UBC Canada Opens $35 Million Scholarships for International Students for 2027 Intake

If studying in Canada feels financially out of reach, the University of British Columbia (UBC) may have just opened one of the largest undergraduate funding opportunities currently available to international students.

UBC has confirmed that more than CAD $35 million is allocated annually to scholarships, awards, and financial assistance programs for international undergraduate students. The funding supports talented applicants from around the world who plan to begin their studies in 2027.

The university reports that award recipients come from more than 108 countries, while over 560 international scholars have benefited from UBC funding programs since 2001.

Scholarship Snapshot for International Students

Which UBC Scholarship Is the Biggest Opportunity?

For most international applicants, the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) will attract the most attention.

The scholarship is worth between CAD $10,000 and CAD $25,000 annually and can be renewed for up to three additional years. That means some students may receive funding worth tens of thousands of dollars during their undergraduate studies.

UBC selects recipients based on exceptional academic performance, intellectual potential, leadership qualities, and meaningful involvement in community activities.

Who Is Eligible?

To be considered for UBC’s major entrance awards, applicants generally must:

• Be international students requiring a Canadian study permit.
• Be applying for undergraduate admission.
• Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
• Show leadership potential and extracurricular involvement.
• Meet UBC admission deadlines.
• Be entering UBC for the first time.

One advantage for applicants is that these scholarships do not require a separate application. Eligible students are automatically considered after applying for admission.

Why UBC Okanagan Is Offering Additional Funding?

Students choosing UBC Okanagan receive extra financial support through two automatic awards.

The Global Elevation Award contributes CAD $8,000 toward tuition every year, while the International Welcome Award provides an additional CAD $5,000 in first-year tuition support.

Combined, some students could receive CAD $13,000 in tuition assistance during their first year at the Okanagan campus before considering any additional scholarship funding.

UBC Scholarship Admission Deadlines for 2027 Applicants

Students planning to apply for UBC scholarships and undergraduate admission for the 2027 intake should carefully note the university’s key application dates. The online application portal is expected to open in early October 2026 for students seeking admission to the Winter Session (September 2027–April 2028) and Summer Session (May–August 2027).

International applicants who wish to be considered for the prestigious UBC International Scholars Program must submit their scholarship application by 15 November 2026, while the deadline to submit a UBC admission application for International Scholars Program consideration is 1 December 2026. For all other international undergraduate applicants, the final deadline to apply for admission to UBC for the 2027 academic year is 15 January 2027. Students are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadlines to maximize scholarship consideration opportunities.

Why This Opportunity Matters?

Many universities advertise scholarships, but relatively few commit funding on the scale that UBC does. With more than CAD $35 million dedicated annually to international students and several awards providing up to CAD $25,000 per year, UBC’s 2027 intake represents a significant opportunity for high-achieving students seeking a globally recognized Canadian degree without carrying the full financial burden alone.

For students planning their 2027 study-abroad strategy, UBC’s scholarship portfolio is likely to remain one of the strongest undergraduate funding opportunities available in Canada.