African students with excellent academic results, strong leadership experience and significant financial need can apply for the UBC International Scholars Program 2027 at the University of British Columbia in Canada.
The programme targets international students who have excelled academically, contributed meaningfully to their schools or communities and could not afford to study at UBC without substantial financial assistance.
Applications for students entering UBC in September 2027 open on October 5, 2026. The deadline to apply to UBC and submit the International Scholars Program application is November 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
Unlike a simple academic merit scholarship, UBC conducts a detailed financial assessment. The university reviews family income, expenses, assets, dependants and available sources of financial support to determine how much assistance an applicant needs.
Students from African countries can apply as long as they meet the international student, academic, financial-need and admission requirements.
UBC’s International Scholars community already includes students from African countries such as Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya and Uganda, showing that African students can and do receive these awards.
UBC International Scholars Program 2027 at a Glance
Scholarship: UBC International Scholars Program
University: University of British Columbia
Country: Canada
Study Level: Undergraduate
Eligible Applicants: International students
African Students: Eligible
Funding Type: Need-and-merit-based financial support
Tuition Support: Available according to financial need and award
Living Expenses: Significant support available; some awards can reach the full cost of study and living expenses
School Nomination: Required
Teacher Reference: Required
Applications Open: October 5, 2026
Application Deadline: November 15, 2026
Required Admission Documents Deadline: January 31, 2027 for International Scholars applicants
English Requirement Deadline: January 31, 2027 for International Scholars applicants
Possible Video Interview: January to March 2027
Award Decisions: February to April 2027
Study Begins: September 2027
Last Updated: October 2026
What Is the UBC International Scholars Program?
The UBC International Scholars Program is a group of prestigious undergraduate awards for exceptional international students.
UBC designed the programme for students who combine three important qualities:
- Outstanding academic performance
- Strong leadership and community contribution
- Significant financial need
The university also provides International Scholars with additional support after they arrive.
Scholars can participate in workshops, retreats, leadership development and other activities. They also receive dedicated advising to support their academic, personal and career development.
UBC reports that its International Scholars community has grown to more than 680 Scholars from over 111 countries since 2001.
Is the UBC International Scholars Program Fully Funded?
UBC provides substantial need-based financial support through the International Scholars Program, but applicants should understand how the funding works.
UBC does not advertise one fixed scholarship amount that every International Scholar receives.
Instead, the university evaluates the financial circumstances of each applicant.
UBC considers factors such as:
- Gross family income
- Family expenses
- Family assets
- Number of dependants
- School fees for dependants
- Other funding available to the student
- The amount the family can realistically contribute
UBC then estimates how much financial assistance the student would require to live and study at the university.
Therefore, two students may receive different amounts.
For applicants with very high financial need, support can be substantial.
The Vantage One Excellence Award, which forms part of the International Scholars Program, can provide funding up to the full cost of the student’s academic programme and living expenses.
Students should therefore avoid assuming that every UBC International Scholar automatically receives the same cash value.
Four UBC International Scholars Awards
You do not choose one of the four awards yourself.
When you submit the International Scholars Program application, UBC automatically considers you for the award or awards for which you qualify.
The four categories are:
Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award targets exceptional international students with outstanding academic achievement and strong leadership.
UBC particularly looks for students who have empowered other people through qualities such as collaboration, empathy and active listening.
Applicants should also demonstrate positive involvement in school or community projects and meaningful achievement in academic or extracurricular activities.
A strong applicant may have:
- Led a school initiative
- Started a community programme
- Mentored younger students
- Built a useful project
- Organised volunteers
- Led an academic club
- Created a social-impact initiative
However, your leadership does not need to come from holding a title such as head boy, head girl or student president.
UBC wants evidence of what you actually did.
Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
The Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award recognises exceptional international students who have achieved academically despite difficult circumstances.
UBC particularly identifies students from impoverished or war-affected areas who would be unable to attend university without significant financial assistance.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong academics
- Leadership potential
- Resilience
- Commitment to creating positive community impact.
This award can be especially relevant to applicants who have continued to excel despite major financial, social or political challenges.
However, applicants should never exaggerate hardship.
Explain your circumstances accurately and let the evidence speak for itself.
International Impact Award
The International Impact Award focuses on students who have already demonstrated leadership and commitment to solving major social or environmental problems.
Relevant areas include:
- Climate change
- Sustainability
- Natural resource conservation
- Social justice
- Equity and inclusion
- Health and wellness
UBC gives additional priority to first-generation learners and applicants from diverse lived backgrounds.
For example, an applicant may have:
- Organised a waste-recycling project
- Created a climate-awareness programme
- Improved access to menstrual health products
- Worked on disability inclusion
- Built a community health initiative
- Developed a solution for water conservation
The strongest examples show action and measurable impact.
Vantage One Excellence Award
The Vantage One Excellence Award is designed for academically strong international students who do not yet meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard for direct undergraduate admission.
These students can begin through UBC Vantage College.
The Vantage One Excellence Award can range in value up to the full cost of the student’s academic programme and living expenses.
Applicants should still demonstrate:
- Strong academics
- Leadership
- Community involvement
- Extracurricular achievement
Therefore, students who need additional academic English preparation should not automatically assume they have lost their chance of receiving major UBC funding.
Can African Students Apply for the UBC International Scholars Program?
Yes.
UBC accepts International Scholars applications from international students regardless of whether they come from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America or another region.
African applicants must satisfy the same programme requirements.
UBC’s own International Scholars profiles include recipients from:
- Tanzania
- Mozambique
- Kenya
- Uganda
across programmes including Mechanical Engineering, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Electrical Engineering and Political Science.
Therefore, African applicants should focus on eligibility and application quality rather than questioning whether students from the continent can win.
Can Nigerian Students Apply?
Yes.
Eligible Nigerian secondary school students can apply for the UBC International Scholars Program.
Nigeria also appears on UBC’s list of countries where qualifying English-medium education can satisfy the university’s English Language Admission Standard under the applicable conditions.
However, being Nigerian does not automatically create an English-language exemption.
You must satisfy one of UBC’s approved methods.
Can Ghanaians Apply?
Yes.
Ghanaian international students can apply if they meet the programme requirements.
Ghana also appears among the countries recognised by UBC for certain English-medium educational routes to meeting its English-language standard.
Can Kenyans Apply?
Yes.
Kenyan students can apply, and UBC’s International Scholars community includes a Kenyan recipient who studied Electrical Engineering.
Can Ugandans Apply?
Yes.
UBC features an International Scholar from Uganda who studied Political Science.
Eligible Ugandan secondary school students can therefore compete for the programme.
Can Tanzanians Apply?
Yes.
UBC features an International Scholar from Tanzania who studied Mechanical Engineering.
Can Students From Other African Countries Apply?
Yes.
The programme is open to qualifying international students.
Applicants from countries such as South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Botswana, The Gambia and other African countries can apply if they satisfy all programme requirements.
UBC International Scholars Program Eligibility Requirements
UBC states that applicants must meet all programme eligibility requirements.
The university does not provide exceptions to these criteria.
You Must Be an International Student
You must be an international student who will study in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents use different UBC scholarship programmes.
You Must Enter UBC Directly From Secondary School
You must enter UBC directly from an accredited secondary school.
For the 2027 Winter Session, students who have already graduated must have completed high school no earlier than June 2026.
This makes the scholarship particularly suitable for:
- Students graduating in 2027
- Recent 2026 secondary school graduates taking an eligible gap year
You Must Be Applying for Your First Undergraduate Degree
The International Scholars Program supports students entering their first undergraduate degree.
Therefore, someone who has already completed a bachelor’s degree cannot use this programme to fund another undergraduate qualification.
You Must Demonstrate Significant Financial Need
Financial need is not optional.
UBC says applicants must demonstrate that attending the university would be impossible without meaningful financial help.
Your family must be unable to cover a significant portion of your educational costs and must not have enough external funding available.
Therefore, this programme differs from scholarships awarded only for high grades.
If your family can comfortably pay UBC’s international tuition and living expenses, the International Scholars Program may not be the correct award route.
UBC also offers separate merit-based awards for international students.
You Need Exceptional Academic Results
UBC expects International Scholars applicants to demonstrate superior academic achievement, which the university describes as achieving all As or an equivalent standard.
Therefore, this programme is extremely competitive academically.
Simply meeting UBC’s minimum undergraduate admission requirements may not make an applicant competitive for the International Scholars Program.
You Must Meet UBC Admission Requirements
You must meet:
- General UBC admission requirements
- Degree-specific admission requirements
- English-language requirements.
Requirements vary according to:
- Country
- Secondary school curriculum
- Campus
- Degree programme
For example, an Engineering applicant may need different senior secondary subjects from an Arts applicant.
Which Degrees Are Not Eligible?
UBC currently excludes several programmes from International Scholars Program funding.
These include:
- Bachelor of Nursing at UBC Vancouver
- Bachelor of Nursing at UBC Okanagan
- Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
- Bachelor + Master of Management
- Dual degrees
- Joint degrees between UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan
- Joint degrees with other post-secondary institutions.
Therefore, check your degree before completing the scholarship process.
Do You Need School Nomination?
Yes.
The application requires a nominator.
This person can be a:
- Guidance counsellor
- Principal
- School administrator
- Other qualifying school official.
The nominator should understand your character and educational goals.
You also need a teacher referee.
Importantly, your nominator and teacher referee must be two different people.
How Many Students Can a School Nominate?
A high school may nominate:
Up to two students for UBC Vancouver, including Vantage College
and
One student for UBC Okanagan.
Therefore, several students from one school may potentially receive nominations, but there are limits.
Speak with your school early.
Do not wait until a few days before November 15.
Can a Non-Profit Organisation Nominate You?
In limited circumstances, yes.
UBC allows certain registered non-profit organisations to nominate students when the organisation effectively acts as an educational institution or provides educational, leadership and mentorship programmes for high school graduates from severely disadvantaged backgrounds.
UBC says this option is typically intended for students from places affected by war, political instability or severe economic disadvantage where normal educational options are limited.
Most applicants should use their secondary school.
Who Should Be Your Teacher Referee?
Choose a teacher who knows you and your work in the area you intend to study.
For example, a student applying for Engineering may find a mathematics or physics teacher particularly useful if that teacher knows the student’s academic ability and character well.
Do not select someone simply because they hold the highest position at your school.
A detailed recommendation from a teacher who genuinely knows you can be more useful than a generic recommendation from someone who barely taught you.
UBC International Scholars Program 2027 Deadline
The main application deadline is:
November 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
By this date, international applicants seeking International Scholars Program consideration need to submit:
- Their UBC admission application
- Their completed International Scholars Program award application.
UBC recommends applying earlier because the scholarship application requires substantial information and input from other people.
Important UBC International Scholars Dates for 2027
October 5, 2026
The International Scholars Program application opens for September 2027 entry.
November 15, 2026
Deadline to apply to UBC and submit your International Scholars Program application.
January 31, 2027
International Scholars applicants must submit required admission documents and satisfy UBC’s English Language Admission Standard by this special deadline.
January to March 2027
Some applicants may receive an invitation to complete a video interview.
February to April 2027
UBC releases International Scholars Program results on a rolling basis.
By early to mid-April, applicants should know whether they have received an award.
September 2027
Successful students begin undergraduate study at UBC.
How to Apply for the UBC International Scholars Program From Africa
Step 1: Choose Your UBC Campus and Programme
UBC has two main campuses:
- Vancouver
- Okanagan
Research your preferred programme carefully.
The scholarship assessment considers your first-choice programme, although UBC recommends selecting a second choice as well.
Your first choice should therefore reflect what you genuinely want to study.
Step 2: Speak With Your School About Nomination
Contact your principal, guidance counsellor or another appropriate school official.
Explain the International Scholars Program and ask whether the school can nominate you.
Do this early because the school may need to decide between several strong candidates.
Step 3: Choose a Teacher Referee
Select a teacher who understands:
- Your academic ability
- Your interests
- Your work ethic
- Your chosen field
- Your character
Remember that your teacher referee cannot be the same person as your nominator.
Step 4: Apply for Admission to UBC
You must submit your UBC undergraduate admission application before you can complete the International Scholars Program award application.
UBC undergraduate applications for 2027/2028 open in early October through EducationPlannerBC.
Apply early.
Do not wait until November 15.
Step 5: Start Your International Scholars Application
After completing your UBC application, create your International Scholars Program application account.
You will invite your:
- Nominator
- Teacher referee
to complete their parts of the application.
Follow up with them.
You cannot finish your own award application until both forms have been submitted.
Step 6: Gather Your Family Financial Information
The financial section is detailed.
UBC may request information about:
- Annual household income
- Household expenses
- Family assets
- Dependants
- School fees paid for dependants
- Other funding sources
- Expected family contribution.
Speak with your parents or guardians early.
Do not guess financial figures.
UBC conducts a financial assessment and can require supporting evidence.
Step 7: Prepare Your Extracurricular and Award Information
The application asks about activities and awards.
Think beyond school titles.
Useful examples may include:
- Academic competitions
- Community service
- Student leadership
- Entrepreneurship
- Technology projects
- Sports
- Arts
- Environmental programmes
- Volunteering
- Mentoring
- Research
- School organisations
Focus on what you actually contributed.
Step 8: Complete the Four Essays
UBC’s 2027 application process includes four essay questions of approximately 150–250 words each.
That is not much space.
Therefore, make every sentence useful.
Avoid spending 100 words introducing a story before explaining what you actually did.
A useful structure is:
Situation → Action → Result → Lesson
Step 9: Submit Before November 15
Complete the scholarship application before:
November 15, 2026.
UBC specifically recommends submitting early to avoid technical problems.
Step 10: Submit Your Admission Documents
International Scholars applicants have until January 31, 2027 to submit the documents UBC requires to evaluate their admission.
Follow the instructions in your UBC applicant account.
If your final academic documents are not yet available, submit them as soon as they become available according to UBC’s instructions.
Step 11: Meet the English Requirement
International Scholars applicants must satisfy UBC’s English Language Admission Standard by January 31, 2027.
Do not wait until January to book a language test if you need one.
Step 12: Prepare for a Possible Video Interview
Some applicants will receive invitations for a video interview between January and March.
UBC gives invited applicants approximately one week to record and submit their video responses.
The interview gives students another opportunity to discuss their educational and leadership experiences beyond what appears in the written application.
Does UBC Require IELTS?
Not every African student needs IELTS.
UBC provides several ways to satisfy its English Language Admission Standard.
For students who use IELTS Academic, the current minimum is:
6.5 overall
with
no individual component below 6.0.
UBC also accepts other approved tests.
Current options include:
TOEFL iBT: 90 overall, with minimum component requirements
Duolingo English Test: 125 overall, with minimum component scores
PTE Academic: 65 overall, with at least 60 in each skill
among other approved methods.
Can Nigerian Students Apply Without IELTS?
Possibly.
Nigeria appears on UBC’s list of countries where a student can satisfy the English Language Admission Standard by completing the required period of recognised full-time education in English.
UBC generally requires four or more consecutive years of qualifying English-medium education immediately before admission under this route.
Therefore, some Nigerian students may not need IELTS.
However, do not assume nationality alone grants an automatic waiver.
Your education must satisfy UBC’s conditions.
Can Ghanaians, Kenyans and Ugandans Apply Without IELTS?
Potentially, yes.
Ghana, Kenya and Uganda also appear on UBC’s recognised English-language country list.
Again, applicants must satisfy UBC’s required education conditions.
Can Students With Weak English Still Receive UBC Funding?
Potentially.
Academically outstanding international students who do not yet satisfy direct-entry English requirements may qualify for UBC Vantage One.
The Vantage One Excellence Award can provide support up to the full cost of the academic programme and living expenses for qualifying students.
Therefore, English-language limitations do not automatically eliminate every International Scholars pathway.
How UBC Assesses Financial Need
Financial need is a major part of the International Scholars application.
UBC wants to determine whether attending the university would genuinely be impossible without substantial support.
The university reviews official information covering family income, expenses and assets.
Therefore, be accurate.
Do not reduce your family’s income on paper because you think it will increase your scholarship.
Likewise, do not hide assets.
A scholarship application should remain consistent with any financial documents you submit.
What if My Parents Have Income but Cannot Afford UBC?
That does not automatically make you ineligible.
Financial need differs from family to family.
For example, UBC may consider:
- Total household income
- Number of dependants
- Existing education costs
- Family assets
- Other financial obligations
- Available external funding
The central question is how much your family can realistically contribute toward the cost of studying at UBC.
Can Wealthy Students Apply?
The International Scholars Program specifically requires significant financial need.
If your family can afford a significant portion of UBC’s international education costs, this programme may not be the right scholarship route.
UBC offers separate merit-based awards for academically outstanding international students.
Can You Apply for UBC Merit Scholarships and International Scholars at the Same Time?
No.
UBC states that students applying for the need-and-merit-based International Scholars Program will not also be considered for its merit-based awards.
Therefore, understand the difference before choosing your route.
The International Scholars Program is for students who need substantial financial assistance.
UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship as an Alternative
International students who do not apply for the International Scholars Program can receive consideration for other UBC merit awards.
One example is the International Major Entrance Scholarship, or IMES.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, IMES awards were worth CAD 10,000 to CAD 25,000 per year and could renew for up to three additional years.
However, students nominated for a need-and-merit-based International Scholars award are not eligible for IMES consideration.
Can Gap-Year Students Apply?
Yes, within limits.
For the 2027 intake, you must have graduated from secondary school no earlier than June 2026.
Therefore, a recent graduate taking a gap year may qualify.
However, you must still meet the requirement to enter UBC directly from an accredited secondary school and apply for your first undergraduate degree.
Can University Students Apply?
The International Scholars Program targets students entering UBC directly from secondary school for their first undergraduate degree.
Therefore, it is not designed as a transfer-student scholarship for someone already studying at another university.
African university graduates looking for postgraduate funding should use master’s scholarship programmes instead.
For example, read our guide to the Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 for African Students.
You can also explore the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 for African Students.
How to Write Strong UBC International Scholars Essays
The 150–250 word limit means you need to write directly.
Do not waste the first paragraph repeating the question.
Start with the situation.
Then explain what you did.
Finally, show what changed.
For example:
Instead of writing:
“I believe leadership means helping people, and throughout my life I have always been passionate about leadership.”
you could begin:
“When flooding prevented 43 students in my community from reaching school regularly, I organised weekend lessons with four volunteer classmates.”
The second opening immediately introduces:
- A problem
- Your action
- Leadership
- Scale
Continue by explaining what happened next.
Use Active Voice
Write:
“I organised the programme.”
not:
“The programme was organised by me.”
Write:
“I recruited six volunteers.”
not:
“Six volunteers were recruited under my leadership.”
Active voice makes your individual contribution clear.
Show Leadership Instead of Calling Yourself a Leader
Do not repeatedly write:
“I am a great leader.”
Demonstrate it.
For example:
- What did you start?
- Who did you bring together?
- What problem did you solve?
- How many people benefited?
- What changed?
- What did you learn?
UBC can then judge your leadership from the evidence.
Explain Your Community Impact Clearly
Avoid:
“I have helped many disadvantaged people.”
Instead:
“I organised free weekend mathematics lessons for 52 secondary school students preparing for national examinations.”
Specific language improves credibility.
Do Not Exaggerate Financial Hardship
Financial need matters, but accuracy matters more.
Explain your circumstances naturally.
If your parents earn an income but cannot reasonably afford international tuition, explain the wider financial picture.
Do not invent unemployment, illness or hardship.
Make Your First-Choice Programme Logical
UBC considers you for International Scholars awards in connection with your first-choice programme.
Therefore, your activities and academic interests should connect naturally with that programme where possible.
For example:
A student interested in Environmental Science might discuss environmental work.
A Computer Science applicant might discuss programming, mathematics or technology projects.
An Economics applicant might discuss business, financial inclusion or economic issues.
You do not need a perfect match, but your academic direction should make sense.
UBC International Scholars Program vs Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
Both programmes offer major undergraduate opportunities in Canada, but they work differently.
The UBC International Scholars Program combines academic merit, leadership and demonstrated financial need.
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto also targets exceptional international secondary school students and requires school nomination.
However, Pearson provides a defined four-year package covering tuition, books, incidental fees and residence, while UBC determines International Scholars funding through a financial assessment and the particular award a student receives.
Applying to both can make sense if you meet each programme’s requirements and deadlines.
Is UBC International Scholars Better for Students With Financial Need?
Financial need is central to UBC International Scholars eligibility.
UBC specifically requires applicants to prove that attending the university would be impossible without significant financial assistance.
Therefore, students who combine outstanding academics with substantial financial need should pay close attention to this programme.
Common UBC International Scholars Application Mistakes
Applying Too Late
The application requires financial information, essays, a nominator and a teacher referee.
Starting on November 13 is risky.
Forgetting to Apply to UBC First
You must submit your UBC admission application before completing the International Scholars award application.
Using the Same Person as Nominator and Teacher Referee
UBC requires two different people.
Missing the Financial Documents
Financial need is not simply self-declared.
UBC can request official supporting evidence.
Applying Without Significant Financial Need
This programme is specifically need-and-merit based.
Assuming Good Grades Are Enough
UBC also assesses leadership and community contribution.
Writing Generic Essays
Show what happened rather than repeatedly describing yourself as ambitious, hardworking or passionate.
Forgetting the January 31 Deadline
International Scholars applicants have a special January 31 deadline for required admission documents and the English Language Admission Standard.
Ignoring Email After Applying
UBC may invite you to a video interview.
Check your inbox and spam folder regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions About the UBC International Scholars Program 2027
Is the UBC International Scholars Program open for 2027?
Applications for September 2027 entry open on October 5, 2026.
What is the UBC International Scholars deadline?
The deadline is November 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
Is the UBC International Scholars Program fully funded?
The programme provides substantial need-based financial assistance based on the applicant’s assessed financial need and award category.
The Vantage One Excellence Award can reach the full cost of the student’s programme and living expenses.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes.
Eligible Nigerian international students can apply.
Can Ghanaians apply?
Yes.
Eligible Ghanaian students can apply.
Can Kenyans apply?
Yes.
UBC’s International Scholars community includes students from Kenya.
Can Ugandans apply?
Yes.
UBC features a former International Scholar from Uganda.
Can Tanzanians apply?
Yes.
UBC also features a Tanzanian International Scholar.
Do I need school nomination?
Yes.
Applicants need a qualifying nominator and a separate teacher referee.
How many students can my school nominate?
A school can nominate up to two students for UBC Vancouver and one student for UBC Okanagan.
Do I need financial need?
Yes.
Significant demonstrated financial need is a core eligibility condition.
Do I need all As?
UBC describes the required level as superior academic achievement, specifically all As or an equivalent standard.
Can gap-year students apply?
Yes, provided they meet the rules. For 2027 entry, applicants must have graduated from secondary school no earlier than June 2026.
Can current university students apply?
The programme requires applicants to enter UBC directly from an accredited secondary school and pursue their first undergraduate degree.
Do I need IELTS?
Not necessarily.
UBC provides several ways to meet its English requirement.
If you use IELTS Academic, the minimum is 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0.
Can Nigerians apply without IELTS?
Potentially.
Nigeria appears among the countries recognised by UBC for qualifying English-medium education. You still need to satisfy UBC’s specific education requirements.
Can Ghanaians apply without IELTS?
Potentially.
Ghana also appears on UBC’s recognised list, subject to the required period and type of English-medium education.
Can I study Engineering?
Yes, provided you meet the admission requirements and choose an eligible Engineering programme.
Can I study Computer Science?
Yes, provided you satisfy UBC’s academic and degree-specific admission requirements.
Can I study Nursing?
The Bachelor of Nursing programmes at UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan are currently not eligible for International Scholars Program awards.
How many essays are required?
The 2027 award application asks applicants to complete four essays of approximately 150–250 words each.
Is there an interview?
Some applicants may receive invitations for a video interview between January and March 2027.
When will UBC announce scholarship results?
Results are released on a rolling basis from February through April.
UBC expects to tell applicants by early to mid-April whether they have received an International Scholars award.
Final Advice for African Students
The UBC International Scholars Program 2027 is one of the strongest Canadian undergraduate scholarship opportunities for African students who combine exceptional academics with leadership, community impact and genuine financial need.
Applications open on October 5, 2026, and the final deadline is November 15, 2026.
Therefore, eligible students should begin immediately.
First, decide whether you want to study at UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan and identify your preferred programme.
Next, speak with your school about nomination and choose a separate teacher referee.
Then submit your UBC admission application before beginning the award application.
After that, work with your family to gather accurate information about income, expenses, assets and financial obligations.
Finally, prepare the four scholarship essays carefully.
Do not fill them with vague descriptions of yourself.
Show your achievements through real examples.
Explain what problem you faced.
Describe what you did.
Show who benefited.
Then explain what you learned.
UBC is looking for students who have already shown academic ability and the potential to create positive change.
For African students who meet those requirements but could not afford a UBC education without substantial assistance, the International Scholars Program deserves serious attention before the November 15, 2026 deadline.
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