What the funding covers
- Need-based support up to the full cost of your programme and living expenses, renewable for up to three further years.
- Four awards sit under the programme: the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award (for students from impoverished or war-torn areas), the International Impact Award (sustainability and climate leadership) and the Vantage One Excellence Award.
- Separately, UBC automatically considers international applicants for merit entrance scholarships.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition and living expenses | The award — need-based, up to the full cost of your programme and living expenses |
| Study permit (CAD 150) and biometrics (CAD 85) | You |
Who can apply
- International students who will study in Canada on a study permit, entering UBC directly from secondary school.
- Superior academic achievement (all As or the equivalent) and significant financial need.
- A nominator at your school (such as a counsellor or principal) and one teacher referee.
Documents you will need
- Your UBC admission application — it opens in early October 2026
- The International Scholars application by 15 November 2026: four short essays (about 150–250 words each) and detailed family finances — annual income and expenses, wealth and assets
- A nominator at your school (such as your counsellor or principal) and a separate teacher referee
- Transcripts and English test results by 31 January 2027, meeting UBC's English Language Admission Standard
How to apply
- Apply for admission to UBC (the 2027-entry application is due in early October 2026 for scholarship candidates).
- Submit the International Scholars Program application by 15 November 2026, with your nominator and referee details.
- Upload transcripts and official test results by 31 January 2027.
- Decisions are released between February and April 2027.
Before you apply: things to know
- The scholarship route needs an earlier admission application than UBC's usual deadline — check the exact date for 2027 entry.
- Awards are need-based: you will submit detailed family financial information.
- Only students coming straight from secondary school qualify; transfer students do not.
Common questions
How much financial need do I have to show?
Enough that a UBC degree would be impossible without meaningful financial help. The awards are for students who could not otherwise attend.
What grades do I need?
All As, or the equivalent in your curriculum.
When will I hear?
UBC releases award decisions on a rolling basis between February and April 2027.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next typical deadline (Nov 15, 2026). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Aug 23, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth — confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Sep 6, 2026 · NOWAsk your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Sep 20, 2026 · NOWWrite the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Oct 4, 2026Order transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Oct 18, 2026Second draft — get feedback from someone who reads critically
Nov 1, 2026Finalise every document and complete the online form
Nov 8, 2026Submit — never on the last day
Nov 15, 2026Typical deadline
Related routes
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Sources
Page reviewed Sep 25, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official source.