The University of British Columbia (UBC), one of Canada’s top-ranked universities, offers the International Scholars Program for 2026 Winter Session. This highly competitive program is designed for outstanding international undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership skills, and significant financial need.

Through this program, UBC provides life-changing opportunities for international students to pursue their undergraduate education while receiving strong financial and academic support.

Why Choose UBC’s International Scholars Program?

• UBC is 1 of those universities that are consistently ranked among the top 40 institution globally
• Access to a globally recognized undergraduate degree in diverse fields of study
• Dedicated advising and mentorship support for international scholars
• Full or partial financial coverage based on need and merit
• An opportunity to study in beautiful Vancouver, Canada – a global hub for innovation, diversity, and research

Eligibility Criteria

If you want to score the UBC International Scholars Program 2026 Winter Session, keep in mind the following requirements:

• You must be an international student who will study in Canada on a study permit
• Entering directly from an accredited secondary school, or transferring after the first year of university/college
• Must have graduated from high school no earlier than November 2024
• Applying for their first undergraduate degree
• Must show significant financial need – unable to attend UBC without financial support
• Demonstrate exceptional academic performance (straight A’s or equivalent)
• Meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard (or apply through Vantage College if not yet eligible)

Award Categories Under UBC International Scholars Program

UBC automatically considers applicants for the following awards:

1. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

• Recognizes exceptional leadership qualities and academic excellence
• This especially focuses on those students who have a strong community engagement and service experience already

2. Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

• For students from impoverished or conflict-affected regions
• Aimed at candidates with proven resilience, academic strength, and leadership potential

3. International Impact Award

• This award recognizes students who have made significant contributions in areas such as sustainability, social justice, equity, climate change, or health and wellness.
• Preference is given to first-generation students and individuals from diverse backgrounds.

4. Vantage One Excellence Award

• Designed for outstanding students who do not yet meet UBC’s English admission standards
• Covers full tuition and living costs at UBC Vantage College
• Emphasizes leadership, community service, and academic achievement

Scholarship Value and Benefits

The award value depends on financial need and may cover:

• Full or partial tuition fees
• Living expenses, accommodation, and health insurance
• Academic resources and advising support

UBC calculates the award value by assessing family income, expenses, and external funding availability.

Application Timeline for 2026 Winter Session

• Mid-September 2025 – Applications open
• November 15, 2025 – Deadline to submit International Scholars Program application
• December 1, 2025 – Deadline to apply for admission to UBC
• January 31, 2026 – Deadline to submit all required academic documents
• Mid-April 2026 – Award decision notifications released
• May 1, 2026 – Deadline to apply for UBC Housing

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and upload the following:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivation Letter (Statement of Purpose)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• You should have proficient English with evidence of language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL, if applicable)
• Financial documents showing family income and assets
• Reference letters (school teachers or community leaders)
• High school graduation certificates (if available)

How to Apply

1. First you need to complete the applicationof International Scholars Program before deadline hits.
2. Apply for admission to UBC online before December 1.
3. Lastly, gather all needed academic and financial documents and submit them by January 31.

Comparison of UBC International Scholars Program 2026

Feature	UBC International Scholars Program	Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (Toronto)	York University Global Leader of Tomorrow
University	University of British Columbia	University of Toronto	York University
Study Level	Undergraduate	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Award Type	Need-and-merit based	Full tuition + living costs	Partial tuition
Eligibility	International students, leadership, strong academics, financial need	Exceptional academics, creativity, leadership	Strong academics, leadership, financial need
Application Deadline	Nov 15, 2025	Jan 2026 (exact TBA)	Feb 2026 (exact TBA)
Duration	Up to 4 years	Up to 4 years	Up to 4 years

FAQs About UBC International Scholars Program 2026

1. Who should apply for UBC International Scholars Program 2026?
   International students applying for their first undergraduate degree with financial need and high academic standing.
2. Q2: What is the deadline for 2026 Winter Session?
   The deadline is November 15, 2025, for the scholarship application and December 1, 2025, for UBC admission.
3. Q3: Is the scholarship fully funded?
   Yes, it can cover full tuition and living costs depending on financial need.
4. Q4: Do I need IELTS/TOEFL?
   Yes, eligibility applies except in cases where applicants are applying via UBC Vantage College under the Vantage One Excellence Award.
5. Q5: If I already have a degree, should I apply for this opportunity as well?
   No, only first-time undergraduate students are eligible.
6. Q6: What types of awards are available?
   Four awards: Karen McKellin Award, Donald A. Wehrung Award, International Impact Award, and Vantage One Excellence Award.
7. Q7: When will I get the results for UBC International Scholarship 2026?
   By mid-April 2026 via email.
8. Q8: Do I need to apply separately for each award?
   No, you will get an automatic consideration for all awards you qualify for.
9. Q9: Is financial need mandatory?
   Yes, only students with proven financial need will be considered.
10. Q10: How long does the award last?
    It can cover the entire undergraduate program (up to 4 years) as long as academic standards are maintained.

The 2026 UBC International Scholars Program in Canada is a fully funded award for outstanding international undergraduate students. Prepare your documents and APPLY NOW.