UBC Centennial Scholars Entrance Award

What you will need

• ✓ Completed UBC Admission Application by December 1
• ✓ Student Application Form by December 1
• ✓ Description of Circumstance (maximum 1,000 words) outlining personal, family, and financial situation
• ✓ Reference Form from a person acquainted with your character and financial circumstances
• ✓ Parent/Guardian Form (required if you attended high school within the past 48 months; otherwise, explain your situation in the Description of Circumstance)

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted — contact University of British Columbia to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. As a scholarship, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a strong academic student who faces financial challenges and wants to contribute to the university community. You must submit your application by December 1. The University of British Columbia will contact the majority of winners by May 15, though they only notify successful applicants. Selection criteria aren't published — ask University of British Columbia how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask University of British Columbia during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with University of British Columbia whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a protected person in Canada (someone with refugee or protected-person status in Canada). You must be a strong academic student who meets all University of British Columbia admissions requirements and can demonstrate financial need. You must be entering directly from high school or transferring from another post-secondary institution into a direct entry undergraduate program at the University of British Columbia. You cannot have a previous degree. Note that while you can list two degree choices in your admission application, your award application is only considered for your first-choice campus and degree, and these awards are not transferable between campuses.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person
• ✓ Open to high school or post-secondary students
• ✓ Resident of British Columbia

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

3. 3

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• Description of CircumstanceAvoid writing a generic essay about your achievements. Instead, focus on the specific personal, family, and financial situations that make this award necessary for you. Describe exactly how the money will change your life now and in the future.
• ReferenceAvoid choosing a reference who only knows you casually. Instead, pick a coach, teacher, or community leader who can speak deeply about your character and your financial circumstances. Ensure they are comfortable discussing your need for funding.
• StrategyAvoid waiting until the last minute to coordinate your documents. Instead, start your Description of Circumstance early to stay under the 1,000-word limit and give your referee plenty of time to complete their form. Remember that both your admission and award applications are due by December 1.
• RealismAvoid assuming that applying for this award automatically enters you into others. Instead, check if you also meet the criteria for the Presidential Scholars Award, as you are allowed to apply for both separately.

Questions students ask

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