International students who dream of earning an undergraduate degree in Canada may have an opportunity to receive substantial financial support through the University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program 2027.
The programme is designed for academically outstanding students who have demonstrated leadership, contributed positively to their communities, and require significant financial assistance to attend university.
Applications for September 2027 entry are open. However, this is not a general scholarship for every international student. Applicants must meet specific academic, educational, leadership and financial-need requirements.
The deadline is November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time. Students interested in applying should begin immediately because the process includes university admission, school nomination, a teacher reference and detailed financial information.
What Is the UBC International Scholars Program?
The International Scholars Program is a need-based scholarship programme offered by the University of British Columbia in Canada.
UBC uses the programme to support talented international students who have strong academic potential, demonstrate leadership and community involvement, and cannot realistically pursue their education at UBC without substantial financial assistance.
Successful scholars can benefit from financial support, dedicated academic and personal guidance, and opportunities to develop their leadership skills.
The programme also aims to build a diverse student community by bringing together students from different countries, educational backgrounds and communities.
Official scholarship website:
https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/international-scholars/
How Much Funding Can Students Receive?
The value of an International Scholars Program award depends on the applicant's assessed financial need and the cost of attending UBC.
The university reviews information such as family income, expenses, assets and available financial resources to estimate how much support a student requires.
Applicants should not assume that every successful student receives the same amount or that every award automatically covers every expense. The university determines the support available based on its assessment and programme conditions.
Before applying, students should research the tuition fees and living costs associated with their chosen programme and campus.
Potential expenses include:
- Tuition and mandatory university fees
- Accommodation and food
- Books and study materials
- Transportation and personal expenses
- Health coverage and other applicable costs
The goal is to determine whether the financial support offered will make studying at UBC financially possible.
Who Is Eligible for the UBC International Scholars Program 2027?
The programme has strict eligibility requirements. Applicants should review each condition before investing time in the application.
1. International student status
Applicants must be international students who will study in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
The programme is intended for students coming to UBC for an eligible undergraduate degree.
2. Educational background
Applicants must be entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school and applying for their first undergraduate degree.
For the September 2027 intake, applicants must have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026, according to the university's published criteria.
Students who have already completed another undergraduate degree or who do not meet the direct-entry requirements should explore other UBC scholarships.
3. Outstanding academic performance
Strong academic results are essential.
UBC expects applicants to demonstrate superior academic achievement, generally described as all A grades or an equivalent standard.
Applicants must also satisfy the general admission requirements and the requirements for their selected degree programme.
4. Leadership and community involvement
Academic results are only one part of the application.
Students should be able to demonstrate meaningful contributions to their communities, schools or other activities. Examples might include organizing a community initiative, mentoring other students, leading a school project or contributing to a social-impact activity.
The quality and significance of these experiences matter more than simply listing a large number of activities.
5. Significant financial need
Applicants must demonstrate that pursuing a UBC degree would be impossible without meaningful financial assistance.
The university assesses family income, expenses, assets, dependants and other available sources of funding.
Students should be prepared to provide accurate supporting documents. A general statement that studying abroad is expensive is not sufficient on its own.
6. English-language requirements
Applicants must meet UBC's English Language Admission Standard or the applicable language requirements for an eligible Vantage One programme.
Students who need to take an English-language test should plan early enough to meet the required document deadline.
7. Eligible degree programmes
Not every undergraduate programme qualifies for the International Scholars Program.
Certain programmes and combinations of degrees are excluded, including specified nursing, dental hygiene, medical laboratory science, management and joint-degree programmes.
Applicants should consult the official eligibility page to confirm that their intended degree is covered.
How to Apply for the UBC International Scholars Program
The application process involves several steps. Applicants should start early because the scholarship application cannot be completed independently of the university admission process.
Step 1: Choose your UBC programme and campus
Research the undergraduate degrees available at UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan.
Compare admission requirements, course content, campus facilities and estimated costs. The scholarship process considers your first-choice programme, so select a degree that genuinely matches your academic interests and long-term goals.
You should also select a second-choice programme where required in the admission application.
Step 2: Apply for admission to UBC
Submit your undergraduate admission application through the university's official application system.
You must complete the admission application before starting the International Scholars Program award application.
Official admissions website:
https://you.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/
Step 3: Arrange a school nomination
The programme requires a nominator, such as an eligible school counsellor, principal or administrator.
Your nominator should be able to discuss your academic goals, character and achievements.
UBC has limits on the number of nominations permitted from a school or qualifying organization. Speak to your school as early as possible to confirm that it can nominate you.
Step 4: Arrange a teacher reference
You must also arrange a teacher referee who knows your academic work and can discuss your suitability for your intended field of study.
The nominator and teacher referee must be different people.
Give both people enough time to complete their submissions before the deadline. Your scholarship application cannot be completed until the required nomination and reference forms have been submitted.
Step 5: Prepare your financial information
The application requires detailed information about your family's financial situation.
You may need to provide details about:
- Annual family income
- Household expenses
- Family assets and savings
- Dependants and education costs
- Existing financial assistance
- The amount your family can contribute towards your education
Gather accurate records before completing the application. Financial information should be consistent and supported by appropriate documents.
Step 6: Complete the scholarship essays
Applicants are asked to answer four essay questions, generally around 150–250 words each.
Use these responses to explain your educational ambitions, leadership experience, community contributions and financial circumstances.
Strong answers are specific and authentic. Instead of writing that you are passionate about helping people, explain what you have actually done, what you learned and how you hope to build on that experience.
Step 7: Submit the application before the deadline
The completed International Scholars Program application must be submitted by November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time.
Do not leave the submission until the final hours. Your nominator and teacher referee also need time to complete their parts.
Step 8: Submit admission documents
After applying, monitor your UBC application account and email for instructions about transcripts, certificates and other supporting documents.
International Scholars Program applicants must meet the relevant admission-document and English-language requirements by January 31, 2027.
UBC may invite shortlisted applicants to complete a video interview between January and March 2027.
Important Dates for the 2027 Intake
| Application stage | Deadline or period |
|---|---|
| UBC application and scholarship application deadline | November 15, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Pacific time |
| Required admission documents and English-language requirements | January 31, 2027 |
| Possible video interviews | January–March 2027 |
| Expected scholarship decisions | February–April 2027 |
These dates are based on UBC's published guidance for the September 2027 intake. Applicants should check the official website for any updates or additional instructions.
Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application
Because the programme is competitive, applicants should focus on presenting a complete and convincing picture of their academic ability, leadership and financial circumstances.
Demonstrate meaningful leadership. Explain what you initiated, the challenges you faced and the results of your efforts.
Show genuine community impact. Describe how your actions benefited other people, your school or your community.
Explain your academic goals. Connect your intended degree with a clear plan for your future education or career.
Prepare accurate financial records. Ensure that your financial information is complete, consistent and supported by appropriate documentation.
Choose references carefully. Ask teachers and school officials who can provide specific examples of your abilities and character.
Write authentic essays. Use your own experiences and voice. Follow UBC's current rules on academic integrity and the permitted use of writing tools.
Submit early. Your application depends on several people completing different tasks, so early preparation reduces the risk of missing the deadline.
Is the UBC International Scholars Program Fully Funded?
The programme can provide substantial financial assistance, but applicants should not assume that every student will automatically receive a full scholarship covering all tuition fees and living expenses.
UBC evaluates individual financial need and available resources when determining support.
Before accepting an award, review its conditions and compare the amount offered with your expected tuition fees and living costs. You should also investigate alternative scholarships and funding options in case this programme is not suitable for your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can international students apply for September 2027 entry?
Yes. Applications for the September 2027 intake are open, subject to the programme's eligibility requirements and deadlines.
2. Is the scholarship available to master's or PhD students?
No. The International Scholars Program discussed in this article is for eligible students entering their first undergraduate degree directly from secondary school. Graduate applicants should explore UBC's separate graduate funding opportunities.
3. Do applicants need excellent grades?
Yes. Outstanding academic performance is one of the programme's core requirements. Applicants must also satisfy the admission requirements for their intended degree.
4. Is financial need mandatory?
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate significant financial need and show that meaningful assistance is necessary for them to attend UBC.
5. Do I need a school nomination and a teacher reference?
Yes. The application requires a nominator and a separate teacher referee. Both must complete the required forms before the scholarship application can be finalized.
6. Where can I apply?
Start with the official UBC International Scholars Program page:
Follow the instructions there for admission, nomination, references and scholarship submission.
Final Thoughts
The UBC International Scholars Program 2027 offers a potential pathway to undergraduate study in Canada for international students with outstanding academic records, leadership experience and significant financial need.
However, it is a selective programme with strict requirements. Students should confirm their eligibility, choose an appropriate degree, arrange their school nomination and teacher reference, and prepare their financial documentation well before the deadline.
The most urgent step is to complete the required applications by November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time.
Official sources
- UBC International Scholars Program: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/international-scholars/
- UBC application dates and deadlines: https://you.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/dates-deadlines/
- UBC undergraduate admissions: https://you.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/
- UBC international scholarships and awards: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/
Information checked against official UBC pages on October 29, 2026. Scholarship rules, eligibility and dates may change; applicants should confirm the latest details directly with the university.