International Scholars Program for 2025? A Complete Guide

The University of British Columbia (UBC) has a very competitive scholarship program for overseas students who want to study for their bachelor's degree in Canada. 

UBC is one of Canada's top universities, known for its high academic standards, great research facilities, and varied international student body. 

The International Scholars Program is meant to bring in the best kids from all around the world who are great at school, have leadership potential, and want to help solve problems across the world. 

This full guide will provide you all the information you need about the UBC International Scholars Program, such as who can apply, how to get financial help, how to apply, and important dates for the 2025 academic year.

What is the UBC International Scholars Program?

The International Scholars Program at UBC is a prestigious scholarship program for international students who have great grades, good leadership skills, and want to make a difference in their communities.

 The initiative helps students pay for school by giving them money to help pay for tuition, fees, and other costs. It also lets them connect with students and professionals from all around the world.

The International Scholars Program has different kinds of scholarships that give students partial to full financial support, depending on their circumstances and how well they do in school. 

There are a lot of kids who want to get these renowned scholarships, but only a few are chosen each year.

Why Should You Sign Up for the UBC International Scholars Program?

There are a lot of good reasons why the UBC International Scholars Program is a great chance for international students who do well in school:

• World-Class Education: UBC is always in the top 40 universities in the world. As a UBC International Scholar, you will be able to use the newest technology, learn from well-known professors, and do research that is at the cutting edge.
• Financial assist: The program gives a lot of money to assist pay for tuition, living fees, and other related charges, which makes studying abroad less expensive.
• Opportunities for Leadership and Networking: Scholars join a small group of very smart students. They get chances to work on their leadership abilities, take part in events and activities, and do community service projects.
• Cultural interchange: UBC has a lot of international students from different backgrounds, so academics will have a rich cultural interchange that will help them comprehend global challenges and different points of view better.

What Are the Requirements to Join the UBC International Scholars Program?

To be eligible for the International Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia, applicants must complete the following requirements:

• Requirement of Nationality: The UBC International Scholars Program is for international students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents. This covers students from all around the world who want to get their undergraduate degree at UBC.

• Being a great student: Applicants must show that they have done very well in school. Since the scholarship is competitive, applicants should have:

  • Very good high school grades or other academic qualifications that are the same.
  • Very good scores on national exams or other standardized tests that are appropriate, such as the SAT or ACT.
  • A record of "academic leadership," which could include becoming a member of academic groups, taking honors classes, or doing other things that show an interest in learning.

  UBC usually wants individuals to have a high GPA and a history of doing well in school. There is no set GPA cutoff, but you need to do well in school to stand out.

• The ability to lead: UBC likes applicants who have a lot of potential to be leaders. You can show this by being involved in:

  • Activities that help the community.
  • Taking on leadership roles in student groups, clubs, or volunteer initiatives.
  • Work or internship experiences where you were in charge of teams or projects.

  The International Scholars Program wants students who will make a difference in the UBC community and beyond.

• First-time students in college: Only students who are applying to UBC for their first year of undergraduate studies can get the award. The program is not open to students who have already finished their post-secondary education or are moving from another university.

• Being able to speak English well: Because English is the language of teaching at UBC, people who don't speak English as a first language must show that they can speak it well by taking one of the following tests:

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
  • Cambridge English Qualifications

  Most of the time, you need to get at least a 6.5 overall on the IELTS, with no band lower than 6.0. However, this may change depending on the program of study.

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What is Included in the UBC International Scholars Program?

The UBC International Scholars Program gives international students a lot of money to assist them pay for the costs of studying abroad. The particular perks vary on the type of scholarship you get, however the program usually includes the following:

• Tuition Costs: The scholarship helps pay for all or part of your undergraduate tuition for the whole time you are in school. The cost of tuition for international students at UBC usually falls between CAD $40,000 and CAD $50,000 per year, depending on the program of study.
  • Full scholarships pay for all of your tuition, while partial scholarships can lower your costs by a large amount, so you can focus on your studies without having to worry about exorbitant fees.
• Money for living: The UBC International Scholars Program gives students living stipends to aid with their housing, food, transit, and other living costs in Vancouver, which is noted for having a high cost of living. The scholarship makes sure that students have enough money to meet these essential needs, even though the actual amount of the stipend may change.
• Costs of travel: A lot of the scholarships in the International Scholars Program also come with a travel allowance that helps pay for flights to and from Canada at the start and conclusion of the school year. This help makes it easier for students from all around the world to come to UBC without having to worry about how much it will cost to get there.
• More Help: In some situations, more money may be given for school or research-related activities, such as going to conferences, taking part in academic competitions, or doing other things linked to the institution. The scholarship might also pay for things like books or lab fees that are needed.

How to Apply for the UBC International Scholars Program

The process for applying to the UBC International Scholars Program is simple but quite tough. Here's how to apply in steps:

• Apply to the University of British Columbia: You must first apply to the University of British Columbia using the university's online application system in order to be eligible for the International Scholars Program. You can apply for undergraduate degrees in a lot of different fields, such as the arts, commerce, sciences, engineering, and social sciences.
  • Application Deadline: The application season for the 2025 intake starts on November 15, 2025, and ends on December 1, 2025. Make sure you send in your application before the deadline.
• Get the necessary papers ready: You will need to send in the following papers as part of your application for admission to UBC and the International Scholars Program:
  • Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
  • High school transcripts or other academic records that are the same.
  • Letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, or bosses.
  • A personal statement or essay that talks about your academic interests, leadership experience, and how the scholarship will help you reach your goals.
  • SAT or ACT results, if your program requires them.
• Sign up for the International Scholars Program: You can apply for the International Scholars Program after you send in your application to UBC. If you meet the requirements, you will automatically be evaluated for the scholarship because it is part of the UBC admissions process.
• Interview (If Necessary): Shortlisted candidates may be asked to take part in a interview as part of the selection process. The selection committee will look at your academic record, leadership skills, and dedication to making your town a better place during the interview.
• Letting you know the results: By March 2026, successful applicants will be told about their scholarship grants after the selection process is over. If you are chosen, you will get information about the following steps for enrolling, such as how to get a visa and make travel plans.

What Are the Important Dates for the UBC International Scholars Program in 2025?

• Application Period Opens: November 15, 2025
• Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
• Notification of Results: March 2026
• Start Date for Studies: September 2026

Common Questions (FAQs)

How much does the UBC International Scholars Program cost?

International students can get a lot of help with their money through the UBC International Scholars Program, which pays for all or part of their tuition, gives them money to live on, and gives them extra money to travel.

While I'm applying for the UBC International Scholars Program, can I also apply for other scholarships?

Yes, you can apply for various scholarships at the University of British Columbia. But be sure to find out whether there are any rules or limitations that apply to getting more than one award.

Can graduate students apply to the UBC International Scholars Program?

No, the UBC International Scholars Program is only for undergraduate students who want to study at the University of British Columbia.

How hard is it to get into the UBC International Scholars Program?

The scholarship is very hard to get because it is based on academic proficiency and the ability to lead. You have a better chance if you do well in school, get involved in your neighborhood, and care about global issues.

Conclusion

The UBC International Scholars Program is a great way for international students to go to one of Canada's best colleges and get a lot of financial help. 

The scholarship helps make studying abroad more reasonable and accessible by covering all or part of the tuition, giving students money to live on, and paying for their travel. The UBC International Scholars Program could be your ticket to a world-class education in Canada if you meet the eligibility requirements and show that you are an outstanding student and leader.