes in citizenship or immigration status may affect eligibility for certain awards.
Secondary-School Entry
IMES and International Scholars applicants generally need to enter UBC directly from secondary school. International Scholars applicants for the 2027 Winter session must have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026.
Applicants must also be applying for their first undergraduate degree under the International Scholars rules.
Academic Achievement
International Scholars applicants must demonstrate superior academic achievement, described by UBC as achieving all As or an equivalent standard. Merit-based awards also assess academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
A strong application should show more than grades. Include leadership, community service, competitions, research, creative work, employment, entrepreneurship, or other meaningful activities where relevant.
Financial Need
International Scholars applicants must demonstrate significant financial need. UBC may review official documents showing family gross income, expenses, assets, available resources, and other financial information.
The programme is intended for students who could not pursue a UBC degree without meaningful financial support. Applicants should provide accurate figures and explain any circumstances that affect the family’s ability to pay.
Programme Restrictions
Some UBC degrees are not eligible for International Scholars awards. The official page excludes the Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor + Master of Management, certain dual or joint degrees, and certain programmes involving other institutions.
Always check the exact degree title before spending time on an application.
3. Confirm UBC Admission and English Requirements
The third step is to meet UBC’s admission requirements. A scholarship application cannot replace an admission application.
Academic Admission
Review UBC’s general and degree-specific requirements for your country and chosen programme. Prepare official or certified academic records, grading information, graduation evidence, and any programme-specific documents requested by UBC.
Your scholarship profile should match your admission application. Use the same legal name, school history, grades, activities, and dates in every form.
English Language Admission Standard
International Scholars applicants must meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard unless an approved alternative or pathway applies.
UBC may accept specific English-language evidence under its current admission rules. Check the official requirements before booking a test because accepted tests, minimum scores, validity periods, and exemptions can change.
Programme Selection
Choose a programme that matches your academic preparation and long-term goals. Explain why the selected degree fits your interests and how it connects to your contribution, leadership, or career plans.
Applicants should not select a programme only because they believe it has more scholarships. Admission fit and scholarship fit are both important.
4. Prepare the Required Scholarship Documents
The fourth step is to collect complete documents before the deadline. UBC International Scholars applicants must provide information for both the admission and scholarship processes.
Academic Documents
Prepare the following documents when required:
1.Secondary-school transcripts.
2.Graduation certificate or expected-graduation evidence.
3.Grading scale or school profile if requested.
4.English-language test results or approved evidence.
5.Academic awards and competition results.
6.Details of extracurricular and community activities.
Financial Documents
International Scholars applicants should prepare official family financial information. This may include income evidence, employment details, expenses, assets, debts, dependants, and other funding sources.
Do not exaggerate financial need or omit available resources. UBC may assess the information and request clarification or additional documents.
Leadership and Activity Evidence
Prepare a concise record of leadership and service. Include the activity name, your role, dates, time commitment, achievements, and the people or community affected.
Strong applications use specific evidence. Instead of writing that you are a leader, explain the project you organised, the problem you addressed, and the result achieved.
You may also read about Dubai scholarships, use the Scholarship Universe guide, explore USA scholarships, or visit the WSScholar4u homepage for additional opportunities.
5. Apply for UBC Admission and Complete the Scholarship Route
The fifth step is to submit the correct forms in the correct order.
Apply for UBC Admission First
The International Scholars page advises applicants to first apply for admission to UBC. Students should also speak with their high school about the nomination process, gather family and financial information, and prepare their essays.
Use the official UBC admission application and select an eligible undergraduate programme. Save your application confirmation and student number.
Request School Nomination When Required
International Scholars applicants should speak with their high school about nomination. The school may need to complete a nomination or reference component before the scholarship application can proceed.
Ask your counsellor or school official early. Provide a summary of your achievements, financial situation, activities, goals, and chosen UBC programme.
Complete the Scholarship Application
Applications for the 2027 International Scholars intake are scheduled to open in September 2026. Follow the official UBC instructions for the application form, nomination, references, essays, and financial documents.
Some applicants may be invited to complete a video interview. Prepare to discuss your academic goals, community contribution, financial need, and reasons for choosing UBC.
6. Write Strong Essays and Submit Accurate Information
The sixth step is to complete the written portion carefully. Scholarship essays should connect your experiences to UBC’s values and the purpose of the award.
Explain Your Leadership
Describe a real situation in which you identified a need, took action, worked with others, and achieved a result. Include measurable details where possible.
Leadership does not require a formal title. Family responsibilities, community service, student projects, employment, sports, creative work, and local initiatives may demonstrate leadership when explained clearly.
Explain Your Financial Need
For the International Scholars Program, explain why meaningful financial support is necessary. Describe the resources available to your family, the cost barriers you face, and how the award would affect your ability to study at UBC.
Use consistent information across your essays and financial forms. Do not make unsupported claims or submit documents that cannot be verified.
Proofread and Submit Early
Review every essay for clarity, grammar, word limits, names, programme titles, and dates. Ask a teacher or trusted adviser to check the final draft without changing your personal voice.
UBC warns that applications started shortly before the deadline are less likely to be successful. Start early so you have time to obtain references, complete financial documents, and correct portal issues.
7. Track the Deadline, Decision, and Funding Conditions
The seventh step is to monitor your application after submission.
2027 Application Timeline
UBC states that International Scholars applications for 2027 will open in September 2026. The exact deadline should be confirmed on the official UBC International Scholars page and the relevant application instructions.
Merit-based awards such as IMES and OIS may be connected to the UBC admission deadline rather than a separate scholarship form.
After Submission
Check your UBC account, email, nomination status, and reference submissions. Save confirmation emails and copies of uploaded documents.
If UBC requests more information, respond before the stated deadline. Keep your contact details current throughout the admission and scholarship process.
Funding Conditions
Read the award letter carefully. Confirm the scholarship amount, renewal conditions, academic requirements, study-load rules, eligible costs, and whether the award covers one year or multiple years.
A scholarship may not cover every cost of studying in Canada. Prepare a realistic budget for tuition, housing, food, transportation, books, health coverage, travel, study-permit costs, and personal expenses.
UBC Undergraduate Scholarships Application Checklist
Before submitting your ubc undergraduate scholarships application, confirm these points:
1.You have selected an eligible UBC undergraduate programme.
2.You are applying for your first undergraduate degree when required.
3.You meet the international-student and Canadian study-permit conditions.
4.You meet UBC’s academic admission requirements.
5.You meet the English Language Admission Standard or an approved pathway rule.
6.Your secondary-school records are complete.
7.Your leadership and community activities are documented.
8.Your family financial documents are accurate when applying for International Scholars.
9.Your school knows about the nomination requirement.
10.Your essays answer the official questions directly.
11.Your references or nomination forms are submitted.
12.Your UBC admission application is complete.
13.You have checked the 2027 opening and deadline information.
14.You have saved proof of submission.
Final Answer: How to Apply for UBC Undergraduate Scholarships in 2027
To apply for ubc undergraduate scholarships in 2027, choose an eligible undergraduate programme, check the award requirements, prepare academic and financial documents, meet UBC admission and English requirements, submit the admission application, complete the required scholarship or nomination route, and monitor your account after submission.
The main merit-based awards may be considered automatically with admission, while the International Scholars Program requires a separate process involving nomination, essays, financial information, and early preparation. Applications for the 2027 International Scholars intake are scheduled to open in September 2026, but applicants should confirm the exact deadline on UBC’s official website.
