The moment every international student experiences when planning to study abroad is finding their dream university, getting excited about the opportunities, and then seeing the costs. Many people start to wonder if scholarships are really accessible or just something that sounds good on paper.
At the University of British Columbia (UBC), scholarships are very real and have helped thousands of international students pursue their education in Canada. However, many applicants overlook an important fact. The strongest candidates do not focus only on searching for scholarships; instead, they build a strong academic and personal profile that naturally attracts funding opportunities.
The purpose of this guide is to keep things as simple, clear, and practical as possible. It will help you understand what UBC looks for in successful applicants, what scholarships are available for international undergraduate students, and how to apply effectively.
Why UBC is worth your attention (beyond the name)
One of Canada’s most recognised universities, UBC has two campuses: UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan. They invest heavily in financial support for international undergraduates, with over $35M dedicated to awards and scholarships annually. They don’t just accept strong students; they also invest heavily in financial support.
That matters because it means:
- There are both automatic scholarships (you do not have to apply separately).
- And competitive programs (you apply separately, and they dig deeper).
Let’s break down the main opportunities.
University of British Columbia Scholarship Details
1) Merit-based entrance awards (automatic consideration)
Students who are strong academically and have a real commitment outside of the classroom are eligible for this programme. There is no need to submit a separate scholarship application for these. Your application to UBC will automatically be considered if you submit it by the admissions deadline.
a) International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
The scholarship is intended for outstanding international students who are entering undergraduate programmes. It can be renewed for up to three more years (for a total of four years), depending on meeting conditions and funding availability. For the 2026/2027 academic year, the value is $10,000 to $25,000 per year.
Who it’s meant for (in plain English):
- new to UBC, coming directly from secondary school
- strong grades plus real extracurricular/community impact
- international student studying in Canada on a study permit
b) Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award
This is a one-time entrance award (not renewable), offered to qualified international students when admitted. For the 2026/2026 academic year, it’s listed as $10,000 to $25,000.
Who it’s meant for:
- Introducing yourself to UBC (from secondary school or transferring from post-secondary)
- strong academics + strong involvement
A key detail most people miss:
Scholarships and admissions are handled separately at UBC. Scholarship decisions for these merit awards are usually announced in mid-February to early April, and the recipients are usually notified only if they have been chosen.
2) International Scholars Program
This is the programme people usually mean when they say “full scholarship”. It’s designed for students who have:
- excellent academic performance
- leadership and meaningful community contribution
- and significant financial need (they do a financial assessment)
It’s not a quick form. It’s a proper application process, and it requires support from a nominator and a teacher referee.
UBC lists four award categories under this programme, and you don’t choose which one you want; they consider you for what fits you.
A key rule: if you apply to the International Scholars Program, you will not be considered for the merit-based awards (like IMES/OIS).
Furthermore, the programme’s status changes with each cycle (for example, the page indicates that applications are closed for the 2026 school year), so be sure to check the current cycle before making any plans.
3) UBC Okanagan automatic tuition awards (great if you’re choosing that campus)
Especially if you’re planning to attend UBC Okanagan, there can be some awards that are surprisingly straightforward.
a) UBC Okanagan Global Elevation Award
- $8,000 for tuition
- renewable for up to 3 additional years (up to 4 years total or degree completion)
- applied in two instalments ($4,000 in Winter Term 1 and $4,000 in Winter Term 2)
- given to new international undergraduates who enroll at UBC Okanagan
How to apply: Automatically after acceptance of the admission offer and enrolment.
b) UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award
- $5,000 toward first-year tuition
- for international students who list a UBC Okanagan degree as their first choice, get accepted, and enroll in that first-choice program
- applied across Term 1 and Term 2 (with credit/registration conditions)
How to apply: It is also automatic once you accept the offer and enrol.
4) UBC Vantage College Scholarships (for students who don’t yet meet English requirements)
For academically strong international students whose English does not yet meet direct entry requirements, UBC has a pathway option called Vantage One. They have their own awards, and the page notes that deadlines and eligibility vary.
If this is you, don’t write yourself off. After improving English, stabilising grades, and demonstrating consistent involvement, some students become scholarship-worthy.
5) Scholarships for current international students (after you start)
There are also in-program awards at UBC for international students on campus. The amount of the award and whether it can be renewed vary by campus.
If you don’t win an entrance scholarship, you may still be able to receive support later on.
University of British Columbia Scholarship Requirements: what UBC generally looks for
Instead of dumping a long list, here’s the real picture of what drives most UBC scholarship decisions.
For merit-based awards (IMES/OIS)
UBC’s merit-based entrance awards include:
- strong academic achievement
- strong extracurricular involvement/community engagement
- Being a newcomer to UBC and studying in Canada on a study permit
For the International Scholars Program (need + merit)
UBC is clear that you must meet all eligibility requirements, and they assess financial need using family income, expenses, and assets.
They also position this programme around the following:
- leadership qualities
- exceptional community contributions
- outstanding academic performance
- meaningful financial support needs
The International Scholars Program also lists certain degrees that are not eligible for these awards, so if you’re aiming for that programme, double-check your intended degree on the official site before applying.
How to apply (simple, no stress)
Here’s the clean way to approach it:
Step 1: Apply for admission early, and do it properly
For IMES and OIS, applying by the admission deadline puts you in the running for the programme. Stabilising
What “properly” looks like:
- choose your program carefully (not just what sounds popular)
- write a strong personal profile (not generic)
- show consistency in academics and activities
Step 2: If you’re targeting the International Scholars Program, plan ahead
Last-minute bookings are not possible with this one. It involves:
- getting a nominator and teacher referee
- completing a detailed award application
- and also completing the UBC admissions application as part of the process
Even if you’re not applying this cycle, understanding the process helps you prepare your profile earlier.
Step 3: Watch your email and timelines
UBC notes that scholarship decisions for merit awards are typically made mid-February to April, and they may only contact successful recipients.
In the case of International Scholars, results are released in phases, with recipients notified by mid- to late April (in that cycle).
A UBC scholarship can change your life, but you must treat your application like a serious project: a clear story, strong grades, and real involvement.
Paste your current profile (grade level, intended programme, 3 activities that you are proud of, and which campus you prefer), and I will suggest which UBC scholarship path would be the best fit for you.
Leave a Reply