UBC Undergraduate Scholarships are financial awards offered by the University of British Columbia to help deserving students pay for their undergraduate education. This can significantly decrease the financial burden associated with tuition fees, living expenses, and other academic expenses that can be incurred.
That said, in this article, we will provide you important information you need to know about UBC Undergraduate Scholarships Application Process in 2024 and every other thing in between to give you an insight on how the scholarships work.
By exploring these resources and understanding the types, benefits, and application process, you can effectively navigate the opportunities offered by UBC Undergraduate Scholarships and potentially receive valuable financial support for your studies!
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
- Institution(s): University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Study in: Canada
- Deadline: January 15, 2024 (annual)
- Courses 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.
- Math, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Education.
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Types of UBC Undergraduate Scholarships
The University of British Columbia offers two main types of undergraduate scholarships for international students:
1. Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award
- One-time, merit-based entrance scholarship: Awarded upon admission to UBC, recognizing both academic strength and extracurricular involvement.
- Amount: Varies, but generally lower than IMES awards.
- Renewal: Not renewable.
- Focus: Recognizing well-rounded students with strong academic and external achievements.
2. International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES)
- Renewable for up to four years: Awarded upon entering first year and can last throughout your undergraduate studies.
- Amount: Higher than OIS awards, ranging from $6,000 to $25,000 CAD per year.
- Focus: Recognizing exceptional academic achievement in specific UBC programs (see eligible programs in UBC website).
UBC Undergraduate Scholarship Coverage
Here’s a summary of coverage for popular UBC Scholarships:
| Scholarship | Coverage | Reliability |
| Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award | Up to full tuition and living expenses | No |
| International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES) | Varies, up to $25,000 CAD per year | Up to 3 years |
| President’s Entrance Scholarships | Varies, up to full tuition and living expenses | No |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (VCGS) | $50,000 CAD per year | Up to 3 years |
Scholarship amounts vary widely. Some cover full tuition and living expenses, while others just offer a stipend or one-time award. The Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award can reach $80,000 CAD for four years, while others range from $5,000 CAD to $25,000 CAD.
Coverage details depend on the specific scholarship. Some cover only tuition fees, while others offer additional support for housing, books, travel, and other expenses. Renewability also varies – some are one-time awards, while others are renewable for multiple years based on academic performance.
Eligibility Criteria for UBC Undergraduate Scholarships
Eligibility criteria for UBC undergraduate scholarships vary depending on the specific scholarship you are applying for. However, there are some general requirements that apply to most scholarships:
- You must be applying to UBC for the first time and not be transferring from another university.
- UBC requires all applicants to meet certain English language proficiency standards. These vary depending on the type of test you take, but generally, you will need a score of at least 90 on the TOEFL iBT, 6.5 on the IELTS Academic, or 70 on the CAEL.
- Most scholarships require a strong academic record, although the specific requirements will vary. Some scholarships may require a minimum GPA, while others may look for evidence of exceptional achievement in specific subjects.
- Many scholarships also consider your involvement in extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, or community service. This shows that you are well-rounded and engaged outside of academics.
Benefits of the UBC Undergraduate Scholarships
Here are 5 potential benefits of the UBC Undergraduate Scholarships:
Reduced Financial Burden
The most obvious benefit is financial aid. With scholarships ranging from $6,000 CAD to a full tuition waiver, these awards can significantly reduce the cost of your undergraduate education at UBC. This translates to less debt, more money for living expenses and academic materials, and ultimately, greater financial freedom during your studies.
Increased Accessibility
UBC boasts a diverse student body, and these scholarships actively promote that by supporting international students. For those pursuing studies abroad, the financial support eases the burden of international fees, travel costs, and resettlement expenses. This opens doors for talented students who might otherwise find studying at UBC financially prohibitive.
Academic Support and Networking
Some scholarships, like Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award, go beyond just financial aid. They offer additional benefits like personalized academic advising, mentorship from senior students, and support navigating graduate school applications. This creates a network of support and guidance, enhancing your academic journey and career prospects.
Enhanced Research Opportunities
Certain scholarships, like the IMES awards, prioritize students entering specific research-intensive programs. This targeted support can fuel your research endeavors by providing access to labs, equipment, and conferences, ultimately accelerating your academic and professional goals in research fields.
Recognition and Validation
Being selected for a UBC scholarship is a prestigious honor, recognizing your academic achievements and potential. This can be a significant confidence booster, motivating you to excel further in your studies and explore new academic challenges. It also adds value to your resume, showcasing your abilities and potential to future employers or graduate programs.
How to Apply for UBC Undergraduate Scholarships?
There are two main considerations when applying for UBC Undergraduate Scholarships: automatic consideration and separate applications.
Automatic Consideration
Most UBC Undergraduate Scholarships consider you automatically when you apply to UBC for admission. Applications for UBC typically close on January 15th each year.
Separate Applications
Some scholarships require a separate application process in addition to your UBC admission application. Deadlines and requirements vary for each scholarship. However, you can check the UBC Scholarships website for specific details and deadlines for each scholarship:
General Tips
- Explore the UBC Scholarships website thoroughly to identify scholarships relevant to your academic interests and background.
- Submit your application materials well before the deadlines to avoid last-minute complications.
- Clearly showcase your academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and leadership skills in your application materials.
- If required, tailor your application to the specific requirements of each scholarship.
- Last but not least, ensure your application is free of grammatical errors and typos to make a strong impression.
To know more about the UBC Undergraduate Scholarships kindly visit the official website.