Each year, UBC offers need- and merit-based awards to international students through our International Scholars Program. These students enrich our community with their distinct perspectives, committed involvement, and global initiatives. If you are an international student interested in learning more about becoming an International Scholar, read on!

 

What awards are available?

Four prestigious awards are offered through UBC’s International Scholars Program: the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, the International Impact Award, and the Vantage One Excellence Award.

These awards are given to exceptional international students entering undergraduate studies at UBC. You won’t select which award you wish to receive when you submit your application – our team will automatically consider you for the awards that you are eligible for.

 

The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

This award recognizes exceptional prospective international undergraduate students who demonstrate superior academic achievement and exemplary leadership skills that support and empower others through collaboration, empathy and active listening. It recognizes students who have made a positive impact through their involvement in various school and community service projects and initiatives, and attained notable achievement in other academic or extra-curricular pursuits.

The Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

This award recognizes outstanding international undergraduate students from impoverished or war-torn areas who have achieved academic excellence under challenging circumstances, and who would be unable to attend university without significant financial assistance. Students should demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

International Impact Award

This award is offered to exceptional students who have demonstrated leadership as well as commitment to and solutions for sustainability and climate change, natural resource conservation and management, social justice, equity and inclusion, or societal health and wellness. Priority is given to first generation learners and those from diverse lived backgrounds.

The Vantage One Excellence Award

This award is offered by UBC Vantage College for academically outstanding international students who do not yet meet the English Language Admission Standard for direct admission to UBC. The awards range in value up to the full cost of a student’s academic program and living expenses. Students should demonstrate leadership skills, impactful involvement in student affairs and community service, and notable achievement in other academic or extra-curricular pursuits.

 

Who can qualify for the Program?

All four awards are need- and merit-based, and are specifically for students who would not be able to attend UBC without significant financial assistance. As part of the application, you will be required to complete a full financial declaration in order to determine eligibility, and you will need to be nominated for the Program by your school counsellor, and submit a reference from an academic referee. Once your teacher nominates you for the International Scholars Program, you will not be considered for any other UBC award.

(If you don’t have significant financial need and are therefore not eligible to be nominated for an International Scholars Award, you will automatically be considered for the Outstanding International Student Award and International Major Entrance Scholarship if you apply for admission to UBC before January 15, 2024.)

 

How do you apply for the International Scholars Program?

The application for the Program is now open. Visit the International Scholars website for complete information about eligibility and to access the application page.

 

What is the deadline?

Your International Scholars Awards application must be submitted by midnight Pacific Time on November 15, 2023. You must also complete the UBC online application by December 1, 2023.

By January 31, 2024, you must meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard for direct-entry, or the English language requirement for UBC Vantage College if you have applied to a Vantage One program and are hoping to be considered for the Vantage One Excellent Award.