UBC International Scholars Program (incl. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award)

University of British Columbia · Checked September 26, 2026

UBC's need-and-merit programme for international school-leavers with top grades, leadership and real financial need. Applicants are considered for four awards, including the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award and the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award. Funding is based on each student's assessed financial need.

Deadline: 15 November 2026 47 days left
ISP application due 15 November 2026 for 2027 entry; admission documents due 31 January 2027; results February to April.
Add the deadline to my calendar (with a reminder 2 weeks before)
FundingFully funded
LevelBachelor's
Study inCanada
SubjectsMost UBC undergraduate degrees (some excluded, e.g. Nursing, dual/joint degrees)

What it covers

  • Need-based award sized to your assessed financial need
  • For the Vantage One Excellence Award: up to the full cost of the academic programme and living expenses
  • Dedicated advising, workshops and retreats for Scholars

Who can apply

Open to international students who will study in Canada on a Canadian study permit, including Pakistani students.

  • Entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school; for 2027 you must have graduated no earlier than June 2026.
  • Applying for your first undergraduate degree.
  • Significant financial need, proven with official family income and asset documents.
  • Superior academic results (all As or equivalent) and UBC's admission and English requirements (or eligibility for Vantage College).
  • Nomination by your school (or an eligible non-profit) plus a teacher referee.

Excluded degrees include Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor + Master of Management, and dual or joint degrees. ISP applicants are not considered for merit-only awards.

How to apply

  1. Choose your programme and campus, and confirm your school can nominate you.
  2. Apply for admission to UBC (applications for September 2027 open in early October 2026).
  3. Create your award account and invite your nominator and teacher referee.
  4. Enter family financial details, activities and four short essays; submit by 15 November.
  5. Submit admission documents and English results by 31 January; complete a video interview if invited.

Documents you usually need

  • UBC admission application
  • Nominator and teacher referee forms
  • Official family financial documents (income, expenses, assets)
  • Four short essays
  • Transcripts / school certificates
  • English language test results

Scholarship rules and deadlines change every cycle. This page summarises the official information; always confirm on the official page before applying. Official applications are free.