The University of British Columbia Scholarship represents more than just financial assistance. It’s a gateway to one of Canada’s top-ranked institutions, globally recognized for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and a vibrant multicultural community. Securing a UBC scholarship not only alleviates the burden of tuition and living expenses, but also embeds you in a network of high-achieving scholars and future leaders. As a University of British Columbia Scholarship recipient, you become part of a community dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and positive social impact UBC Admissions.
UBC’s Scholarship Ecosystem at a Glance
UBC offers a comprehensive range of awards for both undergraduate and graduate students, domestic and international. Broadly, you can explore:
| Award Category | Target Group | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance Scholarships | Incoming undergraduates | CAD 5,000–CAD 40,000 |
| International Scholars Program | Incoming international undergraduates | CAD 20,000–CAD 40,000 |
| Undergraduate Merit-Based Awards | Current undergraduates | Varies |
| Graduate Research & Teaching Awards | Master’s & PhD candidates | CAD 17,500+ per year |
| Departmental & Faculty-Specific Awards | Discipline-aligned students | Varies |
| External & Private Funding | All levels | Varies |
This ecosystem ensures that whether you’re entering UBC for the first time or advancing to graduate studies, there’s a University of British Columbia Scholarship tailored for you students.ubc.caUBC Grad School.
Key University of British Columbia Scholarship Programs
1. International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
- Who: High-achieving international students entering undergraduate studies
- What: Renewable awards of CAD 5,000–CAD 40,000 (total)
- How many: Approximately 100 recipients annually
- Selection criteria: Academic excellence, leadership, community involvement
- Deadline: December 1 (for September intake) Scholarship Roar
2. Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award
- Who: International undergraduates demonstrating exceptional leadership
- What: CAD 10,000 one-time award
- Selection criteria: Academic achievement, personal profile, extracurricular impact
- Deadline: December 1 (for September intake) Scholarship Roar
3. UBC International Scholars Program
- Who: Top global applicants (undergraduate)
- What: Two flagship awards of CAD 20,000 each plus community mentorship
- Program benefits: Leadership retreats, mentorship, networking events
- Deadline: December 1 (for September intake) UBC Admissions
4. British Columbia Graduate Scholarship (BCGS)
- Who: Canadian citizens & permanent residents in graduate programs
- What: CAD 17,500 per year for Master’s/PhD students
- Eligibility: Full-time registration, research-oriented programs
- Deadline: Ongoing nomination by department UBC Grad School
5. Killam Awards & Fellowships
- Who: Graduate students (all citizenships)
- What: Up to CAD 15,000 for doctoral research
- Focus areas: Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering
- Deadline: Varies by faculty; typically January–February UBC Grad School
How to Find Your Perfect University of British Columbia Scholarship
- Use the UBC Award Search Tool
- Navigate to the UBC Award Search on the Student Services site.
- Filter by citizenship, degree level, and applicant status.
- Review detailed criteria, values, and deadlines for each award students.ubc.ca.
- Explore Faculty & Departmental Awards
- Many faculties (Engineering, Arts, Science) offer discipline-specific scholarships.
- Check your department’s website for internal competitions and nomination procedures.
- Look Into External Awards
- Government of Canada scholarships, private foundations, and international agencies often list UBC-eligible awards.
- Platforms like Scholarships Canada and Universities Canada can expand your options UBC Grad School.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Research & Shortlist Awards
- Start 6–9 months before your intended start term.
- Note varying deadlines (e.g., Dec 1 for entrance awards, rolling for graduate).
- Prepare Application Materials
- Transcripts: Official, translated if necessary.
- Personal Statement: Tailor to each scholarship’s values (leadership, research impact).
- CV/Resume: Highlight achievements, volunteer work, publications.
- Reference Letters: Choose referees familiar with your academic and extracurricular strengths.
- Proof of English proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL scores if required.
- Submit Through the UBC Applicant Portal
- All scholarship applications for incoming students are managed via the central UBC admissions site.
- Follow on-screen prompts to upload documents and select award competitions.
- Monitor & Follow Up
- After submission, check your application status in the portal.
- Some awards require interviews or additional essays—respond promptly to requests.
- Accepting & Maintaining Awards
- Upon offer, confirm acceptance by the deadline.
- Maintain required GPA and engagement to renew renewable scholarships.
Insider Tips to Maximize Your Chances
- Align With UBC’s Values: Emphasize community engagement, sustainability initiatives, and global citizenship.
- Quality Over Quantity: It’s better to submit fewer, stronger applications than many superficial ones.
- Strong References: Brief your referees on the scholarship’s goals so they can tailor their letters.
- Showcase Impact: Use concrete examples of leadership—founding a club, leading a research project, or community service.
- Proofread & Peer-Review: Typos can undermine credibility. Have mentors or peers review your essays.
Life as a University of British Columbia Scholar
As a scholarship recipient, you’ll join a vibrant cohort of peers from over 150 countries. You’ll benefit from:
- Dedicated Mentorship: Access to faculty mentors and peer-leaders through programs like the International Scholars community UBC Admissions.
- Professional Development: Workshops on research skills, career planning, and leadership.
- Networking Events: Invitations to exclusive seminars, speaker series, and alumni gatherings.
- Community Engagement: Opportunities to give back through outreach initiatives and student governance.
These experiences amplify the intrinsic value of the University of British Columbia Scholarship, positioning you for success during and after your studies.
Conclusion
Securing a University of British Columbia Scholarship is an investment in your future—academically, professionally, and personally. By understanding the variety of awards, preparing a strategic application, and leveraging UBC’s supportive ecosystem, you can transform the cost of education into an opportunity for growth and global impact.
Ready to take the next step?
Apply now for the University of British Columbia Scholarship via the official portal: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/ UBC Admissions
Embark on your journey at one of the world’s leading universities—where your potential meets unparalleled opportunity.
