The University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada is offering the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award to high-achieving international students entering undergraduate studies.
The OIS Award is a one-time, merit-based entrance scholarship for eligible international students who receive an offer of admission to UBC. The award recognizes students who demonstrate strong academic achievement as well as involvement beyond the classroom.
The scholarship can provide between $10,000 and $25,000, depending on the award offered.
Scholarship Details
- Scholarship: Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award
- University: University of British Columbia
- Study Level: Undergraduate
- Country: Canada
- Scholarship Value: 10,000–25,000
- Award Type: One-time entrance scholarship
- Eligible Applicants: International students
- Deadline: November 15, 2026
About the University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is a major Canadian public research university with campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan.
UBC welcomes students from around the world and offers undergraduate programmes across a wide range of academic disciplines.
The Outstanding International Student Award is designed to recognize high-achieving international students entering UBC who demonstrate both academic excellence and meaningful involvement outside their studies.
What the Scholarship Covers
Successful recipients of the Outstanding International Student Award receive a one-time scholarship valued between:
$10,000 and $25,000
The award is merit-based and intended to support international students beginning their undergraduate studies at UBC.
It is important to note that this is a one-time entrance scholarship, rather than a full four-year scholarship. Applicants should therefore plan separately for tuition, accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, travel and other costs associated with studying in Canada.
Who Can Apply?
To be considered for the Outstanding International Student Award, applicants must generally:
- Be a new student entering UBC.
- Be entering directly from secondary school or from a post-secondary institution such as a university or college.
- Be an international student who will study at UBC on a Canadian study permit.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
- Demonstrate strong extracurricular involvement.
- Not be nominated for a need-and-merit-based International Scholars award.
- Apply to UBC by the applicable admissions deadline.
Applicants should also meet UBC’s admission requirements for their chosen undergraduate programme.
Academic and Extracurricular Profile
The scholarship is competitive and considers more than academic grades.
Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance and meaningful involvement outside the classroom.
Relevant activities may include:
- Leadership activities
- Community service
- Volunteer work
- Student organizations
- Sports
- Entrepreneurship
- Creative activities
- Community projects
- Awards and competitions
- Other extracurricular achievements
Students should highlight their strongest achievements when completing their university application.
Do I Need to Apply Separately for the Scholarship?
According to the information provided by UBC, students who apply to UBC by the applicable admissions deadline are automatically considered for the International Major Entrance Scholarship and the Outstanding International Student Award.
This means applicants do not need to submit a separate application specifically for the OIS Award.
However, students must complete their UBC admission application and meet the relevant deadlines and requirements.
Application Deadline
The stated application deadline for this scholarship cycle is:
November 15, 2026
Applicants should complete their UBC application before the deadline because scholarship consideration is connected to the university admission application.
Students should also check the official UBC website for any changes to admission deadlines or scholarship requirements.
How to Apply
To be considered for the scholarship:
- Choose an eligible undergraduate programme at UBC.
- Review the admission requirements for your programme.
- Prepare your academic documents and other required application materials.
- Submit your application to UBC before the applicable deadline.
- Ensure that your academic and extracurricular achievements are clearly presented.
- Wait for UBC to assess your application and scholarship eligibility.
Students who meet the requirements are automatically considered for the relevant entrance awards.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Although the scholarship is based on academic achievement and extracurricular involvement, applicants should make sure their overall university application presents a clear picture of their achievements.
When preparing your application:
- Highlight strong academic results.
- Clearly describe leadership experience.
- Include meaningful community involvement.
- Mention significant awards and achievements.
- Explain your role in extracurricular activities rather than simply listing them.
- Provide accurate information about your educational background.
- Carefully review all application documents before submission.
If you have substantial extracurricular experience, focus on activities where you made a measurable contribution or demonstrated leadership.
Important Information for International Students
The OIS Award is not a full scholarship covering all costs of studying in Canada.
Even with a scholarship worth up to $25,000, international students may still need to cover tuition and other educational and living expenses.
Students should therefore prepare a realistic financial plan before applying, including funds for:
- Remaining tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Food and daily living expenses
- Health insurance
- Books and supplies
- Transportation
- Study permit-related costs
- Travel expenses
Applicants should also ensure they meet Canada’s requirements for obtaining a study permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UBC Outstanding International Student Award?
It is a one-time, merit-based entrance scholarship for eligible international students entering undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia.
How much is the scholarship worth?
The award is valued between $10,000 and $25,000.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
No. The OIS Award is a one-time entrance scholarship and does not necessarily cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses in Canada.
Who is eligible?
The award is intended for eligible international students who are new to UBC, demonstrate strong academic achievement and extracurricular involvement, and meet the other scholarship requirements.
Can students already studying at UBC apply?
The award is intended for new students entering UBC. Students should review the official scholarship requirements to determine whether their particular educational situation qualifies.
Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
According to UBC’s information, students who apply by the applicable admissions deadline are automatically considered for the Outstanding International Student Award.
What is the deadline?
The stated deadline for this scholarship cycle is November 15, 2026.
Can I study any undergraduate course at UBC?
Applicants must meet the admission and programme requirements for their selected undergraduate programme. Students should check UBC’s official programme information before applying.
Can I use the scholarship for my Canadian study permit application?
The scholarship may form part of a student’s overall financial planning, but receiving the award does not automatically satisfy all Canadian study permit financial requirements. Students should check the current requirements from the Government of Canada.
Official Application
Interested students should apply through the University of British Columbia’s official application platform and review the university’s scholarship information before applying.
UBC Application:
https://myapplication.ubc.ca/apply
UBC International Student Scholarships and Awards:
https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/
UBC Admission Dates and Deadlines:
https://you.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/dates-deadlines/
Disclaimer: OpportunityShape shares scholarship and education opportunities for informational purposes. We are not affiliated with the University of British Columbia and do not guarantee admission, scholarship selection, study permit approval or any other outcome. Applicants should verify the latest eligibility requirements, deadlines, award amounts and application procedures directly with UBC before applying.
