Scholarships and awards for international students
UBC recognizes the academic achievement of outstanding students from around the world by devoting more than $30 million annually to awards, scholarships, and other forms of financial support for international undergraduate students.
Joining UBC’s community of award winners
When you receive an award or scholarship, you join a community of engaged and supportive young leaders who enrich UBC with their diverse perspectives, involvement, and innovation.
While studying at a global top 40 university, and North America’s most international university, you’ll have the chance to grow, connect, research, and innovate.
UBC offers a wide range of opportunities inside and outside the classroom – from co-ops and undergraduate research to clubs and study abroad – to round out your degree and help you contribute to the university’s thriving community.
Merit-based awards
International Major Entrance Scholarship
International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES) are awarded to exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs at UBC. Students receive their IMES when they enter their first year at UBC, and the scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years of study. The number and level of these scholarships awarded each year vary, depending on available funding.
Eligibility
To be considered for the IMES, you must:
- Be new to UBC, entering directly from secondary school.
- Be an international student who will be studying at UBC on a Canadian study permit (student visa). (Changes to your citizenship status will affect your IMES eligibility.)
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and intellectual promise, as well as impressive extracurricular and community involvement.
- Not be nominated for a need-and-merit-based International Scholars award.
- Apply to UBC by January 15.
How to apply
If you apply to UBC by January 15, you will be automatically considered for the IMES.
Scholarship status
You will be considered for this scholarship shortly after you receive an offer of admission to UBC. Scholarship decisions are made between mid-March to the end of April each year.
Outstanding International Student Award
The Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award is a one-time, merit-based entrance scholarship awarded to qualified students when they are offered admission to UBC. Students selected for this award show strength academically and display involvement outside of the classroom.
Eligibility
To be considered for an OIS Award, you must:
- Be new to UBC, entering directly from secondary school or post-secondary (university or college).
- Be an international student studying at UBC on a Canadian study permit (student visa). (Changes to your citizenship status will affect your scholarship eligibility.)
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and strong extracurricular involvement.
- Not be nominated for a need-and-merit-based International Scholars award.
- Apply to UBC by January 15.
How to apply
If you apply to UBC by January 15, you will be automatically considered for the OIS Award.
Scholarship status
You will be considered for this scholarship shortly after you receive an offer of admission to UBC. Scholarship decisions are made between mid-March to the end of April each year.
UBC Story: Angela Sunario
Finding your university path
Jakarta, Indonesia | Microbiology and Immunology | Bachelor + Master of Management
Outstanding International Student Award-winner Angela Sunario was drawn to UBC because of its vast opportunities. When she got here, she was quick to get involved, push her limits, and find meaningful work that tied into her studies.
Read moreInternational Scholars Program
The International Scholars Program brings some of the world’s brightest young undergraduates to UBC. International Scholars are high academic achievers who have demonstrated exceptional extracurricular activities, show a desire to create global change, and they are dedicated to giving back to their schools and communities.
Earn a globally recognized degree at a top university
A UBC degree opens doors and connects you to a vast alumni network across the globe.
Study with the brightest students in the world
You’ll join a community of engaged and supportive young leaders and study among the best and the brightest. You and your fellow Scholars will enrich UBC and the global community with your diverse perspectives, committed involvement, and innovative initiatives.
Take advantage of unique learning opportunities
You’ll have access to numerous opportunities inside and outside the classroom that will enrich your university experience.
Access dedicated advising and support
You’ll be supported by a team of dedicated International Scholars Program advisors throughout your degree, plus a network of staff from across UBC’s faculties and services who will encourage your academic, personal, and career development.
UBC alumnus Daniel Mundeva explains how the International Scholars program helped him achieve his goals
UBC Vantage One scholarships and awards
UBC’s Vantage One program is for academically strong international students whose English language proficiency does not yet meet the requirements for direct admission into UBC.
If you are a new UBC Vantage One student, you’re eligible for UBC Vantage One awards. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, intellectual promise, and extracurricular or community involvement. Some of the scholarships also consider financial need. UBC Vantage One awards include:
- International Major Entrance Scholarship for Vantage One
- Vantage One Entrance Award
- Vantage One Excellence Award
Timelines, application processes, and eligibility criteria vary for the different UBC Vantage One awards.
Plan your finances
University is a significant financial investment that will pay returns for the rest of your life.
To get a full picture of what your first year at UBC will cost – including tuition and books, meals and living costs, transportation expenses, and more – enter your details into the UBC cost calculator. You can try as many different calculations as you’d like to help get a breakdown of your first-year costs.
Scholarships and awards for current international students
UBC continues to support international students through a variety of in-program scholarships and awards. Scholarship and award amounts will vary, as will their renewability.