The UBC Scholarships for International Students 2027 provide a range of financial support opportunities for outstanding international students who want to pursue undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada.
UBC states that it devotes more than CAD $35 million annually to awards, scholarships and other financial support for international undergraduate students. The university’s international student community includes students from more than 140 countries.
The available opportunities include merit-based entrance awards, need-and-merit-based scholarships, UBC Okanagan awards and Vantage One scholarships.
However, these awards do not all provide full funding. The amount and type of financial support depend on the specific award and the student’s eligibility.
Quick Facts
| University | University of British Columbia |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada 🇨🇦 |
| Study Level | Undergraduate |
| Applicants | International Students |
| Campuses | Vancouver & Okanagan |
| Funding | Scholarships & Awards |
| Major Award Types | Merit-based and Need-based |
| Application | UBC admission and/or separate award application |
| 2026/27 IMES Value | CAD $10,000–$25,000 per year |
| Annual International Student Support | More than CAD $35 million |
The IMES value shown above is for the 2026/2027 academic year; future award amounts can change.
Table of Contents
- About the University of British Columbia
- UBC Scholarships for International Students
- International Major Entrance Scholarship
- Outstanding International Student Award
- UBC Okanagan Global Elevation Award
- UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award
- International Scholars Program
- UBC Vantage One Scholarships
- Who Can Apply?
- Scholarship Benefits
- Official Application Information
- Related Scholarship Opportunity
About the University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of Canada’s leading research universities, with campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan.
UBC offers undergraduate programmes across a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Business
- Economics
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Science
- Arts
- Environmental Sciences
- Data Science
- Mathematics
- Social Sciences
- Applied Sciences
The university describes itself as one of North America’s most international universities, with students from countries around the world.
UBC Scholarships for International Students
UBC provides several scholarship and award opportunities for international undergraduate students.
Some awards are based primarily on academic achievement and extracurricular involvement, while the International Scholars Program considers academic excellence, leadership and significant financial need.
The major opportunities include:
1. International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
The International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) is a merit-based award for exceptional international students entering undergraduate programmes at UBC.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, IMES awards are valued at CAD $10,000–$25,000 per year.
The scholarship can be renewed for up to three additional years, depending on the applicable conditions and available funding.
2. Outstanding International Student Award (OIS)
The Outstanding International Student Award (OIS) is a one-time merit-based entrance award for qualified international students.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, UBC lists OIS awards at CAD $10,000–$25,000. Award amounts and availability can change from year to year.
3. UBC Okanagan Global Elevation Award
The UBC Okanagan Global Elevation Award provides CAD $8,000 toward tuition for new international undergraduate students enrolling at UBC Okanagan.
UBC states that the award is renewable for up to three additional years, or until degree completion, whichever comes first, subject to the applicable conditions.
4. UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award
The UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award provides CAD $5,000 toward first-year tuition for eligible international students who select a UBC Okanagan degree as their first choice, are accepted and enrol in their first-choice programme.
5. International Scholars Program
The UBC International Scholars Program is designed for exceptional international undergraduate students who demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic performance
- Leadership qualities
- Significant contributions to their communities
- Significant financial need
- A desire to create positive social and global change
This is one of UBC’s most competitive international undergraduate scholarship pathways.
International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
The IMES is intended for exceptional international students entering UBC directly from secondary school.
To be considered, applicants must generally:
- Be new to UBC.
- Be entering directly from secondary school.
- Be an international student studying in Canada on a study permit.
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.
- Demonstrate intellectual promise.
- Show strong extracurricular and community involvement.
- Apply to UBC by the required admission deadline.
Applicants who apply by the admission deadline are automatically considered for merit-based awards such as IMES and OIS.
Outstanding International Student Award
The Outstanding International Student Award recognizes high-achieving international students entering UBC.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong academic achievement
- Extracurricular involvement
- Overall strength of their application
The award is a one-time merit-based entrance scholarship.
Eligible students are automatically considered when they apply for admission by the required deadline.
UBC Okanagan Awards
International students choosing UBC Okanagan can also benefit from specific tuition awards.
The Global Elevation Award provides CAD $8,000 toward tuition and is available to new international undergraduate students who enrol at UBC Okanagan.
The International Welcome Award provides CAD $5,000 toward first-year tuition for eligible international students who choose a UBC Okanagan programme as their first choice and subsequently enrol.
These awards are particularly useful for students looking to reduce their first-year tuition costs in Canada.
International Scholars Program
The International Scholars Program is different from UBC’s ordinary merit-based entrance awards.
It is designed for international students who have:
- Exceptional academic performance
- Strong leadership abilities
- Significant extracurricular involvement
- A record of contributing to their communities
- Significant financial need
UBC conducts a financial assessment for applicants to this programme. Students must demonstrate that they require meaningful financial assistance to pursue their UBC degree.
For students planning to enter UBC in 2027, UBC currently states that applications for the International Scholars Program will open in September 2026.
UBC Scholarship Benefits
Depending on the specific award, successful students may receive:
✅ Tuition assistance
✅ Annual scholarship funding
✅ First-year tuition awards
✅ Renewable scholarship support
✅ Financial assistance based on demonstrated need
✅ Academic and leadership recognition
The value and duration vary considerably between awards. Therefore, applicants should check the individual scholarship conditions rather than assuming that every UBC award is fully funded.
Who Can Apply?
The UBC Scholarships for International Students 2027 are primarily designed for eligible international students applying for undergraduate studies.
However, eligibility differs between awards.
Applicants may need to:
- Be classified as an international student.
- Hold or qualify for a Canadian study permit.
- Meet UBC admission requirements.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance.
- Demonstrate extracurricular or community involvement.
- Meet the requirements of the specific scholarship.
- Demonstrate significant financial need for the International Scholars Program.
Some awards are specifically for students entering directly from secondary school, while others have different requirements.
Official Scholarship Information & Application
🎓 UBC Scholarships and Awards for International Students:
Official UBC Scholarship Page
📝 UBC Application Dates & Deadlines:
Official UBC Dates and Deadlines
Applicants should use the official UBC website to confirm the latest scholarship amounts, eligibility requirements and deadlines before applying.
Related Scholarship Opportunity
You may also be interested in our Aarhus University Danish State Scholarships 2027 article.
https://tajirdigitalservices.com/aarhus-university-danish-state-scholarships-2027/
Detailed Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for the UBC Scholarships for International Students 2027 depends on the specific award. Applicants should carefully check the requirements of the scholarship they are interested in before applying.
Generally, applicants should:
- Be an international student.
- Be applying for an eligible undergraduate programme at UBC.
- Meet UBC’s academic admission requirements.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance.
- Meet any programme-specific requirements.
- Meet the individual scholarship’s eligibility conditions.
Some awards are specifically intended for students entering UBC directly from secondary school, while other opportunities have additional requirements.
Requirements for the International Scholars Program
The International Scholars Program has more competitive requirements than many of UBC’s standard entrance awards.
Applicants should demonstrate:
Academic Excellence
Applicants are expected to have an outstanding academic record and demonstrate strong intellectual ability.
Leadership
Applicants should demonstrate leadership through activities such as:
- School leadership
- Community projects
- Volunteering
- Youth initiatives
- Social impact activities
Community Involvement
UBC looks for students who have made meaningful contributions to their communities and demonstrated a commitment to creating positive change.
Financial Need
Applicants must demonstrate significant financial need that would prevent them from pursuing a UBC degree without substantial financial support.
Documents You May Need
Depending on the scholarship and programme, applicants may need to provide:
- Academic transcripts
- Secondary school certificate or equivalent
- Personal profile
- Details of extracurricular activities
- Leadership information
- Community involvement information
- Financial information for the International Scholars Program
- English language proficiency evidence, where required
- Other documents required for the selected programme
Applicants should follow the document requirements provided by UBC for their particular application.
How to Apply for UBC Scholarships for International Students 2027
Step 1: Choose Your Programme
Visit the official UBC website and select an undergraduate programme that matches your academic interests.
Step 2: Check Admission Requirements
Review the academic and English-language requirements for your chosen programme.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
Prepare your academic information, personal profile and other required documents.
Step 4: Submit Your UBC Application
Complete and submit your undergraduate application before the applicable deadline.
Step 5: Scholarship Consideration
For awards such as the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) and Outstanding International Student Award (OIS), eligible students who apply by the required admission deadline are automatically considered.
Step 6: Apply Separately When Required
The International Scholars Program has its own application process and deadlines. Applicants should follow UBC’s specific instructions for this programme.
Important Application Deadlines
UBC scholarship deadlines vary depending on the award and academic year.
For students planning to begin their studies in 2027, applicants should carefully monitor the official UBC website for updated dates.
For the International Scholars Program, UBC currently states that applications for the 2027 intake will open in September 2026.
Applicants should also pay attention to the undergraduate admission deadline because some entrance awards require students to apply for admission by a specific date.
📌 Important: Scholarship deadlines can change, so always confirm the latest dates directly on UBC’s official website before submitting your application.
Scholarship Selection Process
UBC evaluates applicants based on the requirements of each scholarship.
For merit-based awards, factors may include:
- Academic achievement
- Intellectual ability
- Extracurricular activities
- Leadership
- Overall strength of the application
For the International Scholars Program, UBC additionally considers financial need and the applicant’s potential to make a positive impact.
Because these scholarships are competitive, meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
1. Maintain Strong Grades
Academic performance is an important factor for UBC’s competitive awards.
2. Build a Strong Personal Profile
Clearly explain your achievements, experiences, leadership and community involvement.
3. Show Your Impact
Don’t simply list activities. Explain what you achieved and how your work benefited other people.
4. Demonstrate Leadership
Leadership does not necessarily mean holding an official title. Community projects, volunteering and initiatives can also demonstrate leadership.
5. Apply Early
Preparing your documents early gives you enough time to review your application and avoid missing deadlines.
6. Check the Exact Scholarship
Don’t assume that all UBC scholarships have the same requirements or funding amounts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes when applying:
❌ Assuming every UBC scholarship is fully funded.
❌ Missing the admission deadline.
❌ Ignoring the separate application requirements for the International Scholars Program.
❌ Providing incomplete information.
❌ Listing achievements without explaining your impact.
❌ Applying without checking whether you meet the scholarship’s eligibility requirements.
❌ Waiting until the last day to submit your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are UBC scholarships fully funded?
Not all UBC international scholarships are fully funded.
Some provide significant tuition assistance, while others are one-time or renewable awards. The International Scholars Program provides substantial financial support based on the student’s circumstances, while awards such as IMES and OIS have specific stated values.
Applicants should check the individual scholarship for the exact funding package.
How much is the UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship?
For the 2026/2027 academic year, UBC lists the IMES at CAD $10,000–$25,000 per year. The amount and availability may change for future academic years.
How much is the Outstanding International Student Award?
UBC lists the OIS at CAD $10,000–$25,000 for the 2025/2026 academic year. The value can change from year to year.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes. Eligible students from Nigeria and other countries can apply as international students, provided they meet UBC’s admission and scholarship requirements.
However, eligibility varies by individual award.
Is there a separate application for IMES?
For eligible students, UBC automatically considers applicants for merit-based awards such as IMES when they apply for admission by the required deadline.
Is there a separate application for the International Scholars Program?
Yes. The International Scholars Program has its own application process and specific deadlines.
Can I apply for multiple UBC scholarships?
You may be considered for different awards depending on your eligibility. However, each scholarship has its own requirements and application process.
Why Study at UBC?
The University of British Columbia offers international students the opportunity to study at a globally recognized Canadian university.
Students can benefit from:
- High-quality education
- Internationally recognized degrees
- World-class research opportunities
- Diverse academic programmes
- International student community
- Modern facilities
- Strong career opportunities
- Beautiful campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan
For students looking for undergraduate study opportunities in Canada, UBC is a highly competitive and attractive option.
Official Scholarship & Application Links
🎓 UBC Scholarships and Awards for International Students:
https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/
📝 UBC Application Information:
https://you.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/
📅 UBC Dates and Deadlines:
https://you.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/dates-deadlines/
🎓 International Scholars Program:
https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/international-scholars/
Always check the official UBC website for the latest requirements, scholarship values and deadlines.
Related Scholarship Opportunity
You may also be interested in our Aarhus University Danish State Scholarships 2027 article.
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