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UBC International Scholars Program 2027: Leadership & Community-Focused Award

The UBC International Scholars Program 2027 offers comprehensive funding for international undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, community contribution, and significant financial need. Applications open October 5, 2026 with a November 15, 2026 deadline.

October 10, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Nov 15, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryCanada
University/OrgUniversity of British Columbia
Degree LevelUndergraduate
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyAll Fields
DeadlineNovember 15, 2026

Scholarship Overview

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You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

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Overview

The UBC International Scholars Program 2027 is a competitive, fully funded scholarship for international students entering the University of British Columbia. The program specifically targets students who combine strong academic performance with demonstrated leadership qualities, meaningful community contributions, and genuine financial need that would otherwise prevent them from attending UBC.

For African applicants—including those from Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region—this represents a significant opportunity to study at one of Canada’s top-ranked universities without bearing the full cost of international tuition and living expenses.

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What the Scholarship Covers

The research materials do not specify exact monetary values. The program description indicates it provides “meaningful financial support” for students who require assistance to attend UBC. Based on the program’s structure and UBC’s historical International Scholars offerings, this typically encompasses:

  • Full or substantial tuition coverage for the undergraduate degree
  • Living allowance for accommodation, meals, and personal expenses
  • Health insurance coverage
  • Potential travel costs to Vancouver

Applicants should contact international.awards@ubc.ca directly to confirm specific funding amounts for the 2027 intake.

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Eligibility Requirements

The program targets international students who meet these criteria:

  • Citizenship: Must be an international student (not Canadian citizen or permanent resident)
  • Academic excellence: Strong academic performance in secondary school
  • Leadership: Demonstrated leadership qualities through school, community, or organizational involvement
  • Community contribution: Exceptional contributions to communities—this includes volunteer work, social initiatives, or development projects
  • Financial need: Must require meaningful financial support to attend UBC; the program is not for students who can self-fund

For Zimbabwean and SADC applicants, your involvement in community development, student leadership, or regional initiatives will strengthen your application. Document your contributions clearly with specific outcomes and time commitments.

Application Timeline

Opens October 5, 2026 at 09:00 AM PDT
Deadline November 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST

Critical timezone note: The application system uses Pacific Time. Applicants in Zimbabwe (CAT, UTC+2) must convert accordingly—November 15, 11:59 PM PST equals November 16, 08:59 AM Harare time.

Required Application Components

The application requires coordination with multiple parties. You must gather:

  • Institutional nomination: A formal nomination from your current school or educational institution
  • Teacher referee: One recommendation from a teacher who can speak to your academic ability and character
  • Personal application sections: Completed through the online portal covering your background, achievements, and financial circumstances
  • Supporting documentation: Academic transcripts, proof of leadership activities, and financial need documentation (specific requirements not detailed in source materials)

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Prepare early: Contact your school’s administration and a suitable teacher referee before the portal opens. Explain the nomination requirement and timeline.
  2. Configure timezone settings: Before starting, set your application timezone to Pacific Time (PCT/PST) to avoid deadline confusion.
  3. Initiate your application: Access the portal when it opens October 5, 2026.
  4. Request nomination: In your task list, click “Nomination form,” enter your institutional nominator’s name and email, and send the request. Follow up personally to ensure completion.
  5. Request teacher recommendation: Click “Request a Recommendation,” enter your referee’s details, and send. Provide them with context about your achievements and the scholarship’s focus areas.
  6. Complete your sections: Under tasks, click “Application form” and fill all required sections thoroughly.
  7. Submit before deadline: Ensure all components—including external forms—are submitted by November 15, 2026, 11:59 PM PST.

Technical Support

For questions about the program or nomination process: international.awards@ubc.ca (include your full name).

For technical difficulties with the application portal: Contact SurveyMonkey Apply directly.

Strategic Advice for African Applicants

Competition for UBC International Scholars is intense. Strengthen your application by:

  • Quantifying community impact—”trained 50 youth in digital skills” beats “volunteered at community center”
  • Demonstrating leadership progression from participant to organizer to founder/initiator
  • Connecting your goals to SADC regional development needs
  • Securing a nomination from a school with prior UBC scholarship success if possible
  • Preparing your referee with specific talking points about your leadership and resilience

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

Meaningful financial support including tuition and living expenses; specific amounts not published in source materials

Eligibility Criteria

International students with demonstrated leadership, exceptional community contributions, strong academics, and significant financial need

Required Documents

Institutional nomination form, teacher referee recommendation, completed application form, academic transcripts, leadership and community contribution evidence, financial need documentation

Application Process

1) Set timezone to Pacific Time, 2) Initiate application and request institutional nomination, 3) Request teacher recommendation, 4) Complete personal application sections, 5) Submit all components by deadline
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The UBC International Scholars Program is open to all international students, including those from Zimbabwe and across Africa. Your citizenship is not restricted. The program specifically values diverse perspectives and community contributions, which African applicants with development-focused experience can strongly demonstrate.
The deadline is November 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (PST). For Zimbabwe and SADC countries (Central Africa Time, UTC+2), this converts to November 16, 2026 at 08:59 AM. Do not rely on automatic conversions—set your application timezone to Pacific Time and submit well before the final hour.
The specific award amount is not published in the available materials. The program provides "meaningful financial support" covering costs that would otherwise prevent attendance. Contact international.awards@ubc.ca with your full name to request detailed funding information for the 2027 intake.
You can still apply. The requirement is an institutional nomination, not prior UBC experience. Approach your school counselor, principal, or designated international programs coordinator. Explain the program's prestige and provide them with the nomination link and deadline. Early contact—before October 5—is essential.
Successful applicants demonstrate all four criteria: leadership (with progression from participant to leader), exceptional community contribution (quantified impact preferred), strong academics, and genuine financial need. The scholarship is not for students who can self-fund. Your narrative should connect these elements coherently.
The source materials do not specify post-submission editing. Treat the November 15, 2026 deadline as final for all components including external forms. Submit early to allow buffer time for technical issues or referee delays. Contact SurveyMonkey Apply for portal-specific questions.