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Are you looking for UBC undergraduate scholarships, wondering which ones you qualify for, how much funding is available, or how to apply? This guide answers every question — from entrance awards and merit-based scholarships to need-based bursaries — covering both domestic and international students at UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan campuses. Whether you are a high school student preparing to apply or a continuing student searching for in-course awards, this is your complete, annually updated resource.
What Are UBC Undergraduate Scholarships?
UBC undergraduate scholarships are merit-based, need-based, and hybrid financial awards offered by the University of British Columbia to outstanding students each year. UBC undergraduate scholarships range from one-time entrance awards to renewable multi-year funding packages worth up to $80,000 over four years of study. If you are searching for UBC undergraduate scholarships, you are in the right place — UBC devotes more than $35 million annually to financial support for international undergraduate students alone, making it one of the most generous scholarship programs in Canada. UBC undergraduate scholarships are available to both domestic and international students across all faculties at UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan campuses. In short, UBC undergraduate scholarships represent one of the best-funded, most accessible scholarship ecosystems at any Canadian university — and this guide will walk you through every opportunity currently open.
UBC undergraduate scholarships are among the most competitive and sought-after awards in Canadian higher education. The University of British Columbia, consistently ranked in the global top 40, awards scholarships based on academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, athletic achievement, and in some cases, demonstrated financial need. Each year, hundreds of students receive scholarship offers ranging from $1,000 recognition awards to fully funded, multi-year packages. Whether you are applying from secondary school or are a continuing student in your third year, there is likely a UBC undergraduate scholarship that fits your profile.
Types of UBC Undergraduate Scholarships
UBC organizes its undergraduate awards into several distinct categories. Understanding these categories helps you identify which awards you are automatically considered for versus which ones require a separate application.
Scholarships are merit-based awards determined primarily by academic achievement. Community involvement, athletic achievement, and leadership may also be considered.
Hybrid Awards are given based on a combination of academic and/or other achievement plus financial need. These are particularly valuable for students who excel academically but also face financial barriers.
Bursaries are assessed based on unmet financial need alone. These do not appear on a student’s official transcript but can significantly reduce tuition costs.
Medals are non-monetary prestige awards given at the end of an academic year to a graduating student, based primarily on academic achievement.
Prizes are given at the end of an academic session to recognize performance in a particular course, research achievement, or publication record.
Knowing this taxonomy helps you apply strategically. Most students focus exclusively on scholarships but miss out on significant hybrid and bursary funding for which they may automatically qualify.
UBC Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
International students have access to some of the most generous UBC undergraduate scholarships offered anywhere in Canada. These awards are structured to be automatic (no separate application required) or through a competitive program.
1. International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES)
The IMES is the flagship renewable scholarship for international undergraduates. Students who receive the IMES are awarded the scholarship when they enter their first year at UBC, and it is renewable for up to three additional years of study — meaning qualified students can receive up to four consecutive years of funding.
Currently, IMES awards are valued at $10,000–$25,000 per year. The number and level of these scholarships awarded each year vary depending on available funding.
How to be considered: Apply to UBC by the admissions deadline. No separate scholarship application is required — you are automatically considered.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Be new to UBC, entering directly from secondary school
- Be an international student on a Canadian study permit
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and extracurricular involvement
- Not be nominated for a need-and-merit-based International Scholars award
2. Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award
The OIS Award is a one-time, merit-based entrance scholarship awarded when students receive their admission offer. Students selected show academic strength and active involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, or leadership roles.
Currently, OIS awards are valued at $10,000–$25,000 (one-time).
How to be considered: Automatic upon applying to UBC by the admissions deadline.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Be new to UBC, entering from secondary school or post-secondary
- Be an international student on a Canadian study permit
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and extracurricular involvement
- Not be nominated for a need-and-merit-based International Scholars award
3. UBC International Scholars Program
This is the most prestigious and competitive international scholarship at UBC, offered to students who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence and financial need. It includes four award streams:
- Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award — The most prestigious. For students with exceptional academic records AND demonstrated financial need. Renewable and covers tuition plus a living allowance.
- Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award — Need-based award for students from countries with limited educational resources.
- International Impact Award — Recognizes students who demonstrate significant leadership potential.
- Vantage One Excellence Award — For students entering through UBC’s Vantage One pathway program.
Important note: Students cannot choose which award they receive. The selection committee determines the award based on your profile. Approximately 50 students are selected annually across the program.
Application deadline: Typically in mid-November each year (check the official UBC website for the latest update each cycle).
4. International Community Achievement Award
Available to continuing international undergraduate students, this award recognizes those who contribute to campus and community life while maintaining strong academic standing. Awards of up to $10,000 each are available annually.
Eligibility:
- Continuing international student in a four-year undergraduate program at UBC Vancouver
- Studying on a Canadian study permit
- Demonstrated leadership in community, campus, or extracurricular activities
UBC Undergraduate Scholarships for Domestic (Canadian) Students
Domestic students have access to a wide range of UBC undergraduate scholarships, many of which require no application at all.
5. Trek Excellence Scholarship
One of the most well-known automatic awards for continuing domestic students at UBC Vancouver. Each year, eligible continuing students who rank in the top academic tier of their faculty are automatically considered.
6. Premier Undergraduate Scholarships and Wesbrook Scholar Designations
These are UBC’s most prestigious designations, awarded to senior undergraduate students with outstanding academic performance, leadership, and involvement in student and community activities.
Award amounts:
- 20 Wesbrook Scholar designations each worth $1,000
- Renewable scholarships worth up to $20,000 over two years
Eligibility:
- Currently in the third, fourth, or fifth year of a baccalaureate program
- Rank academically in the top 10% of your year level and awarding faculty
- Demonstrate strong leadership, teamwork skills, and community participation
- Have studied at UBC Vancouver during the two previous winter sessions
Application: By invitation only. Eligible students receive an email in late August or early September.
7. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Scholarship (UBC Okanagan)
Awarded to continuing domestic undergraduate students entering second, third, or fourth year at UBC’s Okanagan campus. Based on academic achievement in the previous year.
- Top 10% of continuing domestic students: award valued at up to $1,000
- Top 20% of continuing domestic Indigenous students: award valued at up to $1,000
No application required — all eligible continuing students are automatically considered.
Faculty-Specific Awards
Each faculty at UBC offers additional scholarship opportunities. For example:
- Faculty of Arts: The William and Nona Heaslip Foundation offers $15,000 per year (renewable for up to 3 years) to eligible domestic undergraduate students entering Year 2 who hold government student loans and demonstrate outstanding community involvement.
- Faculty of Applied Science (Engineering): Renewable entrance scholarships of $2,500–$10,000 each are offered annually to outstanding domestic or international students entering first-year engineering, renewable for up to three years.
UBC Undergraduate Scholarships: Full Comparison Table
| Scholarship | Amount | Who It’s For | Application Required | Renewable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) | $10,000–$25,000/year | International students (new) | No – automatic | Yes (up to 4 years) |
| Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award | $10,000–$25,000 (one-time) | International students (new) | No – automatic | No |
| Karen McKellin Int’l Leader of Tomorrow Award | Covers tuition + living | International students with financial need | Yes – by Nov each year | Yes |
| Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award | Varies | Int’l students from under-resourced countries | Yes – by Nov each year | Yes |
| Premier Undergraduate Scholarship | Up to $20,000 over 2 years | 3rd–5th year domestic/int’l students | Yes – by invitation | Renewable |
| Wesbrook Scholar Designation | $1,000 | Senior undergrads (top 10%) | Yes – by invitation | No |
| Trek Excellence Scholarship | Varies | Continuing domestic students | No – automatic | Annual review |
| DVC Scholarship (UBCO) | Up to $1,000 | Continuing domestic students (UBCO) | No – automatic | Annual review |
| International Community Achievement Award | Up to $10,000 | Continuing international students | Yes | No |
| Faculty of Arts – Heaslip Foundation | $15,000/year (up to 3 years) | Domestic students, Year 2 Arts | Yes | Yes (up to 3 years) |
| Engineering Entrance Scholarship | $2,500–$10,000/year | New engineering students | No – automatic | Yes (up to 4 years) |
Eligibility Requirements
While each UBC undergraduate scholarship has specific criteria, the following general requirements apply across most awards:
Academic Requirements:
- Most entrance scholarships require a strong academic record from secondary school or post-secondary studies
- For continuing student awards, a minimum average of 75%–80% is typically required (some prestige awards require top 10% standing in your faculty)
- English proficiency must be demonstrated: TOEFL iBT minimum 90 overall (with 22 reading, 22 listening, 21 speaking, 21 writing); IELTS Academic minimum 6.5 overall
Extracurricular Requirements:
- Community involvement, leadership roles, or athletic achievement are valued for most merit-based awards
- Some awards specifically require a connection to athletics, specific geographic regions, or demographic groups
Enrollment Requirements:
- Students must be registered in a minimum of 24 percentage-graded credits during both terms of the Winter Session (or an approved reduced course load)
- International students must hold a valid Canadian study permit
- Some awards require enrollment specifically at UBC Vancouver vs. UBC Okanagan — read award descriptions carefully
Financial Need:
- Need-based and hybrid awards require documentation of financial need; many are linked to government student loan status
- Need-based bursaries are assessed separately from merit scholarships
How to Apply for UBC Undergraduate Scholarships
The application process for UBC undergraduate scholarships depends on whether the award is automatic or application-based.
Step 1: Apply to UBC on Time
For entrance scholarships — including IMES and OIS — the most important step is applying to UBC by the admissions deadline, typically January 15 each year. Meeting this deadline automatically puts you in consideration for most merit-based entrance awards.
Step 2: Complete Your Personal Profile
Log in to the UBC application portal, complete your personal profile fully, and include accurate information about academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and leadership experiences. Award evaluations for merit-based scholarships are based on this profile.
Step 3: Submit Language Proficiency Documents
Submit documents showing you meet UBC’s minimum English Language Admission Standard by February 15 each year.
Step 4: Watch for Scholarship Notifications
Scholarship decisions for IMES and OIS are made between mid-February and the end of April. Only successful recipients receive notification. Award offers are final, and recipients typically have until their admissions acceptance deadline (usually May 1) to accept.
Step 5: Apply Separately for Competitive Programs
For awards like the International Scholars Program (Karen McKellin, Wehrung, etc.), a separate application is required. The process typically involves:
- Creating an account on the International Scholars Program portal
- Completing the program application (typically due in mid-November each year)
- Applying to UBC for admission before the UBC admissions deadline
- Award results are typically communicated around mid-April
Step 6: Respond to Faculty Invitations
For prestige awards like the Premier Undergraduate Scholarship and Wesbrook Scholars, eligible students receive an invitation from their faculty in late August or early September. If invited, attend the information session and complete the application by the faculty deadline.
UBC Undergraduate Scholarships: Deadlines at a Glance
| Scholarship Type | Key Deadline |
|---|---|
| UBC Admissions Application (for automatic scholarship consideration) | January 15 each year |
| English Proficiency Documents | February 15 each year |
| International Scholars Program Application | Mid-November each year |
| IMES / OIS Award Notifications | Mid-February to end of April |
| Premier / Wesbrook Invitation | Late August/early September |
| Premier / Wesbrook Application | October–November (after invitation) |
| International Community Achievement Award | Check UBC Student Services each year |
| Faculty-specific awards | Varies by faculty (typically October–November) |
Tips to Win a UBC Undergraduate Scholarship
1. Apply Early The earlier you submit your UBC application, the more time evaluators have to review your profile. Some awards are competitive and time-sensitive.
2. Build a Strong Extracurricular Profile Academic achievement alone may not be enough for the most prestigious awards. Leadership roles, community service, athletics, and international experiences all strengthen your application considerably.
3. Never Miss Deadlines UBC scholarship decisions happen on a strict annual timeline. Missing the UBC admissions deadline means missing automatic consideration for IMES and OIS awards.
4. Apply for Multiple Awards Many UBC undergraduate scholarships can be held simultaneously. Apply for every award for which you are eligible — both automatic and application-based.
5. Know Your Faculty’s Awards In addition to university-wide scholarships, individual faculties — Arts, Engineering, Science, Commerce, and others — offer their own dedicated awards. Check your faculty’s awards page each year for the latest update.
6. Update Your SIN or ITN Early If you receive an award, UBC issues a T4A tax form. Make sure your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Individual Tax Number (ITN) is updated in Workday as soon as possible, as it can take up to two months to process an ITN.
7. Maximize the Characteristics Essay For the UBC Centennial Scholars Award and similar entrance awards, your characteristics essay (written as part of your general UBC application) is critical. Be specific, genuine, and connect your experiences to UBC’s community values.
What People Also Ask
Q: Does UBC give scholarships to international students? Yes. UBC devotes more than $35 million annually to financial support for international undergraduate students. Key scholarships include the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES), the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award, and the UBC International Scholars Program. Most international students are automatically considered for IMES and OIS upon applying to UBC by the admissions deadline.
Q: What GPA do you need for a UBC scholarship? Requirements vary by award. For entrance scholarships like IMES and OIS, no fixed GPA cutoff is published — selection is holistic, considering both academics and extracurricular involvement. For continuing student awards like the Premier Undergraduate Scholarship, students must typically rank in the top 10% of their year and faculty. Faculty-specific in-course awards generally require a minimum average between 75% and 80%.
Q: How hard is it to get a UBC scholarship? Automatic awards like IMES and OIS are competitive but accessible — you are automatically considered with no additional steps if you apply by the deadline. Prestige programs like the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award or the Premier Undergraduate Scholarship are highly selective, with only a small number of recipients chosen each year from a large pool of qualified applicants.
Q: Are UBC scholarships renewable? Many are. The IMES is renewable for up to three additional years (four years total), subject to continued scholarship standing. The Premier Undergraduate Scholarship is a two-year renewable award. Faculty-specific awards like the Heaslip Foundation award are renewable for up to three years. Single-year awards like the OIS and Wesbrook designation are one-time awards.
Q: Do I need to apply separately for UBC scholarships? It depends on the award. Most entrance scholarships — including IMES and OIS — require no separate application; you are automatically considered when you apply to UBC. However, competitive programs like the International Scholars Program and the Premier Undergraduate Scholarship require separate applications or invitation-based submissions.
Q: Can domestic students get UBC scholarships? Absolutely. UBC offers extensive scholarships for domestic (Canadian) students, including the Trek Excellence Scholarship, Premier Undergraduate Scholarships, Wesbrook Scholars designation, and the DVC Scholarship at UBC Okanagan. Many domestic faculty-specific awards are also available each year.
Q: What is the most prestigious UBC undergraduate scholarship? The Premier Undergraduate Scholarship is widely considered UBC’s most prestigious undergraduate designation for senior students. For incoming students, the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award and the Centennial Scholars Entrance Award are among the most competitive and prestigious.
Q: Does UBC give full scholarships? UBC does not offer a universal “full ride” scholarship for all students. However, the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award covers tuition and provides a living allowance, effectively functioning as a comprehensive scholarship package for selected recipients. The Centennial Scholars Entrance Award can provide up to $80,000 over four years, making it one of the closest equivalents to a full scholarship UBC offers.
If you found this guide on UBC undergraduate scholarships helpful, explore these related resources on LicensureHub:
- UVic Scholarships: The Ultimate Guide to Securing Funding — A comprehensive look at University of Victoria scholarships, including automatic entrance awards and graduate funding options.
- Ottawa University Scholarships: Your Complete Guide to Funding — Covers automatic admission awards, international student funding, and graduate aid at Canada’s largest bilingual university.
- BC Achievement Scholarship: How to Get $1,250 Easily — This provincial scholarship is automatically awarded to the top graduating students in British Columbia — a must-read before you apply to UBC.
- RBC Royal Bank Scholarships: 5+ Programs & $1.5M+ in Funding — Explore RBC’s Ignite, Elevate, and Reimagine scholarships for Canadian students preparing for post-secondary education.
- Canada Graduate Research Scholarship: 5 Powerful Secrets — If you plan to continue to graduate school after your UBC undergraduate degree, this is the most important funding opportunity you need to know.
For the most accurate, current information on UBC undergraduate scholarships, consult these authoritative official sources:
- UBC Student Services – Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries (DoFollow): https://students.ubc.ca/finances/awards-scholarships-bursaries/ — The official central hub for all UBC award types, eligibility rules, and application links.
- UBC Undergraduate Admissions – Scholarships for International Students (DoFollow): https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/ — Full details on IMES, OIS, International Scholars Program, and Vantage One awards.
- Universities Canada – Scholarship Partners Portal (DoFollow): https://portal.scholarshippartners.ca/ — A national directory of scholarship programs in Canada, including awards accessible to UBC-bound students from various provinces.
Final Thoughts
UBC undergraduate scholarships represent one of the most robust financial support systems in Canadian higher education. Whether you are a high-achieving international student applying from abroad, a domestic student from British Columbia, or a continuing student already enrolled at UBC, there is very likely a scholarship or award for which you qualify — and many of them require no application at all.
The key is knowing the system. Apply to UBC on time, build a strong academic and extracurricular profile, and check both the university-wide and faculty-specific award listings each year for the latest update. For the most competitive awards, start preparing your leadership narrative and community involvement record well before you apply.
UBC undergraduate scholarships are awarded to students who show they are more than just high grades — they are scholars, leaders, and community contributors. If that describes you, use this guide to take the next step and secure the funding you deserve.
Disclaimer: Scholarship amounts, deadlines, and eligibility criteria are subject to change each academic year. Always verify the latest information directly through UBC’s official student services and admissions pages before applying.
