Canada • Undergraduate • International Students
UBC’s flagship need- and merit-based entrance awards for exceptional international students. Below you’ll find the award categories, eligibility, the nomination + referee process, and the exact 2026/27 deadlines—plus a step-by-step plan and checklist.
Award categories (you’re auto-considered for those you qualify for)
For students with superior academics and demonstrated leadership & positive impact. Award size is matched to financial need (tuition + mandatory fees + living costs, minus family contribution). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
For outstanding students from impoverished or war-torn regions who show excellence under challenging circumstances. Need-based (covers costs up to assessed need). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
For leadership and commitment to sustainability, climate, natural resources, social justice, equity & inclusion, or health & wellness.
For academically outstanding students who don’t yet meet UBC’s direct entry English standard; can fund up to the full cost of program + living.
Heads-up: If you apply for the International Scholars Program, you will not be considered for UBC’s merit-only entrance awards (IMES/OIS).{index=4}
Eligibility (must meet all)
- International student on a Canadian study permit; entering UBC from secondary school or transferring from first-year post-secondary; first undergraduate degree. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Significant financial need; UBC reviews detailed family income/assets/expenses. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Superior academic achievement (all As or equivalent) and program-specific admission + English standards. (If you don’t meet direct English, consider Vantage College.)
- Some degrees are not eligible (e.g., Nursing [both campuses], Dental Hygiene, Medical Laboratory Science, certain joint/dual degrees).
Timeline & deadlines (Winter Session 2026/27)
| Milestone | When | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-September | 2025 | Choose program & campus; you’ll be considered for awards for your first-choice program (still select a second). :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} |
| Late September → Early October | 2025 | Secure 1 nominator (counsellor/principal/administrator or registered non-profit) and 1 teacher referee (different people). Invite them in the awards portal. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} |
| By November 17 | 2025 | Submit International Scholars application. You can’t finish until both recommendation forms are submitted—ask them to finish a few days before Nov 17. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11} |
| By December 1 | 2025 | Submit UBC admissions application (required for award consideration). :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12} |
| By January 31 | 2026 | Upload required documents (transcripts, etc.). Your nominee deadline is Jan 31 (overrides the general auto-email). :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13} |
| Mid-April | 2026 | Watch email for results; residence deadline is May 1 (wait until decisions release). :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14} |
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Create your award account and invite your nominator + teacher referee. Follow up—your form can’t be submitted until both recommendations are in. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- Start your UBC admissions application (separate) and keep your program choices aligned with your award file. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- Prepare finances: gather family income/expense/asset details and use UBC’s cost estimator to calculate need. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- Draft the four short essays (~150–250 words each) on leadership, community impact, goals, and fit. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
- Submit by Nov 17 (award) and Dec 1 (UBC admissions); upload documents by Jan 31. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Do not dual-apply: If you enter the International Scholars competition, you’ll not be considered for merit-only IMES/OIS. Decide your route first
Documents checklist
- Contact details for 1 nominator + 1 teacher referee
- Family financial data (income, expenses, assets)
- Activities, awards, and four short essays
- Transcripts/certificates (per your curriculum)
- English language proof (or Vantage College route)
- Program-specific items, where required
How award value is set (need-based): UBC assesses your tuition + mandatory fees + living costs and subtracts your family’s annual contribution to determine your award value. (Examples shown in program nomination guides.) :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
FAQs (short & straight)
Which award should I pick?
You don’t pick. UBC automatically considers you for any categories you’re eligible for (KMILOT, DAWISA, International Impact, Vantage One Excellence). :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
What if I don’t meet UBC’s English standard?
Apply via Vantage College; the Vantage One Excellence Award can fund up to the full cost of program + living for top
Can I also get IMES or OIS?
No—International Scholars applicants aren’t considered for merit-only IMES/OIS entrance awards. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
When do I hear back?
Decisions are released in mid-April (watch your email). :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
Final word: Line up your nominator and teacher referee early, organise your finances, and submit the award file by Nov 17, UBC application by Dec 1, and documents by Jan 31. If English is the blocker, route through Vantage and still apply now.
• Always verify details on UBC’s official pages before submitting.