International Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia

Degree: Bachelor’s

Application Deadlines:

• International Scholars Program: 15 November 2024
• UBC Admissions Application: 1 December 2024

Location: Canada
Course Start Date: 2025

Overview

The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers the International Scholars Program, which includes four categories of need- and merit-based awards for exceptional international undergraduate students.

1. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award: Recognises academically outstanding students who demonstrate leadership, empathy, and collaboration, empowering others in their communities.
2. Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award: Supports students from disadvantaged or conflict-affected regions who have excelled academically despite significant challenges and require substantial financial assistance to attend university.
3. International Impact Award: Honours students who show leadership and a commitment to sustainability, climate change solutions, natural resource management, social justice, equity, or public health. Priority is given to first-generation learners and individuals with diverse life experiences.
4. Vantage One Excellence Award: Offered through UBC Vantage College to high-achieving students who do not yet meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard for direct entry.

Host Institution

University of British Columbia, Canada

Fields of Study

Undergraduate programs offered at UBC, excluding:

• UBC Okanagan Bachelor of Nursing
• Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene
• Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
• Bachelor + Master of Management
• Dual or joint degrees (including those between UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver or other institutions).

Number of Awards

Approximately 50 awards distributed across the four categories.

Target Group

International students

Scholarship Value and Duration

The scholarship amount is determined by assessing your financial need. This is calculated by totaling your tuition, fees, and living expenses and subtracting the financial contribution you and your family can provide.

Awards are renewable for up to three additional years of undergraduate study or until degree completion, whichever comes first, provided you:

• Maintain satisfactory academic standing.
• Demonstrate ongoing financial need.
• Hold a valid Canadian study permit.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the International Scholars Program:

• You must be an international student studying in Canada on a study permit.
• You must be entering UBC from a recognised secondary school or transferring from the first year at a post-secondary institution.
• You must have graduated from high school no earlier than June two years prior to the academic year you’re applying for (e.g., November 2023 for the 2025 academic session).
• You must be applying for your first undergraduate degree.
• You must demonstrate academic excellence (e.g., straight A grades or equivalent).
• You must show financial need that would otherwise make pursuing a UBC degree impossible.
• You must meet UBC’s general and program-specific admission requirements, including English Language standards.

To qualify for the Vantage One Excellence Award:

• You must meet the general eligibility criteria but not yet meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard for direct entry.
• You must satisfy the admission requirements of UBC Vantage College.
• You must be enrolling in the UBC Vantage One Program as a first-time undergraduate student, directly after high school.

Application Process

1. Nomination and Reference: You must be nominated by your school or a non-profit organisation. An academic referee must also provide a reference. Ensure your nominator and referee are aware of your intention to apply.
2. Application Submission: Apply for the International Scholars Program by 15 November 2024, and complete your UBC admission application by 1 December 2024.
3. Automatic Consideration: You do not need to specify which award you are applying for; UBC will consider your eligibility for all relevant awards.

For detailed application instructions and access to the online application form, visit the official scholarship website.