The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a variety of UBC Scholarships and awards for both undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, community engagement, and to provide financial assistance to talented students from around the world. In this blog, we will delve into the different types of scholarships available at UBC, eligibility requirements, application processes, and much more.
Overview of University of British Columbia Scholarships
UBC Scholarships is committed to attracting and supporting outstanding students globally. Each year, the university provides over $30 million in financial assistance to international undergraduate students through various scholarships and awards programs. UBC’s scholarships aim to support students who demonstrate high academic achievement, leadership skills, and active community involvement. These awards help ease the financial burden on students, allowing them to focus on their studies and personal development at one of the top universities in the world.
Types of Scholarships Available at UBC
1. Undergraduate Scholarships
UBC offers several scholarships specifically for undergraduate students. These include merit-based awards, need-based awards, and awards that consider both merit and financial need. Some of the prominent scholarships include:
- International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES): This is a renewable scholarship for up to three years, awarded to exceptional international students entering their first year at UBC. IMES awards range from $10,000 to $20,000 per year and are based on demonstrated academic excellence and extracurricular involvement.
- Outstanding International Student Award (OIS): This is a one-time, merit-based scholarship given to qualified students upon admission to UBC. The OIS award amounts vary between $10,000 and $25,000, and the award is highly competitive.
- UBC International Scholars Program: This program includes several prestigious awards such as the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, the International Impact Award, and the Vantage One Excellence Award. These awards recognize students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, leadership skills, and a commitment to social justice, sustainability, and other global challenges.
2. Graduate Scholarships
Graduate students at UBC can access a wide array of UBC Scholarships and awards designed to support advanced studies and research. Some of these include:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: This prestigious scholarship supports doctoral students who demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences, and engineering, and health. UBC application deadlines typically fall in early September.
- Affiliated Fellowships: Available for both Master’s and Ph.D. students, these fellowships are awarded based on academic merit and research potential. The application deadlines for these awards usually fall in mid-September for doctoral students and early December for master’s students.
- International Community Achievement Awards: These awards are valued at $5,000 each and are available to international undergraduate students who have demonstrated leadership in community service, international engagement, intercultural understanding, and other areas of achievement.
Eligibility Requirements for UBC Scholarships
Eligibility for scholarships at UBC varies depending on the specific award:
- For Undergraduate Scholarships: Applicants must be new to UBC, entering directly from secondary school or transferring from another post-secondary institution. They must also be international students studying on a Canadian study permit and demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and leadership skills. Some scholarships, like those under the UBC International Scholars Program, require a nomination from the student’s school or a non-profit organization.
- For Graduate Scholarships: Graduate students must be admitted to a graduate program at UBC to be eligible for most awards. Specific eligibility criteria, such as research focus, academic performance, and leadership potential, vary by award. Students should consult the award listings and use the filters on UBC’s award opportunities page to determine which awards they are eligible for.
How to Apply for UBC Scholarships
-
Undergraduate Students
For most undergraduate scholarships, including IMES and OIS, students are automatically considered if they apply to UBC by the admissions deadline. However, for the UBC International Scholars Program awards, students must be nominated by their high school or a non-profit organization and complete a separate application process. The nomination and application deadline for these awards is typically in mid-November, and the UBC admissions application must be completed by early December.
To learn more about the application process for undergraduate scholarships, visit the UBC International Scholars Program Application page and the UBC Scholarships and Awards for International Students page.
-
Graduate Students
Graduate students should apply for awards once they have submitted their admission applications to UBC. Each award may have a different application deadline, and students are encouraged to apply early. Most major graduate scholarships have deadlines between September and December. For specific details on applying, visit the Graduate Scholarships, Awards & Funding page.
Additional Resources and How to Apply
If you’re interested in applying for UBC scholarships, it’s essential to explore all available resources and understand the eligibility requirements and application processes. Here are some helpful links where you can learn more and start your application:
- UBC Scholarships and Awards for International Students
- UBC International Scholars Program Application
- UBC Graduate Scholarships, Awards & Funding
- International Scholars Program Overview
1. Can I apply for UBC scholarships if I have not yet been accepted into a program?
Yes, in most cases, you can apply for award funding before you have received acceptance to UBC. However, specific eligibility requirements may vary depending on the scholarship. It’s essential to check the individual award’s webpage for detailed information on application procedures and eligibility criteria.
2. Do UBC scholarships cover all my tuition and fees?
Tuition awards like the International Tuition Award help cover tuition costs, but they generally do not cover additional fees such as student services, health insurance, and other mandatory charges. It’s important to note that tuition awards are often capped at the standard tuition rate for your degree level.
3. What happens if I change my citizenship status while studying at UBC?
If your citizenship status changes while you are an international student at UBC, it may affect your eligibility for certain scholarships. For instance, a change in status could result in the recovery of award funding, particularly for scholarships designed exclusively for international students. It’s crucial to inform UBC of any changes as soon as possible.
4. How will I receive my UBC scholarship funds?
Scholarship funds are typically disbursed through UBC’s Student Service Centre (SSC). Award payments are first applied to any outstanding tuition and fees, and any surplus is transferred to the student’s bank account via electronic funds transfer. It’s important to regularly check your SSC account for updates on award payments.
5. What should I do if I plan to defer my admission but have received a scholarship offer?
If you plan to defer your admission to UBC but have already received a scholarship offer, do not accept the award in your SSC account. Instead, leave the status as ‘offered’ and contact the Graduate Awards department to adjust your award offer to reflect your new start date. This ensures your award remains valid once your deferral is processed.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
Federal Government Scholarship: Unlocking Opportunities for Nigerian Students
Summing Up
The University of British Columbia offers a wide range of scholarships and awards to support talented and driven students from around the world. These scholarships provide financial support and recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement.
If you are an undergraduate or graduate student, UBC’s scholarships are designed to help you achieve your academic and professional goals. Be sure to explore all the opportunities available and apply early to maximize your chances of receiving a scholarship.
