UBC International Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada
The University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program 2027 is accepting applications from academically outstanding international students seeking fully or substantially funded undergraduate education in Canada.
The programme supports exceptional students who demonstrate leadership, meaningful contributions to their communities and significant financial need. Depending on the award and the student’s assessed financial circumstances, funding can cover tuition fees and living expenses, potentially up to the full cost of the academic programme.
Important deadline update: UBC has extended the application deadline to 2 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Pacific Time because of technical issues with its online admissions application system.
UBC International Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada
UBC International Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is inviting applications for its 2027 International Scholars Program, offering outstanding international students an opportunity to pursue undergraduate studies in Canada with substantial financial support.
The programme is designed for academically exceptional students who have demonstrated leadership, contributed positively to their communities and require significant financial assistance to attend university.
Through four prestigious award categories, successful applicants may receive financial support towards tuition fees and living expenses. Depending on the award and the applicant’s assessed financial need, the funding can cover the full cost of their academic programme and living expenses.
The scholarship is available to eligible international students entering UBC directly from secondary school to pursue their first undergraduate degree in September 2027.
The four award categories are the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, International Impact Award and Vantage One Excellence Award.
Applications for September 2027 entry are open. The deadline has been extended to 2 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Pacific Time.
UBC International Scholars Program 2027: Quick overview
| Opportunity detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | University of British Columbia |
| Country | Canada |
| Programme | International Scholars Program |
| Academic year | 2027–2028 |
| Study level | Undergraduate |
| Eligible applicants | International students |
| Entry requirement | Direct entry from secondary school |
| Degree requirement | First undergraduate degree |
| Scholarship value | Based on assessed financial need and award eligibility |
| Funding coverage | Tuition fees and living expenses, potentially up to the full cost |
| Award categories | Four |
| Study campuses | UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan, depending on award and programme |
| Study commencement | September 2027 |
| Application opening | September 2026 |
| Extended deadline | 2 December 2026 |
| Closing time | 12:00 noon Pacific Time |
| Application method | UBC admission application and separate scholarship application |
1. About the University of British Columbia
UBC International Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada
The University of British Columbia is a public research university in Canada with campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan region of British Columbia.
Established in 1908, UBC is recognised internationally for its teaching, research and academic programmes.
The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, business, science, health, agriculture, education, arts, environmental studies and technology.
UBC’s International Scholars Program is designed to attract outstanding students from different countries and backgrounds who have the academic ability and leadership potential to contribute to the university community.
The programme also provides additional advising, leadership development and academic support to successful scholars throughout their undergraduate studies.
According to UBC, more than 680 International Scholars from over 111 countries have participated in the programme since 2001.
2. Four UBC International Scholars awards available in 2027
Applicants are considered for the award categories for which they qualify. They do not select a particular award when submitting the application.
UBC evaluates each applicant’s academic achievement, leadership, community involvement and financial circumstances to determine the appropriate award category.
A. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
This award recognises outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership qualities.
It is intended for students who have made meaningful contributions to their schools, communities or other organisations.
UBC looks for candidates who demonstrate leadership through collaboration, empathy, active listening and a commitment to supporting others.
Examples of relevant contributions may include:
- Leading school or community initiatives.
- Participating in community service projects.
- Supporting educational activities.
- Organising youth development programmes.
- Contributing to social improvement initiatives.
- Demonstrating leadership in extracurricular activities.
Applicants should explain how their involvement has created positive outcomes for other people.
B. Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
This award supports outstanding international students from impoverished or war-torn areas who have achieved academic excellence despite challenging circumstances.
The programme recognises students who have demonstrated determination, leadership potential and a commitment to contributing positively to their communities.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance.
- Significant personal or financial challenges.
- Leadership potential.
- Commitment to community development.
- A genuine need for financial assistance to attend university.
The award is particularly relevant to students whose educational opportunities have been affected by economic hardship, conflict or difficult circumstances.
C. International Impact Award
UBC International Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada
The International Impact Award recognises students who have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to addressing important global and social challenges.
UBC gives priority to applicants who have contributed to areas such as:
- Sustainability.
- Climate change.
- Natural resource conservation.
- Environmental management.
- Social justice.
- Equity and inclusion.
- Societal health and wellness.
The university also gives priority to first-generation learners and applicants from diverse lived backgrounds.
Students who have initiated or participated in projects addressing environmental, social or community challenges may find this award particularly relevant.
D. Vantage One Excellence Award
The Vantage One Excellence Award is offered through UBC Vantage College.
It supports academically outstanding international students who do not yet meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard for direct admission.
The award can provide funding of up to the full cost of the student’s academic programme and living expenses.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic achievement.
- Leadership qualities.
- Meaningful involvement in student affairs or community service.
- Notable achievements in academic or extracurricular activities.
- Potential to succeed in university studies.
Vantage One provides an alternative academic pathway for eligible international students who need additional English-language preparation before progressing to their undergraduate degree.
3. How much is the UBC International Scholars scholarship worth?
The UBC International Scholars Program does not publish one fixed scholarship amount that applies to every recipient.
Instead, the value of the award is determined through an assessment of the applicant’s financial need and available resources.
UBC evaluates information about the family’s financial situation, including:
- Gross annual family income.
- Family expenses.
- Family assets.
- Dependants.
- Annual school fees.
- Available financial support.
- The amount the family can reasonably contribute towards education.
The university then estimates the financial assistance required for the student to attend UBC.
What expenses can the scholarship cover?
Depending on the award and the assessed financial need, support may contribute towards:
Tuition fees: Financial assistance towards the cost of the student’s undergraduate academic programme.
Living expenses: Support towards accommodation, meals and other essential living costs.
Additional educational expenses: The overall financial assessment considers the cost of attending university, including the resources required to study and live in Canada.
The award may cover the full cost of the academic programme and living expenses where the student’s assessed financial need and award conditions justify that level of support.
Is the scholarship renewable?
The International Scholars Program is designed to provide ongoing support throughout the student’s undergraduate studies, subject to the applicable award conditions and continued eligibility.
Students should review the terms of their individual award to understand renewal requirements, academic expectations and the duration of support.
Important distinction
The International Scholars Program is a need-and-merit-based scholarship, not simply a high-grade academic award.
Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic ability and leadership, but they must also show that meaningful financial assistance is necessary for them to attend UBC.
Students who do not meet the significant financial-need requirement may wish to consider UBC’s separate merit-based entrance scholarships.
4. Eligibility requirements
UBC International Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada
Applicants must meet all the International Scholars Program eligibility requirements.
UBC states that there are no exceptions to these core eligibility conditions.
1. International student status
Applicants must be international students who will study in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents are not eligible for this particular international scholarship programme.
2. Direct entry from secondary school
Applicants must be entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school.
Students applying for September 2027 entry must have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026.
This means the programme is primarily intended for recent secondary school graduates entering university for the first time.
3. First undergraduate degree
Applicants must be seeking their first undergraduate degree.
Students who have already completed an undergraduate degree are not eligible.
4. Exceptional academic achievement
Candidates must demonstrate superior academic performance, generally achieving all As or the equivalent academic standard in their education system.
UBC evaluates academic achievement in the context of the applicant’s educational background and curriculum.
5. Significant financial need
Applicants must demonstrate that they would be unable to attend UBC without meaningful financial assistance.
The university conducts a detailed financial assessment using information about family income, expenses, assets, dependants and other available financial resources.
Candidates must demonstrate that their families cannot reasonably afford a significant portion of the educational costs and do not have access to sufficient external funding.
6. Leadership and community involvement
Applicants should have demonstrated leadership and meaningful contributions to their schools, communities or other organisations.
Examples may include:
- Community service.
- Student leadership.
- Youth mentoring.
- Environmental projects.
- Social development initiatives.
- Educational outreach.
- Volunteering.
- School or community development programmes.
7. English-language requirements
Applicants must meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard for direct entry.
Candidates who do not meet the direct-entry English requirement may be eligible for the Vantage One Excellence Award, provided they satisfy the other relevant requirements.
8. Eligible undergraduate programme
Applicants must select an eligible undergraduate degree.
UBC excludes the following programmes from International Scholars Program awards:
- Bachelor of Nursing at the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.
- Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene.
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science.
- Bachelor of Management.
- Dual degrees.
- Joint degrees between UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver.
- Joint degrees with other post-secondary institutions.
Applicants should confirm that their intended degree is eligible before submitting their applications.
5. Can Zimbabwean students apply?
Yes. Zimbabwean students can be considered for the UBC International Scholars Program if they meet the academic, financial and other eligibility requirements.
Zimbabwean applicants who completed their secondary education recently and are seeking their first undergraduate degree may wish to explore the programme.
The scholarship is particularly relevant to students who have:
- Achieved excellent academic results at A-Level or an equivalent secondary school qualification.
- Demonstrated leadership in their schools or communities.
- Participated in meaningful volunteering or development initiatives.
- Shown commitment to improving their communities.
- A significant financial need that makes studying at UBC impossible without substantial assistance.
Important considerations for Zimbabwean applicants
UBC International Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada
A-Level qualifications: Applicants should check UBC’s country-specific admission requirements for their secondary school curriculum and qualifications.
Graduation date: For September 2027 entry, applicants must have graduated from secondary school no earlier than June 2026.
Academic performance: Candidates should demonstrate outstanding results in their relevant examinations and academic records.
Financial documentation: Applicants must prepare accurate information about family income, assets, expenses, dependants and available educational support.
School nomination: Applicants need a nominator from their school and a separate teacher referee. Schools have limits on the number of students they can nominate.
English proficiency: Candidates must satisfy UBC’s applicable English-language admission requirements or qualify for the Vantage One pathway.
Meeting the nationality requirement alone does not guarantee eligibility. All the programme conditions must be satisfied.
6. School nomination and teacher recommendation
The International Scholars application requires two separate people to support the candidate.
A. School or institutional nominator
The nominator may be a:
- School principal.
- Guidance counsellor.
- School administrator.
- Other appropriate school representative.
The nominator should be familiar with the applicant’s academic progress, educational goals and personal character.
UBC limits the number of students that a high school or eligible non-profit organisation can nominate:
- Up to two students for UBC Vancouver, including Vantage College.
- One student for UBC Okanagan.
An eligible non-profit organisation may nominate a student in specific circumstances, particularly where it provides an educational, leadership development or mentorship programme to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and acts as an educational institution in place of a high school.
B. Teacher referee
The second person must be a teacher who knows the applicant and their academic work.
The teacher should be able to comment on the candidate’s academic performance, potential, interests and suitability for university study.
Important: The nominator and teacher referee must be two different individuals.
Applicants should contact their schools early to confirm that a nomination is possible.
7. Documents and information required
The application requires detailed academic, personal, leadership and financial information.
Applicants should begin gathering the necessary documents well before the deadline.
Academic information
Candidates should prepare:
- Secondary school academic records.
- Examination results where available.
- Details of current or completed secondary education.
- Information about their intended UBC programme.
- Evidence of English-language proficiency where required.
- Any additional documents requested by UBC Admissions.
Financial information
UBC International Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada
The scholarship requires a detailed assessment of the applicant’s family financial circumstances.
Candidates should prepare accurate information about:
- Annual gross family income.
- Family expenses.
- Family assets.
- Number of dependants.
- Annual school fees.
- Available financial support.
- Other scholarships or external funding.
- The amount the family can contribute towards university education.
UBC may request official documentation to verify the information provided.
Applicants should not underestimate or exaggerate their financial circumstances. Inaccurate or incomplete information may affect the assessment.
Leadership and extracurricular information
Candidates should prepare details of:
- Leadership positions held.
- Community service.
- Volunteering.
- School clubs and societies.
- Environmental or social projects.
- Awards and achievements.
- Extracurricular participation.
- Contributions to community development.
Where possible, applicants should describe their actual responsibilities and the outcomes of their involvement.
Personal essays
The International Scholars application includes four essay questions.
UBC asks applicants to provide responses of approximately 150–250 words for each question.
The essays allow the selection team to understand the applicant’s personal background, leadership, educational goals, community contributions and financial circumstances.
Recommendations
Applicants must arrange:
- A nomination form completed by the school nominator.
- A recommendation form completed by a separate teacher referee.
Both forms must be submitted before the student can complete the award application.
8. How to apply for the UBC International Scholars Program 2027
The application process involves two connected applications:
- An application for admission to UBC.
- A separate International Scholars Program award application.
Applicants must complete both.
Follow these steps.
Step 1: Choose your UBC campus and academic programme
Review the undergraduate programmes available at UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan.
Select your preferred programme and a second-choice programme.
The university states that scholarship consideration is based on the applicant’s first-choice programme.
Step 2: Confirm your eligibility
Check your graduation date, academic performance, international student status, financial need and intended undergraduate programme.
Step 3: Contact your school
Ask your school principal, guidance counsellor or appropriate administrator whether the school can nominate you.
Confirm that the school has not reached its nomination limit.
Step 4: Identify your teacher referee
Choose a teacher who knows your academic work and can provide a meaningful recommendation.
Remember that this person must be different from your nominator.
Step 5: Create your International Scholars application account
Use the official UBC award application platform to create an account.
Invite your nominator and teacher referee to complete their respective forms.
Follow up with them to ensure that their recommendations are submitted before the deadline.
Step 6: Complete the scholarship application
Provide your academic, personal, extracurricular and financial information.
Complete the four essay questions and carefully review your responses.
Step 7: Apply for admission to UBC
Submit your undergraduate admission application through EducationPlannerBC.
You will receive a UBC student number, which must be entered into your International Scholars award application.
Step 8: Submit both applications
Ensure that your UBC admission application and International Scholars award application are completed by the extended deadline.
Step 9: Submit outstanding admission documents
UBC requires International Scholars applicants to submit the documents needed for admission and meet the applicable English-language requirement by 31 January 2027.
Check your email for instructions from the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
9. Important application deadlines for 2027 entry
UBC has updated its application timeline because of technical problems affecting the EducationPlannerBC online application system.
The university has extended the International Scholars deadline.
| Application stage | Deadline or period |
|---|---|
| International Scholars applications opened | September 2026 |
| Original deadline | 15 November 2026 |
| Extended deadline | 2 December 2026 |
| Closing time | 12:00 noon Pacific Time |
| Required admission documents | 31 January 2027 |
| English-language admission requirement | 31 January 2027 |
| Possible video interviews | January–March 2027 |
| Scholarship decisions | February–April 2027 |
| Expected final award notifications | Early to mid-April 2027 |
| Housing application deadline | 1 May 2027 |
| Expected undergraduate entry | September 2027 |
Deadline for Zimbabwean applicants
UBC International Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada
Zimbabwe uses Central Africa Time (UTC+2). Vancouver uses Pacific Standard Time (UTC-8) in December.
Therefore, the extended deadline of 12:00 noon on 2 December 2026 in Vancouver corresponds to:
10:00 p.m. on 2 December 2026 in Zimbabwe.
Applicants should submit their applications well before this time.
10. Selection process
UBC assesses applications using academic, personal, leadership and financial criteria.
The university also conducts a detailed financial assessment to determine the level of assistance required by each candidate.
The selection process may include:
Academic assessment
UBC evaluates the applicant’s secondary school results and academic potential.
Candidates should demonstrate exceptional academic achievement relative to their educational system.
Leadership assessment
The university considers the applicant’s involvement in school, community and extracurricular activities.
It looks for evidence of leadership, initiative and meaningful contributions to others.
Financial assessment
Applicants must demonstrate significant financial need.
UBC reviews family income, expenses, assets, dependants and other financial resources to estimate how much support the student requires.
Video interview
Some applicants may be invited to complete an online video interview between January and March 2027.
Candidates who receive an invitation will have one week to complete the interview through the online application platform.
The interview gives applicants an opportunity to explain their experiences, leadership and educational goals beyond the information provided in their written application.
Award decisions
UBC expects to release International Scholars award decisions on a rolling basis from February through April 2027.
Successful candidates should monitor their email for official communication.
11. What if you do not qualify for the International Scholars Program?
UBC offers other entrance scholarships for international undergraduate applicants.
Students who demonstrate strong academic achievement but do not meet the significant financial-need requirement may wish to explore the merit-based awards.
International Major Entrance Scholarship
The International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) is awarded to exceptional international students entering UBC directly from secondary school.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, UBC lists the award value at CAD $10,000–$25,000 per year.
The award may be renewable for up to three additional years, depending on the applicable conditions.
Outstanding International Student Award
The Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award is a one-time merit-based entrance scholarship.
For 2027–2028, UBC lists awards valued at CAD $10,000–$25,000.
These merit-based awards do not take financial need into consideration and do not normally cover the full cost of studying at UBC.
Eligible international applicants are automatically considered for these awards after applying for admission, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
Applicants should note that students applying for the need-and-merit-based International Scholars Program are not considered for the merit-based IMES and OIS awards.
12. Frequently asked questions
Is the UBC International Scholars Program fully funded?
It can provide funding up to the full cost of an eligible student’s academic programme and living expenses, depending on the award and the individual’s assessed financial need. There is no single fixed award amount for all recipients.
Can Zimbabwean students apply?
Yes. Zimbabwean students can apply if they meet the academic, financial, graduation-date and other eligibility requirements.
Is this scholarship available for Master’s or PhD programmes?
No. The International Scholars Program is intended for international students entering their first undergraduate degree directly from secondary school.
Do applicants need excellent academic results?
Yes. UBC expects superior academic achievement, generally equivalent to all As or the highest academic standard in the relevant education system.
Is financial need compulsory?
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate significant financial need and show that they would be unable to attend UBC without meaningful financial assistance.
Can students who graduated in 2025 apply?
No. For September 2027 entry, applicants must have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026.
Can applicants apply without a school nomination?
The application requires a school or eligible institutional nominator and a separate teacher referee. Applicants should arrange both before completing their award application.
Can applicants choose which scholarship they want?
No. UBC automatically considers eligible applicants for the award categories for which they qualify.
Is there an application fee?
UBC’s admission application and scholarship processes have separate requirements. Applicants should check the current admission application fee and any available fee waivers directly with the university.
When will successful applicants be notified?
UBC expects to communicate International Scholars award decisions between February and April 2027, with final notifications expected by early to mid-April.
Final thoughts
UBC International Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada
UBC International Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada. The UBC International Scholars Program 2027 provides an opportunity for outstanding international secondary school graduates to pursue undergraduate education in Canada with substantial financial support.
Its four award categories recognise academic achievement, leadership, community involvement and the potential to contribute positively to society.
For Zimbabwean students, the programme may be particularly relevant to recent A-Level graduates who have excellent academic results, a record of community involvement and a genuine need for financial assistance.
Applicants should begin preparing early because the process requires school nomination, teacher recommendations, detailed financial information, personal essays and a separate university admission application.
The extended deadline is 2 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Pacific Time.
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