Apply for 2025 UBC International Scholars Undergraduate Program in Canada

The University of British Columbia (UBC) in beautiful Vancouver, Canada is offering an incredible opportunity for international students through their International Scholars Program. This fully funded scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and more for 4 years of undergraduate study. If you’re looking for a world-class education without the heavy financial burden, this program is worth learning more about.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into all the important details about the 2025 UBC International Scholars Program including eligibility requirements, benefits provided, application process, and timeline. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of this life-changing opportunity.

Program Overview

The UBC International Scholars Undergraduate Program is a prestigious merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students from all over the globe. Students chosen for this program receive UBC’s most competitive level of financial support covering the majority of expenses needed to complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree at one of Canada’s top universities.

Some key facts about the program:

• Covers full tuition fees for a 4-year undergraduate degree at UBC
• Provides an annual living stipend of CAD $8,000 per year
• Offers additional funding for application fees, books, travel, and more
• The scholarship is renewable each year of study as long as academic standards are met
• No work or service requirements – it’s a true scholarship solely based on merit
• Supports around 80 international students each year across all faculties

By providing full financial coverage, this program removes the barriers that often prevent talented students from lower-income countries and circumstances from accessing high-quality education abroad. It opens up tremendous educational and career opportunities that can change lives.

Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility bar is set very high given the significant benefits provided. To be considered, applicants must demonstrate the following:

• Must not be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Academic excellence with a minimum 3.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
• Strong standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, etc.) in the top percentiles globally
• Extracurricular involvement in leadership, community service, research, etc.
• Motivation for and fit with an intended program of study at UBC
• Evidence of leadership potential and communication skills
• Two strong letters of recommendation from teachers/professors
• Minimum English language proficiency of TOEFL 100 or IELTS 8.5

Given the substantial financial support, UBC primarily seeks applicants who have overcome adversity or constraints to achieve high academic results. The program tends to select well-rounded candidates with demonstrable leadership potential. Meeting all eligibility criteria is mandatory but no guarantee of selection. Competition is fierce with acceptance rates under 5%.

Applying to the Program

Application deadlines are usually in early November of the prior year for enrollment starting the following September. To apply, students must complete the UBC International Scholars Program online application consisting of:

• Personal statement essay explaining academic interests and career goals
• Resume highlighting academic qualifications and extracurricular activities
• Official transcripts and documentation of standardized test scores
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency proof (if applicable)
• Supplemental information as needed

The application is then reviewed holistically by a selection committee weighing all factors listed in the eligibility section. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted in late December/early January for an online video interview to further assess interpersonal skills and motivation. Final selections will be announced by mid-February.

Successful applicants receive scholarship offer letters and must reply within a few weeks to secure their spot. They are then guided through the next steps of the UBC admission and visa application processes. A few alternates may also be selected in case initial recipients decline or can’t fulfill immigration requirements.

Scholarship Benefits & Scope

If selected, scholars enjoy an incredible package of benefits fully funding their Canadian undergraduate experience. Here’s a closer look at what’s included:

• Tuition & Fees: All mandatory UBC tuition, student fees and health insurance covered annually.
• Living costs: Up to CAD $8,000 living allowance each year to help with housing, food, supplies, personal expenses, etc.
• One-time funding: Up to CAD $7,500 for application/enrollment fees, books/supplies, laptop and travel to Vancouver.
• Mentorship: Involvement with UBC mentoring programs for additional support and guidance.

-Campus jobs: Opportunity to work on-campus up to 150 hours per term (part-time job) with earnings on top of scholarship

• Out-of-province fee exemption: Waived higher out-of-province tuition costs normally applicable.

This level of coverage essentially eliminates the financial barriers involved with studying in Canada as an international student. Students can focus fully on their education without the stress of expenses.

Program Requirements

To retain the scholarship each year, scholars are expected to:

• Maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA in their degree studies at UBC
• Remain engaged with leadership and community involvement
• Submit annual academic transcript and progress report
• Adhere to UBC’s academic integrity and code of conduct

The sponsorship concludes after 4 years (or degree completion) with no work or service obligations attached. Scholars graduate debt-free and eligible for up to 3 years of Canadian post-grad work permit.

Throughout their time at UBC, scholars also have peer mentoring provided along with career guidance and networking opportunities to help optimize the experience. UBC remains invested in its long-term success.

Studying & Living in Vancouver, Canada

Setting for this prestigious scholarship is Vancouver, consistently ranked one of the world’s most liveable cities. The UBC campus is located right in Vancouver on a spectacular ocean-side setting like no other. Some highlights:

• Safe, diverse, and multicultural city in a stunning natural environment
• Mild climate with plenty of beaches, forests, and mountains nearby for outdoor adventures
• The top-ranked university known for research excellence across disciplines
• Supportive international student community of over 20,000 from 150+ countries
• Gateway to exploring other amazing locations across Canada and beyond

Student life involves lake swimming and hiking on campus during studies, as well as exploring Vancouver’s lively neighborhoods, cuisines and events after class. The city’s proximity to natural wonders and nearby US states opens up endless opportunities for travel too.

Career & Further Study Prospects

Graduating with a degree while also being recognized as an International Scholar can open significant doors. Some advantages include:

• Prestige and independent merits boosting resume and job/grad school applications
• A global network of top-level contacts and industry exposure chances
• Potential job references from UBC mentors and opportunity to work in Canada post-grad
• Eligibility for Canadian government’s Global Skills Strategy and provincial nominee programs
• Foundation to consider prestigious Canadian or international graduate programs

Past scholars have pursued careers with multinational companies across all sectors while others entered top American/international graduate programs at schools like Harvard, MIT, Cambridge, and more. The UBC experience proves highly impactful on a student’s future success.

Conclusion

The 2025 UBC International Scholars Program stands out as an incredible fully-funded opportunity for ambitious, high-achieving students seeking a life-changing university experience. By removing financial barriers to an elite global education, this scholarship is truly transformative.

Students who demonstrate stellar academics, leadership potential, and independence of mind have a strong chance of consideration. Gaining this scholarship means graduating debt-free from one of the world’s top 50 universities set in the dream lifestyle city of Vancouver.

If you’re a strong international candidate willing to take your abilities to the next level, I highly encourage exploring applying to the 2025 cohort of this renowned program. Please don’t hesitate to ask if any part of the application process needs further explanation or advice. With hard work and perseverance, you too could be a UBC International Scholar!