Canada continues to rank among the world’s leading destinations for higher education, but for many international students, tuition costs remain a significant barrier. To help attract outstanding students from around the globe, the University of British Columbia (UBC) has confirmed that it invests more than CAD $35 million every year in scholarships, awards, and financial assistance for international undergraduate students.
With applications for the 2027 academic intake expected to open later this year, academically exceptional students now have an opportunity to compete for some of Canada’s most prestigious entrance scholarships. These awards recognize not only outstanding academic achievement but also leadership, community involvement, and the potential to make meaningful contributions both on campus and beyond.
Each year, UBC welcomes students from more than 160 countries, and its international scholarship recipients represent over 108 nations. Since 2001, more than 560 international scholars have received major entrance funding through the university’s flagship scholarship programs.
Why UBC Scholarships Stand Out
Unlike many universities that offer only a limited number of scholarships, UBC has developed one of Canada’s largest scholarship portfolios for international undergraduate students.
Many of the awards are automatically considered once students submit their admission applications, eliminating the need for separate scholarship forms in most cases. This makes the application process much simpler while ensuring every eligible applicant receives equal consideration.
The scholarships are designed to reward students who have consistently demonstrated:
- Excellent academic performance
- Leadership ability
- Innovation and creativity
- Community service and volunteer experience
- Strong extracurricular achievements
- The potential to positively contribute to the UBC community
For talented students who may otherwise struggle to finance their education abroad, these scholarships can substantially reduce tuition costs throughout their undergraduate studies.
UBC Scholarship Opportunities for International Students
The university offers several major entrance scholarships for new international undergraduate students.
1. International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
The International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) is one of UBC’s most competitive awards.
Successful applicants receive between CAD $10,000 and CAD $25,000 per year, depending on their academic achievements and overall application profile.
One of the biggest advantages of IMES is that it is renewable for up to four years, provided students continue meeting the university’s academic progression requirements.
This means outstanding students could receive financial support worth up to CAD $100,000 over the course of their undergraduate degree.
Scholarship Benefits
- CAD $10,000–$25,000 annually
- Renewable for up to four years
- Automatic consideration with admission
- Recognition as one of UBC’s top international scholars
2. Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award
The Outstanding International Student Award (OIS) recognizes academically gifted students who have also demonstrated leadership and active participation in extracurricular activities.
Recipients receive a one-time scholarship ranging between CAD $10,000 and CAD $25,000, applied toward their first year of tuition.
Unlike IMES, the OIS Award is not renewable, but it significantly reduces first-year study costs.
3. UBC Okanagan Global Elevation Award
Students choosing to study at UBC Okanagan can qualify for additional financial support through the Global Elevation Award.
The scholarship provides:
- CAD $8,000 annually
- Renewable for up to four years
- Automatic consideration during admission
This award is specifically designed to make studying at the Okanagan campus more affordable for international students.
4. UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award
New international students who select UBC Okanagan as their first-choice campus may also receive the International Welcome Award.
The award provides:
- CAD $5,000 toward first-year tuition
- Automatic assessment during admission
- No separate scholarship application required
When combined with the Global Elevation Award, eligible students could receive CAD $13,000 toward tuition during their first year before additional scholarships are considered.
Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship | Value | Renewable |
|---|---|---|
| International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) | CAD $10,000–$25,000 per year | Yes (up to 4 years) |
| Outstanding International Student Award | CAD $10,000–$25,000 | No |
| UBC Okanagan Global Elevation Award | CAD $8,000 annually | Yes (up to 4 years) |
| UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award | CAD $5,000 | First year only |
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for UBC’s international entrance scholarships, applicants should generally:
- Be international students requiring a Canadian study permit.
- Apply for admission to an eligible undergraduate programme.
- Be entering university for the first time.
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.
- Show evidence of leadership and meaningful extracurricular involvement.
- Meet all UBC admission requirements and deadlines.
Students sponsored entirely by external government funding may not qualify for some scholarship categories.
No Separate Scholarship Application Required
One feature that distinguishes UBC from many universities is its streamlined scholarship process.
For the majority of these entrance awards, eligible applicants are automatically considered once they submit a complete undergraduate admission application before the required deadlines.
This reduces paperwork and ensures that students are evaluated simultaneously for admission and scholarship opportunities.
Why UBC Okanagan Is Becoming Increasingly Popular
Although UBC’s Vancouver campus attracts global attention, the Okanagan campus has expanded rapidly in recent years and offers additional scholarship opportunities that make studying in Canada even more affordable.
Students attending UBC Okanagan may benefit from:
- Smaller class sizes
- Modern research facilities
- Lower living costs compared to Vancouver
- Additional scholarship opportunities
- Strong employment and research prospects
For many international students, these advantages create an attractive balance between academic excellence and affordability.
UBC Scholarship Deadlines for 2027 Intake
Students planning to begin their undergraduate studies in September 2027 should carefully monitor the following expected application timeline:
- Early October 2026: Undergraduate admission portal opens.
- 15 November 2026: Deadline for International Scholars Program scholarship applications.
- 1 December 2026: Deadline to submit admission applications for International Scholars Program consideration.
- 15 January 2027: Final admission deadline for most international undergraduate applicants.
Submitting applications well before these deadlines is strongly recommended, as scholarship consideration depends on timely admission applications.
Tips to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application
Competition for UBC scholarships is highly competitive. Successful applicants typically present a well-rounded profile that extends beyond academic excellence.
Students should aim to:
- Maintain outstanding academic grades throughout secondary school.
- Demonstrate leadership through school, community, or volunteer activities.
- Participate in extracurricular programmes, competitions, or clubs.
- Develop strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Submit complete and accurate application documents before the deadline.
Applicants who combine academic excellence with leadership and community engagement often stand out during the scholarship selection process.
Why This Opportunity Matters
As tuition and living costs continue to rise globally, fully or partially funded university scholarships are becoming increasingly valuable for international students.
UBC’s annual investment of more than CAD $35 million in scholarships demonstrates the university’s long-term commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.
With awards worth as much as CAD $25,000 per year, renewable funding opportunities, and automatic scholarship consideration for eligible applicants, the University of British Columbia remains one of the strongest destinations for students seeking high-quality education in Canada with substantial financial support.
Students planning their 2027 study abroad journey are encouraged to begin preparing their admission documents, academic records, and supporting materials early to maximize their chances of receiving one of UBC’s prestigious international scholarships.
