UBC scholarships support students aspiring to attend the University of British Columbia; one of Canada’s top-ranked institutions; where financial concerns often pose a significant challenge. These opportunities aim to assist students in their academic journey. This guide explores the various scholarship options available at UBC, the application processes, and strategies to maximize your chances of receiving financial aid.
What UBC Scholarships Are Available for International Students?
International students have access to a variety of scholarship opportunities at UBC. The university recognizes the importance of a diverse student body and offers financial support specifically designed for international applicants.
International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES)
UBC gives these merit-based awards to exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs. Students receive their IMES when they enter their first year, and the scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years of study.
IMES awards will be valued at $10,000 – $20,000 per year for the 2025/2026 academic year,
Eligibility requirements:
- Be new to UBC, entering directly from secondary school
- Be an international student studying on a Canadian study permit (student visa)
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and intellectual promise
- Show impressive extracurricular and community involvement
- Not be nominated for a need-and-merit-based International Scholars award
- Apply to UBC by the admissions deadline
Outstanding International Student Award
The Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award is a one-time, merit-based entrance scholarship awarded to qualified students when they are offered admission to UBC. Recipients demonstrate strong academic performance and involvement outside the classroom.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, OIS awards will be valued at $10,000 – $25,000.
Eligibility requirements:
- Be new to UBC, entering directly from secondary school or post-secondary (university or college)
- Be an international student studying on a Canadian study permit
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and strong extracurricular involvement
- Not be nominated for a need-and-merit-based International Scholars award
- Apply to UBC by the admissions deadline
UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award
This is a $5,000 award applied to international students’ first-year tuition at UBC Okanagan. The award is designed to welcome international students to the Okanagan campus and help them get the best possible start to their UBC experience.
Eligibility:
- Be a first-year international student
- Select a UBC Okanagan degree listed as your first choice
- Be accepted to UBC Okanagan and enroll in your first-choice degree
We apply the $5,000 award directly to your tuition fees for the first year of full-time study—50% goes toward Term 1 tuition and 50% toward Term 2 tuition.
How to Apply for UBC Scholarships
The application process for UBC entrance scholarships varies depending on the specific award and your student status.
General Application Process for Merit-Based Awards
For the International Major Entrance Scholarship and Outstanding International Student Award:
- Apply to UBC by the admissions deadline
- You’ll automatically be considered for these merit-based awards
- No separate application is required
Scholarship and Evaluation Timeline
UBS evaluates merit-based awards using each applicant’s academic and personal profile. The competition is intense, as we consider all international undergraduate applicants.
Important timeline notes:
- Admissions decisions and award evaluations are two separate processes
- You become eligible for scholarships once you receive an offer of admission.
- UBC begins making admission offers in January, while scholarship committees make decisions between mid-March and the end of April.
- Only successful recipients will receive notification
- Recipients will get their award offer before their admission acceptance deadline (typically May 1)
- Award offers are final, and recipients have until their admissions deadline to accept
If UBC accepts you into your first-choice UBC Okanagan degree, it will automatically apply the UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award as a credit to your student account after you accept the offer of admission.This credit will appear on your Applicant Service Centre account once classes start in September.
Are There UBC Scholarships for Graduate Students?
While the provided information focuses primarily on undergraduate scholarships, UBC also offers various funding opportunities for graduate students. These typically include fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and merit-based scholarships. For specific graduate funding options, prospective students should check UBC’s Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.
UBC International Scholars Program
The International Scholars Program brings some of the world’s brightest young undergraduates to UBC. This prestigious program has supported over 560 International Scholars since 2001, with recipients coming from more than 108 countries.
Who Qualifies for the International Scholars Program?
International Scholars are:
- High academic achievers
- Students who have demonstrated exceptional extracurricular activities
- Individuals who show a desire to create global and social change
- Students dedicated to giving back to their communities
Benefits of the International Scholars Program
Recipients of this program enjoy several advantages:
- A globally recognized degree that opens doors and connects you to a vast alumni network
- Study among the brightest students in a community of engaged young leaders
- Access to unique learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom
- Dedicated advising and support from a team of International Scholars Program advisors throughout your degree
UBC Vantage One Scholarships and Awards
UBC created the Vantage One program for academically strong international students whose English language proficiency doesn’t yet meet the requirements for direct admission.
Available Vantage One Awards
If you are a new UBC Vantage One student, you’re eligible for the following scholarships:
- International Major Entrance Scholarship for Vantage One
- Vantage One Entrance Award
- Vantage One Excellence Award
UBC awards these scholarships based on academic achievement, intellectual promise, and extracurricular or community involvement. Some also consider financial need.
Tips for Winning UBC Scholarships
Securing scholarships at UBC requires planning, preparation, and a strategic approach.
Maintain Strong Academic Performance
Most UBC scholarships consider academic achievement as a primary criterion. Aim for consistently high grades to position yourself as a competitive candidate.
Develop Leadership Skills and Community Involvement
Many scholarships value leadership experience and community engagement. The top international scholarships at UBC specifically look for students who demonstrate exceptional extracurricular activities and a commitment to giving back.
Prepare Early and Meet Deadlines
Be aware of application deadlines and prepare all required materials well in advance. When you apply to UBC by the admissions deadline, the university automatically considers you for merit-based awards.
Financial Planning
UBC encourages scholarship recipients to create a financial plan for the duration of their degree, since most awards do not cover the full cost of education. UBC provides resources and calculators to help students create individual financial plans.
UBS Scholarships for Current International Students
UBC offers over $35 million in international student financial assistance. While many prominent scholarships are entrance awards for new students, continuing international students also have access to various funding opportunities throughout their studies.
Conclusion: UBS Scholarships
The University of British Columbia offers a wide array of scholarship opportunities for international students across all levels of study. With over $35 million in international student financial assistance and support for students from more than 108 countries, UBC demonstrates its commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.
When you receive an award or scholarship at UBC, you join a community of engaged and supportive young leaders and changemakers who enrich the university with their diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and innovations.