UBC International Scholars Program for Undergraduate in Canada (Need & Merit Base Scholarship)

Applications are now open for the UBC International Scholars Program 2027, a need and merit based scholarship for international students who want to study their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada. The program is open to students entering UBC directly from high school for the September 2027 intake, in almost all undergraduate degrees at the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.

It is for students with outstanding grades, strong leadership and real community impact, who could not attend UBC without significant financial help. The amount of support depends on each student’s financial need, and the Vantage One Excellence Award can cover up to the full cost of tuition and living expenses. The application deadline is November 15, 2026. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Host Country: Canada
• University: University of British Columbia
• Degree Level: First undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s)
• Open for All Nationalities: Yes
• Funding Type: Need and merit based financial support.
• Application Deadline: November 15, 2026
• Document Deadline: January 31, 2027

What This Scholarship Offers:

• Financial support that makes a UBC degree possible when your family cannot afford the full cost. The amount depends on your financial need.
• A globally recognized degree from a top university, which strengthens your career options anywhere in the world.
• A community of high achievers. You study alongside talented Scholars from many countries and cultures, so you build friendships and a global network.
• Skill building workshops and retreats that help you grow your leadership, communication and personal skills.
• Exchange and co op options. You can study abroad for a term and gain paid work experience in your field before you graduate.
• Dedicated advising from ISP advisors who support your academic progress, personal wellbeing and career planning throughout your degree.

Also Check: Leadership Masterclass Programme at Chatham House in London

Eligibility Criteria:

Educational Background

• You are an international student who will study in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
• You are entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school.
• You graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026 (for the 2027 Winter session).
• You are applying for your first undergraduate degree.

Financial Need

• You can prove significant financial need and could not attend UBC without meaningful financial help.
• Your family cannot afford a significant part of your education costs and has no access to external funding.
• You can submit official documents that show your financial need, such as family gross income, expenses and assets.

Academic and Admission Requirements

• You meet UBC’s general and degree specific admission requirements.
• You have superior academic results (all As or an equivalent standard).
• You meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard. If you do not, you may be eligible for Vantage College and the Vantage One Excellence Award.
• You show leadership qualities and strong contributions to your community.

Important Rule About Merit Based Awards

If you apply to the International Scholars Program, you will not be considered for UBC’s merit based awards. You can be considered for only one of the two programs, so compare both before applying.

Also Check: University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 in Japan (Fully Funded)

Award Categories:

You do not choose an award when you apply. UBC automatically considers you for every award you are eligible for.

Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

For students with superior academic results and strong leadership skills. These students support and empower others through collaboration, empathy and active listening, and have made a positive impact through school and community projects.

Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

For outstanding students from impoverished or war torn areas who achieved academic excellence under challenging circumstances. These students could not attend university without significant financial help and show leadership potential and a strong commitment to their communities.

International Impact Award

For students who show leadership and commitment to solutions in areas such as:

• Sustainability and climate change
• Natural resource conservation and management
• Social justice, equity and inclusion
• Societal health and wellness

Priority goes to first generation learners and students from diverse lived backgrounds.

Vantage One Excellence Award

Offered by UBC Vantage College to academically outstanding students who do not yet meet the English Language Admission Standard for direct entry. Awards range up to the full cost of the student’s program and living expenses.

Application Dates:

• Applications Open: October 5, 2026
• Nominator and Teacher Referee Forms: A few days before November 15, 2026
• Final Application Deadline: November 15, 2026
• Supporting Documents Deadline: January 31, 2027
• Video Interview (if invited): January to March 2027, and you get one week to complete it
• Results: February to April 2027, with most decisions by early to mid April

Submit your application well before November 15 in case of technical problems. Applications started close to the deadline are less likely to succeed.

Also Check: University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 in Japan (Fully Funded)

Required Documents:

UBC does not publish one fixed checklist for this scholarship. Based on the official details, you will need the following:

• Proof of submitted UBC Admissions application
• Official high school transcripts or academic certificates
• English language test results, if required to meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard
• Any other documents requested in the “Your UBC Application: Next Steps” email from UBC Undergraduate Admissions
• Official documents showing your family’s gross annual income
• Documents showing your family’s expenses
• Documents showing your family’s wealth and assets
• Information on dependents and annual school fees
• Details of other sources of financial support
• Nominator recommendation form (submitted by your school)
• Teacher referee recommendation form
• Extracurricular activities and awards information
• Responses to the four application essay questions

How to Apply:

1. Submit your UBC Admissions application, because the scholarship application cannot be started without it.
2. Ask one nominator (guidance counsellor, principal or administrator) and one different teacher referee to support you.
3. Open the official application portal, create your account and invite your nominator and referee to complete their forms.
4. Fill in your financial details, extracurricular activities, awards and the four essay questions (about 150 to 250 words each).
5. Submit your completed application on or before November 15, 2026, then upload your admission documents by January 31, 2027.
6. Watch your email, including spam, for a possible video interview invitation and your final result.

Also Check: East West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship 2027 in USA