UBC International Scholars Program: Eligibility, Application Process, Key Details
The UBC International Scholars Program is a prestigious scholarship offered by the University of British Columbia in Canada. It aims to support outstanding international undergraduate students who have shown exceptional leadership skills and academic excellence under challenging circumstances.
In this article, we will discuss the eligibility criteria, application process, and key details of this scholarship. Additionally, we will also provide information about other related scholarships offered by UBC for international students.
What is the UBC International Scholars Program?
The UBC International Scholars Program is a scholarship program offered by the University of British Columbia in Canada to support academically outstanding international students. This program is designed for students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and academic excellence despite facing challenging circumstances.
The scholarship is awarded to approximately 50 international undergraduate students each year, with a focus on first-generation learners and those from diverse backgrounds. The value of the award is determined based on the student’s financial need, with a maximum amount of $40,000 CAD per year.
Plus, the award is renewable for up to three additional years of undergraduate study or until degree completion, as long as the recipient maintains satisfactory academic standing and continues to demonstrate financial need.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the UBC International Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be an international student studying in Canada on a valid study permit
- Must have graduated from high school no earlier than June two years prior to applying (e.g. for 2024 Winter session, graduation should not be before November 2022)
- Must be entering UBC from a recognized secondary school or transferring from the first year of post-secondary education
- Must be applying for their first undergraduate degree
- Must have achieved superior academic performance (all As or equivalent standard)
- Must demonstrate financial need that would otherwise prevent them from pursuing a UBC degree
- Must meet UBC’s admission requirements, including English language proficiency
For international students who do not yet meet the English Language Admission Standard, there is also an option to apply for the Vantage One Excellence Award. To be considered for this award, applicants must meet all previous eligibility criteria except they must not yet meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard and must be entering the UBC Vantage One Program from high school.
Application Process Of The UBC International Scholars Program
Applications for the UBC International Scholars Program are currently closed. To apply, students must be nominated by their high school or non-profit organization and submit a reference from an academic referee.
Students must confirm with their high school or non-profit that they can be nominated for this award. They should also inform their nominator and academic referee of their intent to apply for the scholarship.
When submitting an application, students do not need to select which award they wish to receive as UBC will automatically consider them for all eligible awards. Applications must be submitted by 15 November and students must also submit their admissions application to UBC by 1 December. Additionally, applicants must meet the UBC English Language Admission Requirement by 31 January.
It is important for students to visit the official website of the UBC International Scholars Program for detailed information on how to apply and access the online application form. As part of the application process, students may also be required to provide additional documents such as a personal statement and transcripts. Completed applications will be reviewed by a selection committee and successful candidates will be notified in April or May.
Other Scholarships Offered By UBC For International Students
In addition to the UBC International Scholars Program, the university also offers other scholarship opportunities for international students such as:
- The Outstanding International Student Award: This award is available for outstanding undergraduate and graduate students with a strong academic record.
- Awards of Achievement: These awards are offered to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements with their coursework or research projects.
- Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award: This award is given to exceptional international undergraduate students with demonstrated leadership skills.
- Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award: This award is for incoming international students from war-torn, politically unstable, or economically disadvantaged regions who have shown academic achievements and leadership potential.
Interested students can visit the UBC scholarship website for more information on these and other available scholarships. Additionally, there are also external funding opportunities such as government scholarships and private sponsorships that international students can explore to help finance their studies at UBC.
Benefits of Receiving a UBC International Scholarship
Receiving a UBC International Scholarship not only provides financial support for international students but also offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it recognizes and celebrates academic excellence, as well as leadership potential and determination to succeed despite challenging circumstances. This can boost the student’s self-confidence and motivation to continue striving for success in their studies.
Secondly, being part of the UBC community through this scholarship program allows students to network with other academically outstanding individuals from diverse backgrounds. This creates opportunities for cultural exchange, mutual learning, and potential collaborations.
Moreover, receiving a UBC International Scholarship also relieves financial burdens for students and their families. This allows the student to focus more on their studies and fully engage in extracurricular activities, such as volunteering and internships, to enhance their overall university experience.
Additionally, being a UBC International Scholar provides recognition that can be beneficial when pursuing further academic or career opportunities. The award serves as evidence of the student’s dedication to academic excellence and financial need, which can make them stand out among other applicants.
Is The UBC International Scholarship Worth It?
While the UBC International Scholarship is highly competitive, it offers many benefits that make it worth pursuing. The scholarship not only provides financial aid but also recognizes and celebrates academic excellence, leadership potential, and determination to succeed despite challenges.
Moreover, being part of the UBC community through this scholarship program allows students to network with other high-achieving individuals from diverse backgrounds, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual learning.
Additionally, receiving a UBC International Scholarship can help relieve some financial burdens for students and their families. This allows students to focus more on their studies and fully engage in extracurricular activities to enhance their university experience.
Furthermore, being a UBC International Scholar provides recognition that can be beneficial for future academic or career opportunities. The award serves as evidence of the student’s dedication to academic excellence and financial need, making them stand out among other applicants.
FAQs
Are international students eligible for the UBC International Scholarship?
Yes, international students are eligible for the UBC International Scholarship as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and submit a complete application by the deadline.
Can I apply for specific awards within the UBC International Scholars Program?
No, when applying for the UBC International Scholarship, there is no need to select which award you wish to receive. The university will automatically consider you for all eligible awards.
Can I receive more than one scholarship from UBC?
It is possible to receive multiple scholarships from UBC; however, some scholarships may have specific eligibility requirements or limitations. Students will be informed if they are selected for multiple awards and any restrictions that may apply.
Conclusion
Applying for the UBC International Scholarship is a highly competitive and rewarding opportunity for international students. This prestigious award not only provides financial support but also recognizes academic excellence, leadership potential, and determination to succeed.
Interested students should carefully review the eligibility criteria and ensure they submit a complete application by the deadline. Additionally, there are other scholarship opportunities available at UBC that students can explore.
Receiving a UBC International Scholarship offers numerous benefits that make it worth pursuing, including networking opportunities, financial relief, and recognition for future academic or career pursuits.
