UBC Undergraduate Scholarships 2025 (How-To Guide) 

Are you interested in pursuing studies in Canada? I am here to help you. The University of British Columbia (UBC) is providing scholarships to undergraduate students. In this article, I am going to tell you everything you need to know regarding these scholarships, their advantages, and their application process.

The two scholarships that UBC is providing for school year 2025-2026 are the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award and International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES). The quantity of these scholarships varies every year depending on funding, so take note of that when you apply.

UBC is spending more than $20 million every year to support international students. The university rewards great students across the globe and provides various financial assistance, grants, and scholarships to support you in funding your studies.

Now, let’s take a look at the two principal scholarships:

1. Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award

This is a merit-based one-time scholarship. You receive it when you gain entry to UBC. The unique aspect of the OIS Award is that it is not just merit-based; the university also looks at extracurricular activities you’ve done. If you’ve been active in extracurriculars, volunteering, or other programs, this is an opportunity to be awarded for your efforts.

2. International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES)

The IMES is awarded to international students who do extremely well in their studies and are pursuing their bachelor’s degrees at UBC. If you receive this scholarship, you get it when you begin your first year at UBC, and you can continue to receive it for up to three more years of studies. So you can enjoy this scholarship throughout your time as a bachelor’s student! As in the case of the OIS Award, scholarships offered and total money awarded each year also rely on funds available.

Scholarship Summary

• Type of Study: Undergraduate
• School: University of British Columbia (UBC)
• School Location: Canada
• Due Date: January 15, 2025 (make sure to apply on time!)
• Fields of Study Offered:
  • People, Culture, and Society
  • History, Law, and Politics
  • Languages and Linguistics
  • Media and Fine Arts
  • Business and Economics
  • Earth, Environment, and Sustainability
  • Health and Life Sciences
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics
  • Education

Scholarship Coverage

These scholarships will provide winners crucial support that can actually be of great help to their studies. Keep in mind that scholarships offered and total money awarded each year also rely on funds available.

Eligibility Criteria for UBC Undergraduate Scholarships

For you to apply for the UBC Undergraduate Scholarships, you need to meet these requirements:

1. Required Language: As English is predominantly used at UBC, all scholars need to demonstrate that they possess a basic knowledge of English before qualifying.
2. Eligible Countries: All students from across the globe can apply for scholarships.
3. Academic History: You need to be a new student at UBC, having just completed high school or having transferred from a different college or university.
4. International Student: You need to be a student at UBC with a Canadian study permit (student visa). Changing to a different status would impact your eligibility for IMES.
5. Outstanding Achievements: You ought to display high grades, great potential, and active engagement in extracurricular activities and volunteer work.
6. Scholarship Restrictions: You cannot be nominated for a need-and-merit International Scholars award.

How to apply for UBC Undergraduate Scholarships?

The process is easy if you take each step carefully:

1. Create an Account: Start by making a new account [here].
2. Fill in Your Profile and Submit: Fill in your details and submit your application to UBC. Find application instructions here.
3. Submit Mandatory Documents: Be sure to send in documents that indicate you meet the minimum English Language Admission Standards by February 15. This is a very crucial step.

Once you’ve sent everything, you’re one step closer to receiving your scholarship and becoming a member of UBC’s vibrant international student body!

What I Love About UBC Undergraduate Scholarships

When you think about scholarships, what comes to mind? For most of us, it’s the opportunity to unlock a door that leads to a brighter future, especially when studying abroad. The UBC Undergraduate Scholarships are no exception to this. What I love most about these scholarships is how they are designed to recognize not only academic excellence but also extracurricular involvement and intellectual promise. UBC isn’t just looking for students who are good at memorizing facts; they want those who show initiative, creativity, and a willingness to contribute to their community.

It is hard to find scholarships that take a student’s entire situation into account. Most scholarships just review grades or test scores, but not UBC. The most excellent students sometimes excel in areas beyond school, and UBC is willing to take that into account. If you volunteered, participated in a club, or had a hobby after school, UBC is going to take that effort into account. The Outstanding International Student (OIS) Scholarship is a great one that rewards you for having great academic abilities and active involvement in society. This is why UBC’s scholarships differ from many of their competitors—understanding that academic proficiency is more than just GPA, it’s also about how hard you work for those around you.

An even more unique aspect of these scholarships is that there are a large number of subjects to choose between. If you wish to work in the sciences, business, health, or even the arts, there is a UBC scholarship to support a diverse set of areas of interest. This means that regardless of career path you wish to pursue, you can likely find a scholarship to support that career path. UBC’s encouragement of diversity and scholarly achievements is unique, making these scholarships unique.

I first learned of the UBC Undergraduate Scholarships when I was researching means of studying abroad. The University of British Columbia is a wonderful university in the world, and I was interested in learning more about financial assistance to foreign students. I was thrilled to learn that their scholarship program was highly detailed. As I continued to get to know their programs, I learned that their scholarships were awarded to high-achieving students, in addition to those that exhibited strength, leadership, and a willingness to help their communities.

I searched online on various sites that provided lists of scholarships and forums where students discussed their experiences. I was motivated to apply after learning of stories of students like myself, always dreaming of studying in Canada, and how their dreams came to be a reality thanks to UBC’s scholarships. Their stories were full of thanks and joy for the support of UBC, and I was keen to apply for such scholarships after that.

The more I learned, the more I was convinced that UBC was more than just a university; it was a place that genuinely took care of their students and their development. It was not just funding education, but also offering a place of equality where every student, regardless of their background, was given a chance to compete. I was highly impressed by this concept of having a diverse community of open minds.

What We Expected to Have Learned from UBC Undergraduate Scholarships

When I initially began researching UBC Undergraduate Scholarships, I largely hoped that they would cover a great portion of fees to study overseas. As a foreign student, school fees and living expenses can be a huge burden, and a scholarship would be a great help to my finances. I also wished to know more regarding various scholarships and what is required to apply for them.

I didn’t anticipate learning so much regarding how UBC equips its students to pursue their studies and lives. The scholarships here are not just financial; they also invest in future leaders. I learned that UBC’s scholarships recognize past efforts but also build potential in the future. This caused me to think a great deal more regarding my studies and personal objectives, and how a scholarship would assist in helping me meet my objectives.

I also looked forward to learning more regarding applying for a scholarship. Knowledge of a scholarship is different from knowledge of application procedures, what I need to provide, and how to present a great application. The details on the UBC website and other scholarship sites helped to simplify the process to smaller, more manageable parts. I was grateful that UBC offered such detailed guidance to foreign students such as myself, so I would not miss any key deadlines or details.

Next Steps After Learning About UBC Undergraduate Scholarships

Now that I know everything there is to know about the UBC Undergraduate Scholarship, it’s time to take action. The first I do is check my eligibility to ensure I meet all requirements. I need to verify that I meet the language requirements required, my educational requirements, and know what documents I need to provide.

After verifying my eligibility, the next step is to obtain all my required documents. These consist of my school transcripts, letters of recommendation, documentation of my English proficiency, and any other document that UBC needs of me. I need to ensure I send everything in time to allow my application to be accepted without any hitches.

The next crucial step is to register my account on the UBC portal, complete my personal profile, and apply. I shall be keen to pay close attention to every detail to ensure my application is as competitive as it can be. This is not a matter of providing mandatory information – it’s also a matter of making my extracurricular activities and personal statement stand out to demonstrate my love for learning and my willingness to become a member of the UBC family.

Once I have sent everything in, it’s time to relax and wait to be replied to. Even though waiting is hard, I know that whatever happens is a learning process. If I get a scholarship, it brings me a step closer to my dream of pursuing my studies in Canada to continue learning.

FAQs

1. What is the UBC Undergraduate Scholarship? The UBC Undergraduate Scholarships are financial rewards offered to excellent international students wishing to pursue studies at the University of British Columbia. The scholarships consist of the International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES) and the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award.
2. How do I apply for UBC Undergraduate Scholarships? Applying is done by creating an account in the UBC portal, completing your personal profile, and submitting the required application documentation, such as your school records and evidence of English proficiency.
3. What is the application deadline for UBC Undergraduate Scholarships? The application deadline for the UBC Undergraduate Scholarships is January 15, 2025. Submit your application ahead of time.
4. What is required to be eligible for scholarships? Becoming eligible requires that you be an overseas student, possess excellent grades, and be engaged in extracurricular activities.
5. Are these scholarships renewable? The International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES) can be renewed for up to three more years if you continue to meet the requirements.
6. Can I apply if I’m already a student at UBC? The scholarships apply to new students to enroll in UBC straight from secondary school or college.
7. Are there course requirements to be eligible? The scholarships cater to students in a wide range of subjects, such as business, health sciences, engineering, humanities, etc.
8. Can I apply if I’m a student from a non-English speaking background? Yes, provided you meet the minimum requirements in terms of English language proficiency.
9. What is the monetary value of the UBC Undergraduate Scholarships? The monetary value of the scholarships is adjusted every year depending on funds.
10. What documentation do I need to provide? Submit your school reports, evidence of English proficiency, and letters of reference.
11. Due to my high school grades, do I need to be a straight-A student to be eligible? UBC believes high grades are crucial, yet it also encourages you to be in a club or to do community service.
12. What if I do not meet English requirements? If you fail to meet required English proficiency, you won’t be accepted or receive scholarships.
13. May I apply for the OIS Award and apply for IMES also? You can apply for both scholarships if you meet their requirements.
14. How would I know if I receive a scholarship? UBC will inform you when they finalize their decisions.
15. May I apply for other scholarships offered at UBC? You can apply for other scholarships at UBC in addition to undergraduate scholarships.
16. What do I put in my personal statement? In it, put in your academic achievements, club activities, and career objectives.
17. Are there limits to scholarships given each year? There is a limit to scholarships given each year, depending on funding.
18. What if I apply late? Late applications won’t be accepted, so apply in time.
19. May I receive other financial assistance if I receive a UBC scholarship? You can receive other financial assistance as long as it is in line with rules of your scholarship.
20. What do I do after receiving a scholarship? After receiving a scholarship, you need to continue with the rest of the process of admission and get ready to attend UBC.