The UBC International Scholars Program
The Awards
Four prestigious need and merit-based awards are available through UBC’s International Scholars Program. When a student is nominated for the International Scholars Program, our team will determine which award(s) they are eligible for based on the information provided in their application.
Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
This award recognizes exceptional prospective international undergraduate students who demonstrate superior academic achievement and exemplary leadership skills that support and empower others through collaboration, empathy and active listening. It recognizes students who have made a positive impact through their involvement in various school and community service projects and initiatives, and attained notable achievement in other academic or extra-curricular pursuits.
Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
This award recognizes outstanding international undergraduate students from impoverished or war-torn areas who have achieved academic excellence under challenging circumstances, and who would be unable to attend university without significant financial assistance. Students should demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
International Impact Award
This award is offered to exceptional students who have demonstrated leadership in their commitment to and solutions for issues in areas such as sustainability and climate change, natural resource conservation and management, social justice, equity and inclusion, or societal health and wellness. Priority is given to first generation learners and those from diverse lived backgrounds.
Vantage One Excellence Award
This award is offered by UBC Vantage College for academically outstanding international students who do not yet meet the English Language Admission Standard for direct admission to UBC. The awards range in value up to the full cost of a student’s academic program and living expenses. Students should demonstrate leadership skills, impactful involvement in student affairs and community service, and notable achievement in other academic or extra-curricular pursuits.
Eligibility
Learn more about award eligibility
Award Nominations
A student must be nominated for the UBC International Scholars Program by their school guidance counsellor or administrator, or a non-profit organization. A non-profit organization may only nominate high school students. The nomination will count towards the total nominations permitted from the student's high school.
A single high school, college, or university may only nominate up to:
- 2 candidates for UBC Vancouver (including Vantage College)
- 1 candidate for UBC Okanagan
Please note that if a student is nominated for the International Scholars Program, they will not be considered for UBC’s merit-based awards, including the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award and the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES).
Award nominations and applications must be submitted in English.
Get Started
Save these instructions to your device to get started!
Download the award application instructions [PDF, 161KB]
Prepare by gathering the information required for the student section of the application.
Download a copy of the award application here [PDF, 285KB]
Deadlines
All award applicants must submit their full award application (including the nomination and reference form) by 11:59 PM PST November 15, 2023.
Award applicants must also complete their UBC admissions application by 11:59 PM PST December 1, 2023. Click here for more information on applying to UBC.
Questions?
If you have questions about the International Scholars Program or nomination process, please contact us at: international.awards@ubc.ca. If you are experiencing technical difficulties, please contact: support@smapply.io.
2024 International Scholars Program Application
The UBC International Scholars Program
The Awards
Four prestigious need and merit-based awards are available through UBC’s International Scholars Program. When a student is nominated for the International Scholars Program, our team will determine which award(s) they are eligible for based on the information provided in their application.
Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
This award recognizes exceptional prospective international undergraduate students who demonstrate superior academic achievement and exemplary leadership skills that support and empower others through collaboration, empathy and active listening. It recognizes students who have made a positive impact through their involvement in various school and community service projects and initiatives, and attained notable achievement in other academic or extra-curricular pursuits.
Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
This award recognizes outstanding international undergraduate students from impoverished or war-torn areas who have achieved academic excellence under challenging circumstances, and who would be unable to attend university without significant financial assistance. Students should demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
International Impact Award
This award is offered to exceptional students who have demonstrated leadership in their commitment to and solutions for issues in areas such as sustainability and climate change, natural resource conservation and management, social justice, equity and inclusion, or societal health and wellness. Priority is given to first generation learners and those from diverse lived backgrounds.
Vantage One Excellence Award
This award is offered by UBC Vantage College for academically outstanding international students who do not yet meet the English Language Admission Standard for direct admission to UBC. The awards range in value up to the full cost of a student’s academic program and living expenses. Students should demonstrate leadership skills, impactful involvement in student affairs and community service, and notable achievement in other academic or extra-curricular pursuits.
Eligibility
Learn more about award eligibility
Award Nominations
A student must be nominated for the UBC International Scholars Program by their school guidance counsellor or administrator, or a non-profit organization. A non-profit organization may only nominate high school students. The nomination will count towards the total nominations permitted from the student's high school.
A single high school, college, or university may only nominate up to:
- 2 candidates for UBC Vancouver (including Vantage College)
- 1 candidate for UBC Okanagan
Please note that if a student is nominated for the International Scholars Program, they will not be considered for UBC’s merit-based awards, including the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award and the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES).
Award nominations and applications must be submitted in English.
Get Started
Save these instructions to your device to get started!
Download the award application instructions [PDF, 161KB]
Prepare by gathering the information required for the student section of the application.
Download a copy of the award application here [PDF, 285KB]
Deadlines
All award applicants must submit their full award application (including the nomination and reference form) by 11:59 PM PST November 15, 2023.
Award applicants must also complete their UBC admissions application by 11:59 PM PST December 1, 2023. Click here for more information on applying to UBC.
Questions?
If you have questions about the International Scholars Program or nomination process, please contact us at: international.awards@ubc.ca. If you are experiencing technical difficulties, please contact: support@smapply.io.