UBC International Scholars Program
A need-based award for high-achieving international undergraduates at the University of British Columbia who can demonstrate genuine financial hardship. Funding varies by need and is not a guaranteed full-ride.
Quick Facts
Status
Opening SoonFunding
Partial FundingDeadline
Program application around November 15; UBC admission around December 1; supporting documents around January 31
Country
About the UBC International Scholars Program
The International Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia combines academic merit with demonstrated financial need, aimed at exceptional international students who could not otherwise afford to study there. Unlike a flat merit scholarship, the award amount is calculated against your family's actual financial situation, so it varies from student to student rather than covering a fixed amount for everyone.
Eligibility is fairly specific: you need to be entering your first undergraduate degree, hold a near-top academic record, and be able to document significant financial need. It applies to most UBC undergraduate programs, though a small number of programs, including Nursing and Dental Hygiene, are excluded.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
One of the few Canadian awards explicitly designed around genuine financial hardship, not just academic merit alone
UBC is consistently ranked among the world's top 40 universities
Applies across most undergraduate programs, not one narrow field
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in Canada
UBC's Vancouver campus combines a top-ranked education with one of Canada's most diverse and internationally connected cities, alongside a strong post-study work permit pathway.
Eligibility Requirements
5 requirements
Documents Checklist
3 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Submit the International Scholars Program application by its deadline
Apply for UBC undergraduate admission
Submit financial need documentation by the specified deadline
Await a combined decision on admission and award amount
Application Timeline
Around November 15
Program Application Deadline
Around December 1
UBC Admission Deadline
Around January 31
Financial Documents Deadline
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Be thorough and honest in documenting financial need, since the award amount is calculated directly against it
Apply well before the deadline, since the process involves multiple separate submissions (program application, UBC admission, and financial documents)
Understand this is not a guaranteed full-ride, so plan a realistic budget alongside your application
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questions - click any to expand
Not guaranteed. The award amount varies based on your demonstrated financial need, so it may cover a partial or, in cases of severe need, a larger share of your costs.
Yes, transfer applicants after one year of study elsewhere may be eligible, in addition to students entering directly from secondary school.
Ready to Apply?
Applications open Alongside UBC's fall admission cycle - get your documents ready now.
Apply on Official Website βMore Scholarships to Explore
Other opportunities you may qualify for
University of Calgary Entrance Scholarship
Canada Β· University of Calgary
The University of Calgary offers entrance scholarships for international undergraduate students across all Bachelor's programs. Applications are submitted through the university's student portal; no documents are required at the initial application stage.
π Deadline: April 1 (annual window: August 15 - April β¦
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Canada Β· Government of Canada
Canada's premier doctoral scholarship, funding $50,000 a year for three years through university nomination rather than direct application. Its current status is genuinely uncertain: some reporting indicates the program held its final competition in 2025, so confirm directly with a Canadian university's graduate school before planning around it.
π Deadline: Set internally by each nominating universiβ¦
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
Canada Β· Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
A highly selective doctoral scholarship for students at Canadian universities researching human rights, responsible citizenship, Canada's global role, or people and the environment, combining up to $210,000 in funding with leadership mentorship. Recently restricted to first- and second-year PhD students.
π Deadline: Around November 17 (annual)
Opens: Alongside UBC's fall admission cycle
Ready to Start Your Medical Journey?
Get expert guidance from our team and secure your spot at a top university. Free consultation - no obligation.