By Scholarshipalert4u / October 26, 2025
The University of British Columbia (UBC) Scholarships Overview
If you’re thinking about studying in Canada with scholarships in 2026, the University of British Columbia (UBC) offers some of the best options for international students. Ranked among the top 40 universities in the world, UBC is known for its research excellence, diverse learning community, and commitment to supporting bright minds from around the globe.
Every year, UBC invests over CAD $35 million in financial aid for international undergraduate students through merit-based and need-based scholarships. These awards are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and community engagement while helping students focus on their studies without financial stress.
Whether you choose the UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan campus, you’ll find plenty of scholarship opportunities for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Degree Level
UBC scholarships are available for undergraduate degree programs. International students enrolling directly from high school or transferring from another post-secondary institution are eligible. Many of these awards are renewable for up to four years, depending on your academic performance.
Available Subjects
UBC offers scholarships across all major disciplines, so whatever your field of interest, there’s likely a scholarship for you. You can study:
- Engineering and Technology
- Business and Economics
- Computer Science and Data Science
- Health and Life Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Education and Communication
Both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses provide strong academic and research programs tailored for international students.
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UBC’s scholarships for international students are designed to make studying in Canada more accessible. Here’s what you can expect in terms of support:
- Partial or full tuition coverage depending on the scholarship type.
- Living expense allowances for selected programs.
- Access to leadership development and mentorship programs.
- A chance to study at one of the top-ranked research universities in Canada with a global student community representing over 60,000 students from 108 countries.
List of UBC Scholarships and Awards for International Students
- International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
- Awarded to exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs.
- Value: CAD $10,000–$20,000 per year, renewable for up to three additional years.
- Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award
- A one-time merit-based entrance award for high-achieving students.
- Value: CAD $10,000–$25,000.
- UBC Okanagan Global Elevation Award
- For new international undergraduates joining UBC Okanagan.
- Value: CAD $8,000, split between Winter Terms 1 and 2.
- UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award
- Helps new international students ease into their first year.
- Value: CAD $5,000, divided equally across two terms.
- UBC International Scholars Program 2026
- Brings together academically outstanding, globally minded students who want to make a difference.
- Offers substantial financial support for tuition and living expenses, plus mentorship and leadership training.
- A nomination from your school or organization is required to apply.
- UBC Vantage One Scholarships and Awards
- Tailored for international students whose English skills need a little more development before full admission.
- Includes the Vantage One Entrance Award, Excellence Award, and IMES for Vantage One students.
Eligible Nationalities
These scholarships are open to all international students studying in Canada on a valid Canadian study permit. If you’re joining UBC from outside Canada, you’re eligible to apply as long as you meet the academic and application requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the University of British Columbia scholarships, applicants should:
- Be a new international student entering UBC directly from high school or transferring from another institution.
- Hold a valid Canadian study permit.
- Show academic excellence and extracurricular involvement.
- Demonstrate leadership potential and community engagement.
- Meet UBC’s English language requirements.
- Apply for admission by the official deadlines (usually early January for Fall 2025 intake).
- For the International Scholars Program, you’ll also need to be nominated and submit a separate application.
Application Procedure
UBC offers two types of scholarship application processes:
1. Automatic Consideration Scholarships
For awards like IMES, OIS, Global Elevation, and Welcome Awards, you don’t need a separate scholarship application. You’ll automatically be considered when you apply for admission before the deadline.
2. Application-Based Scholarships
For programs such as the UBC International Scholars Program and UBC Vantage One Awards, a separate online application is required. You’ll need to provide:
- Personal statements and essays
- Reference letters
- Nomination or recommendation forms
Make sure to prepare these documents early — competition for these awards is strong.
Timeline
Here’s a quick look at key scholarship and admission deadlines for the 2025–2026 cycle (for studies beginning in 2026–2027):
- Early October 2025: UBC opens applications for Winter 2026–27 and Summer 2026 sessions.
- November 15, 2025: Deadline for International Scholars Program nominations.
- December 1, 2025: Final deadline for International Scholars Program applications.
- January 15, 2026: Final deadline for general undergraduate admission.
- March–April 2026: Scholarship decisions (OIS, IMES) announced.
- Before May 1, 2026: Scholarship recipients confirm their admission offers.
If you’re planning to apply, keep these dates handy — missing a deadline could mean waiting another year.
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FAQs about the University of British Columbia (UBC) Scholarships 2026
Who can apply for the University of British Columbia (UBC) Scholarships 2026?
International students from any country can apply, as long as they are entering UBC directly from secondary school or transferring from another post-secondary institution. Applicants must hold a valid Canadian study permit and meet UBC’s admission and language requirements.
2. What types of scholarships does UBC offer to international students?
UBC offers both automatic consideration scholarships (like IMES and OIS) and application-based scholarships (like the International Scholars Program and Vantage One Awards). These scholarships are either merit-based, need-based, or both.
3. What is the difference between IMES and the OIS Award?
The International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) is renewable for up to four years and supports academically strong students throughout their undergraduate studies.
The Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award is a one-time entrance scholarship awarded to top-performing students when they first join UBC.
4. Does UBC offer full scholarships for international students?
UBC offers partial and full scholarships, depending on the award category. For example, the UBC International Scholars Program can cover tuition, living expenses, and additional academic support, while IMES and OIS typically offer partial funding.
5. What is the UBC International Scholars Program 2026?
This program supports exceptional students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership skills, and a commitment to positive global change. It provides substantial financial support and requires a school nomination along with a separate application.
Conclusion
The University of British Columbia (UBC) Scholarships 2026 offer international students a genuine chance to study in Canada with strong financial support and world-class academic opportunities. Whether you’re aiming for the IMES, OIS, or International Scholars Program, each scholarship helps you grow academically, explore culturally, and connect globally.
If you’re a motivated student ready to make an impact, this could be the opportunity that sets your academic journey apart. Start early, stay organized, and make sure you meet every deadline — your future at UBC might just be one strong application away.
Disclaimer:
ScholarshipAlert4U.com provides scholarship information solely for educational and informational purposes. We are not affiliated with any official scholarship body or university. While we strive for accuracy, details may change without notice. Always verify information from the official scholarship source before applying.




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