Have you ever dreamed of attending one of the most prestigious universities in Canada or the world? The University of British Columbia (UBC) provides scholarships and awards to students who exhibit academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and financial need. If you’re ready to apply and want to increase your chances of success, check out these helpful tips and follow the steps below:
Overview of the University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia (UBC) has two Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia campuses. It is a public research university founded in 1908 and is considered the oldest university in British Columbia. UBC is a distinguished institution consistently ranked among the top universities in the world.
UBC offers over 600 undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines. The university has 62,000 students, including 52,000 undergraduates and 10,000 graduate students. UBC also has a large international student population, with students from over 140 countries.
UBC is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian research universities. The U15 is a consortium of Canada’s top research universities, collectively accounting for over 70% of all research funding in Canada.
UBC is a global leader in research and education. The university has a strong reputation for excellence in various disciplines, including medicine, engineering, business, law, and the arts.
Please read more on HOW TO GET ADMISSION INTO THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA.
Scholarship opportunities at the University of British Columbia
Some of the notable scholarships and awards from UBC include:
- Vantage One Excellence Award: This information is intended for international students accepted into the UBC Vantage College program. This program is designed for students who have yet to meet the English language requirements for direct admission to UBC. The award will cover the tuition and fees for the first year of study.
- Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award: This opportunity is intended for international students from politically unstable or war-torn regions who have shown academic excellence despite challenging circumstances. With financial aid, these students would be able to attend university. The award will cover all expenses for the recipient’s studies, including tuition fees and living costs.
- International Leader of Tomorrow Award: This opportunity is available for international students with exceptional academic performance, leadership abilities, active participation in student activities and community service, and notable accomplishments in other significant areas. The award covers the difference between the tuition and fees for international students and the tuition and fees for domestic students for the duration of the study.
- Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship (GDES): This is for domestic and international students admitted to a full-time thesis-based master’s or doctoral program at UBC. The award provides a one-time payment of $5,000 to help with the initial costs of starting graduate studies.
- Rio Tinto Alcan Research Fellowships: These are for domestic and international students who are pursuing doctoral research in areas related to aluminum production, fabrication, recycling, or environmental issues. The fellowships provide $18,000 annually for up to four years of study.
- International Major Entrance Scholarships are for exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs at UBC. The scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years of study. The number and level of these scholarships vary depending on available funding.
- International Tuition Awards are for international students enrolled in a full-time research-based master’s or doctoral program at UBC. The awards reduce the tuition fee to the level charged for domestic students. The awards are renewable for up to two years for master’s students and four years for doctoral students.
- SERB-UBC Scholarship: The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) of India and UBC have collaborated to offer support to Indian citizens who are interested in pursuing doctoral studies in science and engineering at UBC. The scholarship covers the total tuition, fees, and living expenses for up to four years of study.

How to get a scholarship at the University of British Columbia
Eligibility requirements
Scholarships at the University of British Columbia come in different types, levels, and sources, and they all have additional eligibility requirements. Although variations may exist, most scholarships have standard criteria for qualifying applicants. Here are some general qualifications that you should know about:
- You must be an international student studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit (student visa). Some scholarships may also be open to domestic students or students with other licenses.
- You must apply for or enroll in an undergraduate or graduate program at UBC. Some scholarships may be specific to certain faculties, departments, or programs.
- You must have a superior academic record and demonstrate academic excellence in your previous studies. Meeting specific academic criteria, such as maintaining a minimum GPA, might be necessary to qualify for particular scholarships.
- To be eligible for financial assistance to pursue a degree at UBC, you must demonstrate a genuine financial need that would otherwise prevent you from doing so. Some scholarships may require you to submit a financial profile or statement to show your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
- You must have exceptional leadership skills, involvement in student affairs, community service involvement, and recognized achievement in other key areas. Some scholarships may require you to submit a personal statement, letters of recommendation, resume, portfolio, or samples to showcase your qualities and achievements.
Relevant documents
When applying for scholarships at the University of British Columbia (UBC), the required documents can differ depending on the scholarship you’re going for. However, there are some usual suspects that you might need to prepare. These can include:
- Official transcripts: Official transcripts from your high school or college are required. Please ensure that you provide them. These transcripts should show your grades, credits, and any honors or awards you have received.
- Letters of recommendation: Two reference letters from instructors, guidance counselors, or other experts who can speak to your academic and personal qualities are required to complete your application.
- Personal statement: To apply for the scholarship, it is crucial to compose a personal statement that outlines your motivation for seeking the scholarship and how you intend to utilize the awarded funds.
- Financial aid documentation: When applying for a scholarship based on financial need, it is necessary to submit documentation that demonstrates your current financial situation. This may include tax returns, bank statements, or other financial documents.
- Other documents: Depending on the specific scholarship, you may also be required to submit additional documents, such as a portfolio of your work, a video, or an essay.
Opening and Closing dates
Are you curious about the scholarship opportunities at the University of British Columbia (UBC)? These scholarships’ opening and closing dates vary depending on the specific one, but there are some general deadlines to keep in mind.
- Early October: The application for UBC undergraduate scholarships opens in early October.
- November 15: The deadline to apply for most UBC undergraduate scholarships is November 15.
- December 1: Please note that the deadline to apply for the Presidential Scholars Awards and UBC Centennial Scholars Entrance Awards is December 1.
- January 15: The deadline to apply for some UBC graduate scholarships is January 15.
Scholarship application process
If you’re interested in applying for a scholarship at the University of British Columbia (UBC), keep a few things in mind. The steps for applying for a scholarship may differ depending on the specific scholarship, but certain guidelines should be followed.
- Identify scholarships: The first step is to identify scholarships that you are eligible for. You can do this by visiting the UBC Scholarships website or talking to your school counselor.
- Gather materials: Once you have identified some scholarships, you must gather the necessary materials. This may include official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and financial aid documentation.
- Complete the application: The next step is to complete the scholarship application. This application typically asks about your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and financial needs.
- Apply: After finishing the application, submitting it before the deadline is necessary.
- Wait for the decision: The final step is to wait for the decision from the scholarship committee. Usually, you will receive a notification about the decision via email or mail.

Helpful Tips
Here are some additional tips for the scholarship application process:
- Start early: The best time to start thinking about scholarships is as early as possible. This gives you ample time to gather the necessary materials and submit your application before the deadline.
- Please read the instructions carefully: It is important to thoroughly comprehend all the guidelines outlined in the scholarship application. This includes the eligibility requirements, the deadline, and the application format.
- Proofread your application: It is advisable to thoroughly check it for any mistakes before submitting it. This will help ensure that your application is professional and polished.
- Ask for help: If you need help filling out your scholarship application, feel free to seek assistance from a teacher, counselor, or another trustworthy adult.
FAQs
What types of scholarships does the University of British Columbia (UBC) offer?
UBC offers a wide range of scholarships, including merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, entrance scholarships for incoming students, international scholarships, scholarships for specific faculties or programs, athletic scholarships, and more.
How can I apply for scholarships at UBC?
The application process for scholarships at UBC may vary depending on the type of scholarship. Most scholarships require students to submit an online application, which can be found on the UBC Scholarships website. Some scholarships may require additional documents or reference letters.
Are scholarships available for international students at UBC?
Yes, UBC offers scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships may be based on academic achievements, leadership abilities, community involvement, or financial need. International students are encouraged to explore the UBC International Scholarships website for more information and application requirements.
Are there scholarships available for graduate students at UBC?
Yes, UBC offers scholarships and funding options for graduate students as well. Graduate students may be eligible for scholarships based on academic merits, research potential, or financial need.
What are the eligibility criteria for scholarships at UBC?
The eligibility criteria for scholarships at UBC can vary depending on the specific scholarship. Some scholarships may have specific academic requirements, while others may consider extracurricular activities, leadership qualities, or financial needs.
What are the eligibility criteria for scholarships at UBC?
The deadlines for UBC scholarships can vary depending on the type of scholarship. Some scholarships have application deadlines in December or January, while others may have deadlines throughout the year.
Are there renewable scholarships at UBC?
UBC offers renewable scholarships awarded for multiple years of study based on certain criteria, such as maintaining a specific academic standing or meeting particular requirements.
Can I apply for scholarships after being admitted to UBC?
Some scholarships at UBC require applicants to have already been offered admission to the university, while others may be available to prospective and current students. Reviewing the specific requirements for each scholarship to determine if it can be applied for after admission is recommended.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at UBC?
Yes, students can apply for multiple scholarships at UBC as long as they fulfill the eligibility criteria for each scholarship. It is recommended to thoroughly review each scholarship’s requirements and customize your applications accordingly.
How competitive are scholarships at UBC?
Scholarship competition at UBC can vary depending on the specific scholarship and the number of qualified applicants. Some scholarships may be more competitive than others, especially ones that are highly prestigious or offer substantial financial support. However, UBC provides a range of scholarships to cater to the diverse student population.