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International Scholars
UBC’s International Scholars have the potential to make a difference in the world. They are high academic achievers who have demonstrated exceptional extracurricular activities, show a desire to create change at the local and global level, and they are dedicated to giving back to their communities.
About the International Scholars Program
UBC’s International Scholars are part of the International Scholars Program, which offers the chance to:
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 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:
- Community-based experiential learning projects can help you apply your academic interests to the needs and issues of the local or global community.
- Annual retreats will help you connect with your community while you plan for the year ahead and develop your leadership skills.
- An annual workshop series will provide leadership, community development, career preparation, and networking opportunities throughout your degree.
- Receptions and celebratory events are hosted throughout each year to recognize your achievements and connect you to the Scholars community on campus.
- Focus on overall health and wellbeing for Scholars, which includes individual and community care.
- Study-abroad exchange programs can take you to emerging countries where you’ll address local challenges in health, agriculture, social infrastructure, education, and sustainable development.
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
Meet UBC's International Scholars
Get to know a few of our International Scholars by clicking on the images below.
Andrej
Andrej is a first-generation student from Slovakia and winner of the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award. He chose UBC’s Commerce program, with a specialization in Finance, for its emphasis on teamwork and critical thinking and its strong career development support.
“I am very grateful for this award as it put an incredible financial burden off my family’s shoulders and provided me with a strong support network and opportunities for growth. Many of my closest friends at UBC come from the same scholarship cohort.”
Marco
“”This award allowed me to pursue a world-class education, meet the most amazing people, and learn that it really is, mine. I am extremely grateful that I was chosen to be a part of such an excellent cohort of people, and I hope to make the International Student Initiative proud as I undertake my next endeavors.”
Nane
“The community of scholars has become the best support system I could have asked for. We started as friends, and now, we are almost like family. The programming associated with this award equips us with a comprehensive set of skills necessary for success. From job applications and navigating the career ladder to developing leadership abilities, the support is thorough and multifaceted. We help each other and push one another toward success, fostering an environment where everyone thrives. This collaborative spirit has undoubtedly opened doors to numerous opportunities, both academically and professionally.”
Rielle
“I have this award to thank for the endless opportunities that I’ve been able to experience at my time at UBC. Without [it], I wouldn’t have been able to travel to Canada and pursue my passion. This award allowed me realize the potential I have not only in writing, but in other fields as well.”
Shriya
North America Leadership Trainee, EIT - Vestas Wind Systems“My education has propelled me into the world of renewable energy, and continues to aid my development as I navigate through a variety of fields such as construction, global sustainability, and change management. My time at UBC gives me a unique approach when looking into problems I am presented with. I’ve always aspired to bring positive change to the world, and my degree with UBC gave me a direction in which to seek such change.”
Dhira
Data Insights & Reporting Canada Lead, Apple Inc.“…my university years were the most critical and fundamental years of my life—they set me on the right path for the career and life that I have come to appreciate so much…The level of support and infrastructure available to you as students, especially International Scholars, are second to none.”
Guilherme
PhD student, The Scripps Research Institute“My undergraduate studies dotting across Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science, contributed to my flexible and broad-level thinking, curiosity, and strong conceptual ability in connecting different topics. These attributes are some of the necessary ingredients towards achieving my career goals. Most impactful, the full scholarship offered to me by UBC enabled me to move out of my home and pursue my path in Science…[without] which I would have otherwise been unable to.”
Hammad
“This award has opened up opportunities beyond what I would have imagined. First, it has helped me grow personally and professionally. The award’s support and resources have enabled me to develop new skills and knowledge, discover my potential, and shape my personal growth. The experiences I’ve gained, the memories I’ve made, and the people I’ve met have each positively impacted who I have become.”
Larita
“This award for me has been a life-changing experience. I have been able to make so many meaningful connections both on and off campus…I have met some of the best people whom I can call friends. I have also had the opportunity to get my hands on so many things while learning such as community involvement, clubs, competitions, and internships. All these are possible due to the wholesome support the Scholars community has given me but also the trust they have that I can make the right call. I have also been able to make an impact and give back to my community back home through involvement with empowering programs. “
Mahshid
“This award has allowed me to reach my full potential and has constantly challenged me to improve and better myself, whether it’s academically, pursuing greater endeavours, or by providing me with constant support and a sense of community. Having the opportunity to interact and learn from my fellow scholars is always an inspiring and rewarding experience that has helped me better myself time and time again.”
The International Scholars Program awards
There are four categories of prestigious need-and-merit-based awards available through UBC’s International Scholars Program.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eligibility for the Program
- You must be an international student who will be studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
- You must be entering UBC from a recognized secondary school, or transferring from your first year at a post-secondary college or other university.
- You must have graduated from high school no earlier than one gap year prior to the academic year you are applying to. For example, applicants for 2025 Winter session must have graduated from high school no earlier than November 2023.
- You must be applying for your first undergraduate degree.
- You must demonstrate superior academic achievement (achieve all As or equivalent standard).
- You must demonstrate a level of financial need that would otherwise prevent you from pursuing a UBC degree. (UBC automatically considers all international students for the merit-based International Major Entrance Scholarships and Outstanding International Student Awards. If these awards do not cover your needs for tuition and basic living expenses, you are eligible to apply for the International Scholars Program.)
- You must meet UBC’s admission requirements, including general and degree-specific requirements and the English Language Admission Standard.
We will consider you for the Vantage One Excellence Award if:
- All previous eligibility criteria apply, except you must not yet meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard for direct admission to UBC.
- You must meet the UBC Vantage College admission requirements, including the English requirements for Vantage College.
- You must be coming directly from high school
- You must be beginning your undergraduate studies at UBC in the UBC Vantage One Program.
Please note: If you apply for the International Scholars Program, you will not be considered for merit-based awards, including International Major Entrance Scholarships and Outstanding International Student Awards.
How to apply for the International Scholars Program
Applications for the 2025 school year are now open!
1. Review the application page for the International Scholars Program.
2. Decide on the academic program you want to study, and which campus you want to choose.
- For the International Scholars Program awards, you will be considered for your first choice program. You should still select a second choice program; however only your first choice program is eligible for award consideration.
- When selecting your degree, please note that the following degrees are not eligible for UBC International Scholars Program awards: UBC Okanagan Bachelor of Nursing degree, Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor + Master of Management degree, dual degrees, joint degrees between UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver, and joint degrees with other post-secondary institutions.
3. To apply for the International Scholars Program, you must be nominated by your school or non-profit, and submit a reference from an academic referee.
- Confirm that your school or non-profit is able to nominate you. A single high school, college, or university may nominate up to two students for UBC Vancouver (including Vantage College), and one student for UBC Okanagan. A non-profit may only nominate a high school student who is involved with their organization. This nomination will count towards the total nominations permitted from a student’s school.
- Inform your nominator and academic referee that you’d like to apply for the International Scholars Program and advise them of the November 15 application deadline. Your nominator should be your school counsellor or equivalent, and your academic referee should be someone who is familiar with you and your work – for example, your teacher for your chosen area of study.
4. Gather your required financial information, as well as notes on any extracurricular activities and awards.
5. Apply for the International Scholars Program by submitting the application by the November 15 deadline.
6. Submit your admissions application to UBC by the December 1 deadline.
Application deadlines
November 15: You must have submitted your International Scholars Program application.
December 1: You must have submitted your online application for admission to UBC. Although you can specify two degree choices in your application, only your first-choice degree will be considered for an Internationals Scholars Program award.
January 31: 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 Excellence Award.
January 31: Submit any documents required for your admission to UBC. Please submit by this deadline, not the date indicated in your “next steps” email.
Mid-April: You will be informed if you have received an award.
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