Canada University of British Columbia (UBC) Scholarships 2026
The University of British Columbia (UBC), ranked among the top 40 universities worldwide, is one of North America’s most international and research-intensive institutions. Each year, UBC invests over CAD $35 million in scholarships, awards, and financial aid for international undergraduate students. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and community engagement while enabling talented students from around the world to pursue their higher education in Canada.
Whether you plan to study at UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan, there are multiple merit-based and need-based scholarships available for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Degree Level
UBC scholarships are available for students pursuing undergraduate degree programs across both campuses—Vancouver and Okanagan.
Available Subjects
International students can apply for scholarships in all major disciplines offered by UBC, including:
- Engineering and Technology
- Business and Economics
- Computer Science and Data Science
- Health Sciences and Life Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Humanities and Arts
- Education and Communication
Benefits
List of UBC Scholarships and Awards for International Students
1. International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
- The IMES is awarded to exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs at UBC.
- Value: $10,000 – $20,000 per year (renewable for up to 3 additional years).
2. Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award
- The OIS Award is a one-time, merit-based entrance scholarship for high-achieving students entering UBC.
- Value: $10,000 – $25,000.
3. UBC Okanagan Global Elevation Award
- The Global Elevation Award recognizes new international undergraduate students enrolling at UBC Okanagan.
- Value: $8,000 (credited toward tuition in two equal installments across Winter Term 1 and Term 2).
4. UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award
- Designed to welcome new international students to UBC Okanagan, this award helps ease first-year tuition costs.
- Value: $5,000 (credited in two installments—50% each for Term 1 and Term 2).
5. UBC International Scholars Program
UBC’s International Scholars Program brings together the world’s brightest young leaders who excel academically and are passionate about creating global change.
Benefits:
- Substantial financial support covering tuition and living expenses.
- Dedicated academic advising and leadership development opportunities.
- Access to a vibrant community of global changemakers and mentors.
6. UBC Vantage One Scholarships and Awards
The UBC Vantage One Program is tailored for academically strong international students whose English language skills do not yet meet direct admission requirements.
Awards Include:
- International Major Entrance Scholarship for Vantage One
- Vantage One Entrance Award
- Vantage One Excellence Award
Eligible Nationalities
These scholarships are open to all international students who will study at UBC on a valid Canadian study permit (student visa).
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the University of British Columbia Scholarships and Awards 2026, applicants must:
- Be new international students entering UBC directly from secondary school or transferring from another post-secondary institution.
- Hold a valid Canadian study permit.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and intellectual potential.
- Show evidence of leadership, extracurricular involvement, or community service.
- Apply for admission to UBC by the official deadline (usually early January 2025 for Fall 2025 intake).
- Meet UBC’s English language proficiency requirements.
- For the International Scholars Program, candidates must also be nominated by their school or organization and submit a separate scholarship application.
Application Procedure
The application process for UBC scholarships depends on the specific award category:
Automatic Consideration Scholarships
No separate application is required for the following:
- International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
- Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award
- UBC Okanagan Global Elevation Award
- UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award
- Eligible students are automatically considered upon applying for admission to UBC by the deadline.
Application-Based Scholarships
For the UBC International Scholars Program and UBC Vantage One Awards, applicants must complete:
- A separate scholarship application via the UBC portal.
- Submission of required personal statements, references, and nomination forms.
Timeline
The University of British Columbia (UBC) admissions and scholarship process is highly competitive and follows a structured timeline for international students. Below are the key dates for the 2025–2026 application cycle (for studies beginning in 2026–2027):
- Early October 2025 – UBC opens applications for Winter Session 2026–27 (September 2026 – April 2027) and Summer Session 2026 (May – August 2026).
- November 15, 2025 – Deadline for international students to apply for International Scholars Program awards (nomination and application required).
- December 1, 2025 – Final deadline for international students to apply for UBC admission if they wish to be considered for the International Scholars Program.
- January 15, 2026 – Final deadline to apply for admission to UBC undergraduate programs for the Winter Session (Sept 2026 – Apr 2027) and Summer Session (May – Aug 2026).
- Mid-March to April 2026 – Scholarship decisions for Outstanding International Student (OIS) and International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) are announced.
- Before May 1, 2026 – Successful scholarship recipients are notified and must confirm their admission offers.
About the University of British Columbia (UBC)
Established in 1908, the University of British Columbia is a globally recognized public research university with campuses in Vancouver and Okanagan, Canada. Known for its innovation, sustainability, and inclusive learning environment, UBC attracts over 60,000 students from more than 108 countries. The university consistently ranks among the top 40 institutions globally, offering transformative education, world-class research, and international opportunities for leadership and personal growth.
Conclusion
The University of British Columbia (UBC) Scholarships and Awards for International Students 2026 offer remarkable opportunities for bright and motivated students to study in Canada at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. With generous funding, leadership development, and a globally diverse academic environment, UBC continues to empower the next generation of global leaders to excel academically and contribute meaningfully to society.
