UBC International Scholars Program 2025 in Canada | Apply Now

Marcel IfeanyichukwuNovember 5, 2024

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The UBC International Scholars Program 2025 in Canada provides fully funded scholarships to deserving international students. This esteemed program seeks to honor gifted people who exhibit a dedication to social improvement, leadership potential, and academic excellence. Full financial support, including tuition, living expenses, and other expenditures, is provided to successful applicants for the duration of their studies at the University of British Columbia. This program, which is open to students worldwide, offers a special chance to attend a top university.

In order to be eligible for the UBC International Scholars Program 2025, candidates need to fulfill certain requirements. These include proving their academic ability, financial need, and a proven track record of community service and leadership. Candidates are assessed by UBC according to their accomplishments and efforts to improve society. The scholarship is extremely competitive, and candidates must include reference letters, personal statements, and transcripts with their application.

Although the UBC International Scholars Program 2025 application procedure is simple, it necessitates careful planning. To be admitted, prospective students must first apply to the University of British Columbia. Eligible applicants are considered for the award after completing their UBC application, as long as they have the required supporting documentation. This program’s fully funded status makes it a desirable choice for elite students from around the world looking for a life-changing educational experience in Canada.

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The UBC International Scholars Program awards

International Scholars Program

The UBC International Scholars Program is a prestigious scholarship initiative by the University of British Columbia (UBC) designed to attract and support talented international students from around the world. It provides substantial financial aid, academic resources, and professional development opportunities to exceptional students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to social impact.

The program supports scholars financially, allowing them to focus on their education and future goals while studying in one of Canada’s most renowned institutions. Additionally, UBC’s scholars benefit from mentorship, research opportunities, and access to a global network, helping them prepare for impactful careers and lifelong learning.

The program includes (4) main awards:

1. Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

This prize honors exceptional international undergraduate students from underdeveloped or conflict-affected regions who have excelled academically in the face of adversity and who would not be able to pursue further education without substantial financial support. Pupils ought to exhibit leadership capacity and a genuine desire to improve their communities.

2. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

This award honors outstanding incoming international undergraduate students who excel academically and exhibit outstanding leadership abilities that uplift and empower others through cooperation, compassion, and attentive listening. It honors students who have achieved noteworthy success in other academic or extracurricular endeavors and who have positively impacted the community via their participation in various school and community service projects and activities.

3. International Impact Award

This award is given to outstanding students who have shown leadership, dedication, and solutions for climate change and sustainability, the conservation and management of natural resources, social justice, equity, and inclusion, or the health and well-being of society. First-generation students and those with a variety of life experiences are given preference.

4. Vantage One Excellence Award

Academically exceptional international students who do not yet achieve the English Language Admission Standard for direct admission to UBC are eligible to receive this prize from UBC Vantage College. The grants might cover a student’s living expenses and the entire cost of their academic program. Leadership abilities, significant participation in student affairs and community service, and noteworthy success in other academic or extracurricular endeavors are all expected of students.

The UBC International Scholars Program Qualification Requirements for 2025:

International students who intend to study in Canada with a Canadian study permit are required to apply.
Candidates must be transferring from their first year at a post-secondary college or another university, or joining UBC from an accredited secondary school.
At most, one year before the academic year for which they are applying, applicants must have completed high school. For instance, candidates must have completed high school by November 2023 in order to be considered for the 2025 Winter session.
Candidates have to be pursuing their first undergraduate degree.
Candidates must exhibit exceptional academic performance.
A demonstration of financial necessity that would otherwise prohibit completing a UBC degree must be shown by applicants. With the merit-based International Major Entrance Scholarships and Outstanding International Student Awards, UBC automatically considers all international students. Applying to the International Scholars Program is an option if these prizes are insufficient to meet your tuition and basic living expenses.
The English Language Admission Standard and other general and degree-specific requirements must be met by applicants to be admitted to UBC.

Candidates will be given consideration for the Vantage One Excellence Award if:

For direct admission to UBC, applicants must not meet the English Language Admission Standard, but all other eligibility requirements remain the same.
The English proficiency standards for Vantage College are one of the prerequisites for admission to UBC Vantage College.
Applicants must have just gotten out of high school.
Applicants have to be starting their undergraduate studies in the Vantage One Program at UBC.

Please note: If you apply for the International Scholars Program, you will not be eligible for merit-based incentives like the International Major Entrance Scholarship and the Outstanding International Student Award.

Application Procedures for the UBC International Scholars Program 2025?

international students ubc

Applying to the UBC International Scholars Program involves multiple steps, so it’s essential to be organized and proactive:

Verify the International Scholars Program application page.

2. Choose the academic program you wish to pursue and the campus that you favor.

- You will be considered based on your program of choice for the International Scholars Program prizes. Although you can still choose a second-choice program, only your first-choice program will be considered for the award.
- The following degrees are not eligible for UBC International Scholars Program grants, so please keep that in mind while choosing your degree: UBC Okanagan Degrees such as Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor + Master of Management, dual degrees, joint degrees with UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver, and joint degrees with other post-secondary schools are also available.

3. You must have a recommendation from your school or non-profit organization and an academic reference in order to apply for the UBC International Scholars Program.

- Verify that the non-profit or your school can nominate you. A single high school, college, or university may submit one student for UBC Okanagan and up to two students for UBC Vancouver, including Vantage College. A high school student associated with the non-profit organization is the only person eligible to be nominated. The number of nominations that a student’s school is allowed to submit will be determined by this nomination.
- Notify your academic referee and nominator that you would want to apply for the International Scholars Program and let them know that the application deadline is November 15. An academic referee, such as your teacher for your chosen field of study, should be someone who knows you and your work, and your nominator should be your school counselor or someone similar.

4. Compile the necessary financial data, together with any awards and notes on extracurricular activities.

5. Fill out the UBC International Scholars Program application and send it in by November 15th.

6. Your application for admission to UBC must be submitted by December 1st.

Tips for a Strong Application

Highlight instances where you took initiative, led projects or made an impact within your school or community.
Be authentic in describing your goals, aspirations, and the challenges you’ve overcome. Showcase why you’re passionate about studying at UBC and how you plan to contribute to the campus and community.
Select teachers or mentors who know you well and can speak about your strengths, work ethic, and potential for success at UBC.
Be transparent and clear in explaining your financial situation, detailing why this scholarship would make a difference in your education.

Key Benefits of the UBC International Scholars Program

The UBC International Scholars Program offers a range of benefits beyond financial support:

These scholarships pay for living expenses in addition to full tuition, depending on financial need.
Scholars at UBC have access to a wide range of research opportunities, academic resources, and internships. To help students develop skills that are ready for the workforce, the university also offers networking opportunities and mentoring.
A global community of motivated, enthusiastic students and alumni who are changing the world is joined by scholars. During and after college, the contacts made through this network can be quite beneficial.
The scholarships are renewable for a maximum of three more years of undergraduate study or until the student completes their degree, whichever comes first, as long as they maintain their Canadian study permit (visa), maintain satisfactory academic standing in their faculty, and continue to demonstrate financial need.

Application deadlines:

November 15: Send in your application for the International Scholars Program.
December 1: Apply online for admission to UBC (the scholarship will only be awarded for your first-choice degree).
January 31: Fulfill the requirements of UBC Vantage College for the Vantage One Excellence Award or UBC’s English Language Admission Standard for direct admission.
January 31: Don’t rely on the date in your “next steps” email; instead, submit all the documentation needed for admission to UBC.
Mid-April: Get informed if you’ve been selected for the scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How competitive is the UBC International Scholars Program, and what can make an application stand out?

The UBC International Scholars Program is very competitive, with applicants from all around the world contending for restricted slots. To distinguish, applicants should exhibit a good academic record, leadership experience, community involvement, and a clear commitment to social impact. Highlighting distinctive achievements, creating an authentic personal statement, and providing excellent recommendations can help boost an application.

2. What level of financial need must I demonstrate, and how does UBC assess financial need for this scholarship?

UBC conducts a detailed assessment procedure to determine an applicant’s financial need, based on the information supplied in the scholarship application. Applicants should present full verification of their financial position, including household income and spending. The scholarship amount is decided based on this assessment, covering the gap between what the applicant can pay and the actual cost of attendance.

3. Can I still receive the scholarship if I decide to switch my major or take a reduced course load?

While the scholarship normally permits flexibility in picking a major, adjustments should match UBC’s full-time attendance requirements. Scholars are expected to retain full-time status and show excellent academic progress. Major adjustments are normally tolerated, but a significant drop in course load or conversion to part-time status may compromise scholarship eligibility.

4. Does the UBC International Scholars Program provide ongoing support or resources beyond financial aid?

Actually, in addition to financial aid, UBC gives International Scholars access to academic guidance, mentorship programs, networking opportunities, leadership workshops, and unique events geared to enhance personal and professional growth. Scholars are urged to actively participate in these courses to enhance their UBC experience.

5. Is the scholarship renewable each year, and what requirements must I meet to keep it?

The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years or until the completion of a degree, providing the scholar maintains a solid academic record, proves continuous financial need, and continues in good standing with the university. Scholars should attempt to achieve any academic requirements and contribute to the UBC community to retain their scholarship.

In conclusion, ambitious overseas students looking for a top-notch education in Canada have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with the UBC International Scholars Program 2025. In addition to providing financial assistance, this program enables scholars to take advantage of UBC’s esteemed faculty, resources, and international networks while pursuing their academic objectives free from financial restraints. Students who enroll in this program join a vibrant community dedicated to social responsibility, leadership, and making a significant difference both on and off campus.

The program’s emphasis on community involvement, personal development, and academic performance equips students for prosperous, meaningful jobs in a world that is changing quickly. The UBC International Scholars Program is a fantastic starting point for anyone with the desire to change the world. If you fit the requirements, use this chance to apply, realize your potential, and join a motivating community committed to creating a better future.