An Insight into the Prestigious International Scholars Program at UBC

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of Canada’s most renowned institutions for higher education. Ranked among the top 40 universities worldwide, UBC prides itself on providing a globally-focused learning experience through international diversity on its campuses.

To promote its vision of global engagement, UBC offers an outstanding scholarship opportunity called the International Scholars Program. Through this program, exceptional international students can earn substantial multi-year awards to cover their tuition fees and living expenses at UBC.

In this article, we explore the International Scholars Program in detail, including its award categories, eligibility criteria, application process and deadlines. By understanding this program well, ambitious international students can position themselves to take full advantage of such impactful scholarships.

An Overview of the Program

The International Scholars Program at UBC distributes approximately 50 prestigious need-and-merit-based awards to international undergraduates each year across 4 award categories. These include:

• Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
• Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
• International Impact Award
• Vantage One Excellence Award

The awards recognize high-achieving students who demonstrate leadership, overcome challenges, commit to sustainability issues or require financial assistance to study at UBC.

The total value of each scholarship depends on the student’s assessed financial need but can cover tuition, fees and living costs for up to 4 years of undergraduate study. This makes UBC education fully funded for deserving scholars.

Let’s look at each award category in more detail:

1. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

This award is for students showing exemplary academic success as well as leadership abilities that empower and support others through teamwork, empathy and communication. Priority goes to those actively engaged in their communities.

2. Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

Targeted at international applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds who have strived for excellence despite facing hardships like poverty or conflict. It aims to help students unable to afford university otherwise.

3. International Impact Award

Prioritizes students demonstrating a strong personal commitment to creating solutions in sustainability, climate change, conservation, social justice or community health. Preference is given to first-generation learners from diverse experiences.

4. Vantage One Excellence Award

This award is exclusively for students who do not currently meet UBC’s direct-entry English language requirements but qualify for the UBC Vantage College English pathway program instead.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for any award under this program, applicants must:

• Be an international student studying in Canada on a valid study permit
• Be applying to their first undergraduate degree at UBC (except few named programs)
• Have graduated high school 2 years prior to applying at most
• Meet UBC’s general admission requirements
• Demonstrate consistent academic excellence (usually a GPA of 3.9/4.0 or higher)
• Prove their financial need through a needs assessment process

Additional criteria may apply based on the specific award category. The application process is generally very competitive with stringent eligibility checkpoints.

Application Process

There is no separate application form – students first apply for undergraduate admission to UBC. Additionally:

• Applications must be submitted by the deadlines of November 15th and December 1st
• Applicants need to be nominated by their high school or non-profit organization
• An academic reference letter from a teacher/counselor is required
• UBC will automatically consider eligible candidates for relevant awards
• Admission to UBC must also be confirmed by the respective application deadline

If selected, the multi-year scholarship will renew automatically each year as long as the student remains in good academic standing and continues demonstrating financial need.

Other Key Points

A few other noteworthy points about this prestigious funding opportunity:

• Over $10 million is committed annually by UBC for such international scholarships
• Awards can help students from all faculties except a select few programs
• The program aims to attract high-achieving students globally to UBC
• It forms a key part of UBC’s commitment to global learning and diversity
• Detailed application guidelines are on the official UBC International website

In Conclusion

The International Scholars Program is undoubtedly one of the most competitive and lucrative scholarship programs for international undergrads wishing to study at the world-renowned UBC campus.

With awards assessing both merit and need, it helps level the field for talented applicants who may otherwise lack financial means. Those with the right credentials stand to gain tremendous value both academic and financial from this opportunity.

International students serious about their education at UBC should definitely explore applying for this program. With early preparation and a strong application, it can be life-changing to realize one’s dream of a Canadian university experience.