Merit Scholarships 2026 at University of British Columbia

Are you an international student dreaming of studying in Canada at one of the world’s top universities? The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers several merit-based scholarships designed to recognize your academic excellence, leadership skills, and extracurricular achievements. These awards are highly competitive and can significantly reduce your study costs while rewarding your hard work.

Types of Merit-Based Awards at UBC in 2026

Following 3 types of scholarship programs are announced for 2026:

1# International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)

• Value: $10,000 – $20,000 per year
• Renewable: Up to three additional years of undergraduate study
• Who can apply:
  • New international students entering directly from secondary school
  • Must study at UBC on a Canadian study permit (student visa)
  • Must show exceptional academics and extracurricular/community involvement
  • Cannot be nominated for the International Scholars Award

Why apply? IMES is one of UBC’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarships and can support you financially throughout your entire degree.

2# Outstanding International Student Award (OIS)

• Value: $10,000 – $25,000 (one-time award)
• Who can apply:
  • New international students entering from secondary school or transferring from post-secondary (college/university)
  • Must hold a Canadian study permit (student visa)
  • Must show outstanding academic performance and leadership outside the classroom
  • Cannot be nominated for the International Scholars Award

Why apply? This is a generous one-time entrance award that acknowledges your academic excellence right when you join UBC.

3# UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award

• Value: $5,000 (applied directly to tuition in the first year at UBC Okanagan)
• Who can apply:
  • First-year international students
  • Students accepted into UBC Okanagan with their Okanagan program listed as their first choice

Why apply? This award helps ease the cost of your first year and gives you a warm welcome to UBC Okanagan’s close-knit community.

How to Apply for UBC Merit-Based Awards in 2026?

The best part? You don’t need a separate application.
Once you submit your UBC admission application by the deadline, you are automatically considered for both IMES and OIS awards.

For the Okanagan International Welcome Award, if you choose UBC Okanagan as your first choice and get accepted, the $5,000 award will automatically be applied to your tuition fees.

UBC 2026-2027 Scholarship Application Timeline

UBC’s admissions and scholarship process is highly competitive and works in stages:

• Early October 2025 – UBC application opens for Winter Session 2026–27 and Summer Session 2026.
• November 15, 2025 – Deadline for international students to apply for International Scholars Program awards.
• December 1, 2025 – Final deadline for international students to apply for UBC admission if they want to be considered for the International Scholars Program.
• January 15, 2026 – Final deadline to apply to UBC for Winter Session (Sept 2026–Apr 2027) and Summer Session (May–Aug 2026).
• Mid-March to April 2026 – Scholarship decisions for OIS and IMES are announced.

Note: Only successful candidates will receive notification of a scholarship award, usually before the May 1 admissions acceptance deadline.

Important Financial Planning Tip

While these scholarships are generous, they do not cover the full cost of studying at UBC. International students are encouraged to prepare a personal financial plan to cover remaining tuition and living costs. UBC provides helpful financial planning tools and calculators to guide you.

Why Apply?

• UBC is one of the top universities in Canada and globally recognized for academic excellence.
• Winning an IMES or OIS award boosts your profile while reducing financial stress.
• The Okanagan Welcome Award makes your first year more affordable.

If you are a high-achieving international student with strong academics and leadership skills, don’t miss this chance to study at UBC with financial support.

Apply: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/
Deadline: https://you.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/dates-deadlines/.

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