Canada · 2027 International Scholars intake
UBC International Scholars award essays
UBC's International Scholars award is a separate, need-based application after the university admission application. Eligible international students need a school or qualifying organization nomination and a different teacher referee. The award application asks four short essays alongside extracurricular and financial information.
Writing format
Four award-application essays of approximately 150–250 words each; questions not yet public
What to prepare
- 1Collect specific examples of leadership and contributions to your community so you can answer the actual questions when the award form opens.
- 2Prepare honest context about obstacles and educational goals without treating financial evidence as an essay substitute.
- 3Choose examples that show your own role and impact; UBC considers academic performance, community contribution, and significant financial need together.
How to approach the writing
- Complete the UBC admission application first, then open the International Scholars award application and draft against its four live questions.
- Coordinate early with a nominator and a separate teacher referee; both forms must arrive before the student can finish the award application.
Before you submit
UBC lists a November 15 award deadline and January 31 for required admission documents. Its page says both early October and September for the application opening, so check the live portal. The exact four essay questions are not published on that page; verify them in the award form before writing. Applying for this need-based program excludes consideration for UBC's merit-based awards.
Read UBC International Scholars 2027 eligibility and application process ↗Official source checked 2026-09-25.