UBC Scholarships 2027 offer international undergraduate students multiple funding opportunities in Canada, including automatic merit awards, Okanagan tuition awards and need-and-merit support through the International Scholars Program.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) Scholarships 2027 provide international students with several routes to receive financial support while pursuing undergraduate study in Canada.
UBC says it devotes more than $35 million annually to awards, scholarships and other forms of financial assistance for international undergraduate students. The university reports that recipients represent more than 108 countries, while more than 560 International Scholars have joined the programme since 2001.
The scholarship system includes merit-based entrance awards, need-and-merit opportunities, and several awards specifically for students enrolling at the UBC Okanagan campus.
One opportunity already explicitly connected to the September 2027 intake is the UBC Okanagan Bachelor of Commerce International Launch Award, worth $6,000 per year and renewable for up to four years or degree completion, whichever comes first.
Other major UBC funding routes include the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES), Outstanding International Student Award (OIS), UBC Okanagan Global Elevation Award, International Welcome Award, International Scholars Program and Vantage One awards.
Students should note that not every published scholarship value currently relates specifically to the 2027/2028 academic year. For example, the latest amount shown in the supplied UBC information for IMES is for 2026/2027, so applicants should check for updated 2027 values when UBC publishes them.
UBC International Scholarships at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of British Columbia |
| Country | Canada |
| Study level | Undergraduate |
| Target students | International students |
| Annual international financial assistance | More than $35 million |
| Award recipients represented | 108+ countries |
| International Scholars since 2001 | 560+ |
| Major scholarship types | Merit-based and need-and-merit awards |
| IMES published value | $10,000–$25,000/year for 2026/2027 |
| OIS published value | $10,000–$25,000 for 2025/2026 |
| Okanagan Global Elevation Award | $8,000 |
| Okanagan International Welcome Award | $5,000 |
| BCom International Launch Award | $6,000/year for September 2027 entrants |
| Separate application | Depends on scholarship |
| Campuses | Vancouver and Okanagan |
UBC Provides More Than $35 Million in International Student Financial Assistance
UBC has a substantial financial-aid programme for international undergraduates.
According to the university, it allocates more than $35 million every year to scholarships, awards and other financial support for international undergraduate students.
UBC’s international scholarship recipients come from more than 108 countries, demonstrating the global reach of its financial-support programmes.
However, the $35 million figure should not be interpreted as one scholarship fund available to a single applicant. It represents UBC’s broader annual international undergraduate financial-assistance commitment.
International Major Entrance Scholarship
The International Major Entrance Scholarship, commonly known as IMES, is one of UBC’s principal merit-based scholarships for incoming international students.
IMES awards are given to exceptional international students entering undergraduate programmes at UBC.
Students receive the scholarship when entering their first year, and it can be renewed for up to three additional years of study.
UBC explains that the number and value of scholarships awarded each year depend on available funding.
How Much Is the IMES Worth?
For the 2026/2027 academic year, UBC states that IMES awards are valued at:
$10,000–$25,000 per year.
Because this amount is explicitly labelled for 2026/2027, prospective 2027 applicants should not automatically assume that the same range is guaranteed for 2027/2028.
UBC may update the amount for the next academic year.
Who Is Eligible for IMES?
To be considered for the International Major Entrance Scholarship, applicants must be new to UBC and entering directly from secondary school.
They must also be international students who will study at UBC on a Canadian study permit.
UBC looks for applicants demonstrating:
- Exceptional academic achievement
- Intellectual promise
- Strong extracurricular involvement
- Community involvement
Applicants nominated for a need-and-merit-based International Scholars award cannot also be considered under the stated IMES criteria.
Students must also submit their UBC admission application by the applicable admissions deadline.
Do You Need a Separate IMES Application?
No separate IMES scholarship application is required under UBC’s current process.
International applicants who apply to UBC by the relevant admission deadline are automatically considered for the International Major Entrance Scholarship and Outstanding International Student Award.
This makes applying for admission on time especially important.
Missing the relevant admission deadline could also mean missing automatic consideration for these entrance awards.
Outstanding International Student Award
The Outstanding International Student Award, or OIS Award, is another major UBC merit-based entrance scholarship.
Unlike IMES, the OIS is described as a:
One-time merit-based entrance scholarship.
It is awarded to qualified students when they receive an offer of admission to UBC.
Successful students demonstrate both strong academic performance and involvement outside the classroom.
How Much Is the OIS Award?
The supplied UBC page currently lists the OIS Award at:
$10,000–$25,000
for the 2025/2026 academic year.
This is not a confirmed 2027 value.
Students applying for the 2027 intake should check UBC’s updated scholarship information to determine whether the award value changes.
OIS Eligibility
Applicants must be new to UBC and enter directly from:
- Secondary school, or
- A post-secondary institution such as a university or college.
They must be international students studying at UBC on a Canadian study permit.
Candidates should demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and strong extracurricular involvement.
As with IMES, students nominated for an International Scholars award are not considered for OIS under the criteria displayed on the supplied page.
How UBC Selects Merit Scholarship Recipients
UBC considers both an applicant’s academic and personal profile when evaluating merit awards.
All international undergraduate applicants are considered for OIS and IMES if they meet the relevant process requirements, making competition significant.
Importantly, UBC treats admission and scholarship evaluation as separate processes.
Applicants are considered for merit scholarships after receiving an offer of admission.
UBC says scholarship decisions are generally made between mid-February and the end of April. Only successful recipients are notified of an award.
UBC Okanagan Global Elevation Award
International students considering the Okanagan campus have another important funding opportunity.
The UBC Okanagan Global Elevation Award provides:
$8,000 toward international student tuition.
All new international undergraduate students who enrol at UBC Okanagan receive the award under the currently published terms.
It is renewable for up to three additional years, meaning a student can potentially receive it for up to four years or until degree completion, whichever occurs first.
The $8,000 credit is paid in two instalments of:
$4,000 in Winter Term 1
and
$4,000 in Winter Term 2.
How to Apply for the Global Elevation Award
There is no separate scholarship application under the published process.
Students must be new international students enrolling at UBC Okanagan.
Once an eligible student is accepted, enrols and accepts UBC’s admission offer, the award is automatically applied as a credit to the student’s account.
UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award
The UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award provides another automatic tuition benefit.
The award is worth:
$5,000
and is applied to the international student’s first-year tuition at the Okanagan campus.
To qualify, students must list a UBC Okanagan degree as their first choice, receive admission to that first-choice programme and enrol.
The award is split between the two academic terms, provided students maintain the required enrolment conditions.
How to Receive the International Welcome Award
The process is automatic for qualifying students.
If an international applicant is accepted to their first-choice UBC Okanagan programme and enrols, the tuition credit is automatically applied after they accept UBC’s admission offer.
Students can see the credit in their Applicant Service Centre account once classes begin in September.
UBC Okanagan Bachelor of Commerce International Launch Award 2027
This is one of the most important scholarships for students specifically researching UBC scholarships for the September 2027 intake.
UBC states that the Bachelor of Commerce International Launch Award is worth:
$6,000 toward tuition.
All new international undergraduate students entering the Bachelor of Commerce programme at UBC Okanagan for the September 2027 intake will receive the award under the published criteria.
How Much Could the BCom Award Provide Over Four Years?
The $6,000 award is renewable for an additional three years or until degree completion, whichever comes first.
This means a student who remains eligible and receives it for four years could potentially receive:
$24,000 in tuition credits over four years.
That figure is calculated from the published $6,000 annual award across a maximum four-year period; it is not presented by UBC as a separate lump-sum scholarship.
Each year, the $6,000 credit is divided into two instalments:
$3,000 in Winter Term 1
and
$3,000 in Winter Term 2.
BCom International Launch Award Eligibility
Eligibility is straightforward under the published criteria.
Applicants must be:
New international students enrolling in the Bachelor of Commerce degree programme at UBC Okanagan.
No separate scholarship application is required.
After an eligible student is admitted, enrols and accepts UBC’s admission offer, the award is automatically applied as a tuition credit.
UBC International Scholars Program
International students with both outstanding academic achievement and significant financial need should also investigate UBC’s International Scholars Program.
UBC describes International Scholars as high academic achievers who:
- Have significant financial need
- Demonstrate exceptional extracurricular activities
- Want to create positive global and social change
- Are committed to giving back to their communities.
This distinguishes the International Scholars Program from IMES and OIS.
IMES and OIS are merit-based awards where financial need is not taken into consideration, while the International Scholars Program specifically incorporates financial need.
Support for International Scholars
The International Scholars Program is not presented only as financial assistance.
UBC says International Scholars also have access to a dedicated team of programme advisors throughout their undergraduate degrees, along with support from staff across university faculties and services.
The programme aims to support scholars’ academic, personal and career development.
UBC Vantage One Scholarships and Awards
UBC also offers opportunities for academically strong international students whose English proficiency does not yet satisfy the requirements for direct admission.
The Vantage One programme provides an alternative pathway for these students.
New Vantage One students may be eligible for awards including:
- International Major Entrance Scholarship for Vantage One
- Vantage One Entrance Award
- Vantage One Excellence Award
UBC says these awards consider factors such as academic achievement, intellectual promise and extracurricular or community involvement.
Some Vantage One awards also consider financial need.
Application processes, timelines and eligibility requirements vary between awards.
Are UBC Scholarships Fully Funded?
Not all UBC international scholarships are fully funded.
This is particularly important when interpreting IMES and OIS.
UBC explicitly states that its OIS and IMES awards do not cover the full cost of education.
The university encourages recipients to develop a financial plan covering the duration of their degree.
Applicants should therefore avoid describing a $10,000, $25,000 or other partial tuition award as a fully funded scholarship.
The International Scholars Program is a separate need-and-merit pathway and should be assessed according to its own funding conditions.
What Costs Should International Students Consider?
Even with a scholarship, international students need to consider the complete cost of studying in Canada.
UBC advises students to calculate expenses including:
- Tuition
- Books
- Meals
- Living costs
- Transportation
- Other education-related expenses
The university provides a cost estimator to help prospective students calculate expected first-year costs.
This is particularly important for students receiving partial tuition awards.
How to Apply for UBC Scholarships 2027
The application route depends on the scholarship.
For IMES and OIS, applicants should apply to UBC by the applicable admission deadline. Eligible international applicants are then automatically considered.
For the Okanagan Global Elevation Award, qualifying new international students receive the award automatically after accepting admission and enrolling.
For the International Welcome Award, students need to make an Okanagan degree their first choice and satisfy the admission and enrolment requirements.
For the September 2027 Bachelor of Commerce International Launch Award, new international BCom students at UBC Okanagan receive the award automatically after satisfying the published conditions.
The International Scholars Program and Vantage One awards have their own requirements, so applicants should follow the specific instructions for those programmes.
What Makes a Strong IMES or OIS Candidate?
UBC’s merit awards look beyond grades alone.
IMES candidates are expected to demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and intellectual promise together with impressive extracurricular and community involvement.
OIS similarly considers outstanding academic performance and involvement outside the classroom.
Students preparing for admission should therefore present their achievements accurately and make sure their application reflects meaningful extracurricular, leadership or community involvement where relevant.
How Competitive Are UBC International Scholarships?
UBC explicitly describes its merit scholarship evaluation as highly competitive because all international undergraduate applicants are considered for OIS and IMES awards.
Only successful scholarship recipients are notified.
There is no acceptance percentage in the supplied source, so applicants should not rely on claims about a specific scholarship acceptance rate.
Application Mistakes to Avoid
One major mistake is assuming that admission to UBC automatically guarantees a merit scholarship.
Although eligible international applicants receive automatic consideration for IMES and OIS, the awards are highly competitive.
Another mistake is treating the latest published scholarship values as guaranteed 2027 amounts. The supplied page lists the IMES value for 2026/2027 and OIS value for 2025/2026, so students should check for updated figures.
Applicants should also distinguish between UBC’s Vancouver and Okanagan opportunities. Several automatic awards described here are specifically attached to UBC Okanagan.
Finally, students should not assume that every UBC award covers their entire cost of study. UBC explicitly says IMES and OIS do not cover the full cost of education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UBC offer scholarships to international students?
Yes. UBC says it devotes more than $35 million annually to scholarships, awards and other financial support for international undergraduate students.
Are UBC scholarships available for the September 2027 intake?
Yes. At least one award in the supplied official information—the UBC Okanagan Bachelor of Commerce International Launch Award—explicitly applies to new international students entering the BCom programme in September 2027.
How much is the UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship?
For 2026/2027, the published IMES value is $10,000–$25,000 per year. UBC has not established a 2027/2028 amount in the supplied source.
Is IMES renewable?
Yes. IMES can be renewed for up to three additional years of study under the published terms.
How much is the Outstanding International Student Award?
The supplied page lists a value of $10,000–$25,000 for 2025/2026. Applicants should check for the updated 2027 amount.
Do I need a separate application for IMES?
No. Applicants who apply to UBC by the relevant admission deadline are automatically considered for IMES and OIS.
How much is the UBC Okanagan Global Elevation Award?
It provides $8,000 toward international student tuition and is renewable for up to three additional years under the published terms.
How much is the International Welcome Award?
The UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award provides $5,000 toward first-year tuition.
Is there a scholarship specifically confirmed for September 2027?
Yes. New international students entering UBC Okanagan’s Bachelor of Commerce programme in September 2027 are eligible for the $6,000 International Launch Award under the published conditions.
Is the BCom International Launch Award renewable?
Yes. It can be renewed for three additional years or until degree completion, whichever comes first.
Can the BCom award reach $24,000?
At the published rate of $6,000 annually, four years of awards would total $24,000, provided the student remains eligible throughout the maximum period.
Are IMES and OIS fully funded?
No. UBC specifically states that these awards do not cover the full cost of education.
Does UBC consider financial need for IMES and OIS?
No. UBC says financial need is not taken into consideration for these two merit-based awards.
Does UBC have scholarships based on financial need?
Yes. The International Scholars Program is aimed at high-achieving international students with significant financial need and strong extracurricular and community engagement.
Are scholarships available for students who do not yet meet UBC’s direct English requirement?
UBC’s Vantage One pathway is designed for academically strong international students whose English proficiency does not yet meet direct-entry requirements, and Vantage One students can be eligible for several awards.
Why UBC Scholarships 2027 Are Worth Considering
The UBC Scholarships 2027 for international students provide several different routes to reducing the cost of undergraduate study in Canada.
The university’s broader commitment is significant: UBC reports more than $35 million annually in international undergraduate financial assistance, with scholarship recipients representing over 108 countries.
High-achieving students can compete for merit awards such as IMES and OIS, while students with significant financial need can explore the International Scholars Program.
UBC Okanagan also provides several automatic tuition awards, including the $8,000 Global Elevation Award and $5,000 International Welcome Award.
Most notably for the upcoming intake, UBC has already confirmed that new international students entering its Okanagan Bachelor of Commerce programme in September 2027 will receive a $6,000 International Launch Award, renewable for up to three additional years or degree completion under the published terms.
International applicants should apply for admission on time, understand which campus-specific awards apply to them and carefully distinguish between merit scholarships, need-and-merit programmes and automatic tuition credits.
SEO Keywords
UBC Scholarships 2027, University of British Columbia Scholarships 2027, UBC scholarships for international students, Canada scholarships 2027, UBC international scholarships 2027, UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship, UBC IMES Scholarship 2027, UBC Outstanding International Student Award, UBC OIS Scholarship, UBC Okanagan scholarships 2027, UBC Okanagan Global Elevation Award, UBC International Welcome Award, UBC BCom International Launch Award 2027, UBC $6000 scholarship, UBC $25000 scholarship, scholarships in Canada for international students 2027, undergraduate scholarships Canada 2027, University of British Columbia international students, UBC International Scholars Program, UBC need based scholarships, UBC merit scholarships, UBC Vantage One scholarships, study in Canada scholarships 2027, Canadian university scholarships international students, UBC scholarship application, UBC entrance scholarships, UBC scholarships eligibility, UBC Okanagan international students, international undergraduate scholarships 2027, University of British Columbia financial aid
