Vantage One Excellence Award

What you will need

• ✓ Apply to UBC for admission first, and meet the admission requirements for your Vantage One program
• ✓ A nomination from your high school (or an eligible non-profit) and a teacher referee
• ✓ Official documents showing your family's income, expenses and assets
• ✓ International Scholars Program award application with 4 short essays (about 150-250 words each), by November 15

About this award

You can receive a scholarship ranging in value up to the full cost of your academic program and living costs. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. The exact amount you receive depends on your financial need, and the award can be renewed for up to three additional years or until you complete your degree, whichever comes first. This is for you if you are an international student starting your undergraduate journey at the University of British Columbia (UBC) within the Vantage One Program. You apply through UBC's International Scholars Program application, due November 15 (applications for September 2027 open in early October 2026). You must submit your UBC admission application first. Selection is based on your academic merit, though the school also takes your financial need into account. The award is granted based on a recommendation from University of British Columbia — Vantage College in consultation with the UBC International Student Initiative (the office that coordinates support for students from abroad). Ask University of British Columbia — Vantage College 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. To keep this award, you must maintain your status as an international student in Canada. Your award will be reviewed annually to assess and update your academic progress and financial need. No minimum grade for renewal is posted — ask UBC Vantage College what academic progress they expect.

Who qualifies

You must be an international student beginning your undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in the UBC Vantage One Program. Selection is based on academic merit, and financial need is also taken into account. You must meet the admission requirements for the Vantage One program you choose. You apply through UBC's International Scholars Program, which needs a nomination from your high school, a teacher referee, and official documents proving significant financial need. Applying there means you will not be considered for UBC's merit-based awards, such as the International Major Entrance Scholarship and the Vantage One Entrance Award.

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.

• ✓ International student
• ✓ Open to high school students

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

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

3. 3

   Submit your application

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

Tips for applying

• Academic MeritAvoid focusing only on your grades in your application. Instead, highlight how your academic achievements match the goals of the Vantage One Program. Mention a specific project or course where you excelled.
• Financial NeedAvoid giving vague descriptions of your budget. Instead, provide a clear breakdown of your expected academic and living costs. List your specific expenses to show why the funding is needed.
• StrategyAvoid assuming you can be considered for both need-based and merit-based awards. Instead, choose: applying to the International Scholars Program (the route to this award) removes you from consideration for merit-based awards such as the International Major Entrance Scholarship and the Vantage One Entrance Award.
• RealismAvoid assuming the award will cover everything for four years immediately. Because the school reviews your progress and need annually, prepare a backup financial plan in case your renewal amount changes.

Questions students ask

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• University of TorontoU of T President’s Scholars of Excellence Program (PSEP)
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