Thinking about applying for a scholarship at the University of British Columbia? That’s a fantastic decision! Let’s get you started with all the essential information you’ll need on this journey. You can count on us to guide you every step of the way. In this content, we’ll provide you with clear, well-structured details to help you navigate any hurdles or confusion you may face while pursuing a scholarship at UBC. Stick with us as we will be escorting you on this academic journey of yours.
At first glance, UBC might seem like a school with high tuition fees that could discourage students from less privileged financial backgrounds who dream of studying there. The good news is that the university offers a wide range of scholarships designed to ease this burden. Whether you’re a Canadian citizen or an international student, UBC provides multiple scholarship options to help cover your academic expenses.
Some scholarships are fully funded and cover all tuition, while others are partial awards that reduce specific costs. That’s why it’s important to research thoroughly before applying, so you know which scholarship best suits your needs. Wondering how to choose the right one and where to apply? Keep reading—we’ve got you covered.
UBC Scholarships
To bridge the gap between students from less financially privileged backgrounds and those with greater resources, the University of British Columbia offers a variety of scholarships. Whether you are a Canadian citizen or an international student from across the globe, as long as you have the passion and qualifications to study at UBC, there are numerous scholarship opportunities available to support your academic journey. Below are the scholarships offered by the institution:
- A need-based scholarship is designed to support students who do not have the financial means to cover tuition costs. Its primary goal is to bridge the gap in access to education between students from less privileged financial backgrounds and those with greater resources. This innovation has been of great help to international students from commonwealth regions who are looking to study at UBC.
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, strong leadership abilities, or exceptional talents. These awards are designed to recognize and commend students for their hard work and excellence. In most cases, they are granted automatically and do not require a separate application process.
- Departmental Scholarship: At the UBC, several academic departments offer scholarships to support students pursuing specific courses. These awards are typically based on a student’s academic performance, financial need, and demonstrated commitment to their chosen field of study.
- Diversity and Talent-Based Scholarships: The University of British Columbia is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and recognizing unique abilities. These scholarships support underrepresented groups in higher education as well as students with exceptional artistic, musical, or athletic talents. In some cases, applicants may be asked to provide an additional essay, portfolio, or audition to demonstrate their skills.
UBC Scholarships And Awards For International Students
To compensate and recognise the efforts of international students who came to study in the institution, UBC offers a range of scholarships to these students.
International Major Entrance Scholarship
The International Major Entrance Scholarship is designed to recognize and support outstanding undergraduate international students at UBC. Qualified recipients are awarded between $10,000 and $20,000 per year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three additional years, provided they continue to meet the required academic standards.
- Be a new student at UBC, entering directly from secondary school.
- Hold international student status and be studying at UBC on a valid Canadian study permit (student visa).
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, strong moral character, and active involvement in extracurricular activities or community service.
- Apply only for the IMES and not be nominated for other scholarships, including need-based or merit-based International Scholars awards.
- Submit a complete application to UBC by the official admissions deadline.
Outstanding International Student Award
The Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award is one of the most prestigious merit-based scholarships offered by the University of British Columbia. It provides awards ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. To be eligible, international applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic performance as well as strong potential for continued growth.
In addition to academic excellence, applicants are also expected to show involvement in extracurricular activities at UBC during the time of application.
Eligibility Criteria For The UBC Outstanding International Student Award
- New Student Status: Applicants must be new to UBC, entering directly from secondary school or transferring from a post-secondary institution (college or university).
- International Student: Applicants must be international students coming from outside Canada and intending to study at UBC on a valid Canadian study permit (student visa).
- Academic Excellence & Character: Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, good moral character, and strong involvement in extracurricular activities and community service.
- Exclusive Application: Applicants must apply only for the OIS Award and cannot be nominated for other scholarships, including need-based or merit-based International Scholars Awards.
- Application Deadline: Applicants must have submitted their UBC admission application before the stated admissions deadline.
UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award
Amidst the top merit-based scholarship offered by UBC is the Okanagan International Welcome Award. The scholarship offers a total amount of $5,000 award to qualified international students who apply at UBC during the time of enrollment.
UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified, applicants must:
- Must be an international student entering first year.
- Must choose a UBC Okanagan degree program as your first choice.
- Must receive admission to UBC Okanagan and enroll in the selected first-choice degree.
How To Apply For University Of British Columbia Scholarships and Awards For International Students
Most scholarships at UBC for international students are merit-based, meaning no separate application process is required. Once you are admitted to UBC, you are automatically considered for these awards.
While acceptance into the university does not guarantee a scholarship, your academic performance and background will be carefully reviewed to determine your eligibility for funding.
How Scholarship Works at British Columbia University
Scholarships are a form of financial support designed to assist students during their time at university. While scholarships come in the form of monetary awards, they are not given directly as cash. Instead, the funds are applied toward covering the recipient’s tuition fees at their enrolled university.
Some Scholarships might be fully funded, covering recipient tuition, books expenses, accommodation, allowance and even miscellaneous fees. Some scholarships might also come as a tuition weaver not covering the full tuition but paying off some of the amount.
While most scholarships are designed to support students, they are generally divided into different categories. Need-based scholarships provide assistance to students from financially underprivileged backgrounds. Merit-based scholarships recognize students with exceptional academic achievements.
Talent and diversity scholarships support students who excel in areas such as art or sports, as well as those from underrepresented backgrounds. Unlike student loans, scholarships do not require repayment—any amount awarded is a gift to help fund your education.
Tips to Maximize Your Scholarship Opportunities
- Apply Early: Many scholarships have early deadlines or operate on a rolling basis. Don’t leave your application until the last moment.
- Maintain Strong Grades: Aim for a GPA of 3.8 or higher and take challenging courses such as honors or AP if available.
- Get Involved: Participate in school clubs, community service, leadership roles, or part-time work to build a strong profile.
- Write Compelling Essays: Share your personal story, achievements, and future goals in a genuine way that highlights what makes you unique.
- Explore External Opportunities: Look beyond your university—platforms like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and the College Board list thousands of scholarships.
- Stay Organized: Track deadlines, required documents, and application follow-ups to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Satisfying our readers request, we will be answering some questions regarding the University Of British Columbia Scholarships and Awards For International Students.
Does UBC give scholarships to international students?
Yes they do. The University of British Columbia has a range of scholarships applicable for international students who are looking to enroll in the institution.
Some of them include the International Major Entrance Scholarship, Outstanding International Student Award, and the UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award.
Who is eligible for the UBC Awards?
The eligibility for each criteria varies, however for most merit based scholarships, applicants are eligible provided they gain admission into the institution.
What is the highest scholarship for UBC?
The Presidential Scholars Award program is actually the scholarship that offers the most reward at UBC, These scholarships include a one-time award of about $5,000, as well as renewable awards of up to $40,000 at the Okanagan campus and up to $80,000 at the Vancouver campus, each distributed over four years
Conclusion
The good news is that UBC offers a wide range of scholarships to help ease the financial burden of studying. Whether you are a Canadian citizen or an international student, there are numerous opportunities available. Some scholarships are fully funded, covering the entire cost of tuition, while others are partial awards designed to reduce specific expenses.