The University of British Columbia Okanagan Global Citizen Award is an entrance scholarship created to recognize outstanding international students beginning their studies at the UBC Okanagan campus in Kelowna, British Columbia. The award reflects the university’s commitment to building a diverse, globally minded campus community and to supporting access for talented students from around the world.
What distinguishes this award from many other scholarships is its assessment model: there is typically no separate scholarship application. Candidates are evaluated through the standard UBC admission application, with the personal profile serving as the primary vehicle for demonstrating the qualities the award celebrates. Understanding how the award works—its purpose, eligibility conditions, and evaluation criteria—helps applicants prepare stronger materials and avoid missing important requirements.
Quick Overview
- Entrance scholarship for international students at UBC Okanagan.
- Aimed at students entering the first year of an undergraduate degree.
- Selection is based on academic excellence and demonstrated global citizenship.
- No separate scholarship application form is typically required.
- Candidates are considered through the standard UBC application process.
- The personal profile plays a central role in the assessment.
- Award values vary and are confirmed in the official offer letter.
- Recipients are generally notified alongside or shortly after their admission decision.
- The award is applied toward tuition and related costs.
- Recipients must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory academic standing to retain the award.
About the UBC Okanagan Global Citizen Award
The award is administered by UBC Okanagan’s student awards office and forms part of a broader suite of entrance awards available at the campus. It targets international applicants who demonstrate both academic excellence and meaningful leadership and community engagement.
The award celebrates students who think beyond borders and contribute to their communities—qualities that align with UBC Okanagan’s close-knit, supportive campus environment. Selection combines academic performance with the personal qualities described in the applicant’s profile, and outcomes depend on the strength of the applicant pool in any given year. Because the award is competitive, a strong academic record alone is rarely sufficient; the personal profile must reinforce and extend the academic story with concrete evidence of impact.
Scholarship Benefits
- Financial support toward first-year tuition and eligible fees.
- Recognition of academic achievement and community contribution.
- Enhanced standing within the UBC Okanagan student community.
- Access to networking opportunities with other award recipients.
- Support that reduces the financial burden of studying abroad.
- A credential that strengthens future scholarship and graduate applications.
- Encouragement to continue leadership and service activities on campus.
- Connection to a campus culture that values global perspectives.
Duration and Renewal
The award is typically granted for the first year of study. Whether it continues beyond that depends on the renewal conditions set out in the official award letter—conditions that generally include maintaining full-time enrolment and satisfactory academic standing. Because renewal terms can vary, recipients should read their offer letter carefully and treat it as the authoritative source for duration, value, and continuation requirements rather than relying on general assumptions.
UBC Okanagan Global Citizen Award Requirements
To be considered for the award, applicants must meet the general admission requirements for their chosen program and present a strong overall application. The conditions below outline the essential requirements applicants should satisfy before and during their studies.
- Be an international student requiring a study permit to study in Canada.
- Apply for admission to a first-year undergraduate program at UBC Okanagan.
- Meet all academic admission requirements for the selected degree.
- Submit a complete UBC application by the published deadline.
- Complete the personal profile section of the application.
- Demonstrate academic excellence through strong grades.
- Show evidence of leadership, service, or global citizenship.
- Provide accurate and verifiable information in all application materials.
- Accept the offer of admission and the award within the stated timeframe.
- Maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory academic standing after enrolment.
Admission Requirements by Grade
Grade 11 Requirements
- Complete Grade 11 courses relevant to your intended program.
- Maintain strong grades across core academic subjects.
- Begin building a record of extracurricular involvement.
- Keep documentation of leadership and community activities.
Grade 12 Requirements
- Complete the required Grade 12 courses for your chosen program.
- Achieve competitive grades in all senior-level courses.
- Meet any program-specific subject prerequisites.
- Submit final transcripts as soon as they are available.
International Curriculum Requirements
- Present qualifications equivalent to Canadian Grade 12 standards.
- Provide official transcripts and, where required, translated documents.
- Meet English language proficiency requirements if applicable.
- Submit predicted or final results according to your curriculum.
Post-Secondary Transfer Requirements
- Present a strong academic record from your previous institution.
- Meet the transfer admission criteria for your intended program.
- Provide official transcripts from all institutions attended.
- Confirm award eligibility with the awards office, as entrance awards are primarily intended for first-year entrants.
How to Apply for the UBC Okanagan Global Citizen Award
Step 1: Choose Your Program
- Review the undergraduate programs offered at UBC Okanagan.
- Confirm the admission requirements for your chosen program.
- Check that the program accepts international applicants.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
- Create an account on the UBC application portal.
- Gather your academic transcripts and identification documents.
- Review the personal profile questions in advance.
Step 3: Complete the Personal Profile
- Describe your leadership experiences clearly and specifically.
- Highlight community service and global awareness.
- Use concrete examples rather than general statements.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
- Complete all sections of the application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit before the published deadline.
Step 5: Provide Supporting Documents
- Upload official transcripts and required certificates.
- Submit English proficiency results if required.
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
Step 6: Accept Your Offer
- Review your admission and award offer carefully.
- Accept the offer within the stated deadline.
- Follow the instructions for confirming your scholarship.
Required Documents
- Completed UBC online application.
- Official high school or secondary school transcripts.
- Proof of English language proficiency, if required.
- Personal profile responses.
- Identification documents such as a passport.
- Program-specific supplementary materials, if requested.
- Study permit documentation once admission is confirmed.
Tips for a Stronger Application
- Start early to allow time for document collection and verification.
- Write specific, honest personal profile responses grounded in real examples.
- Demonstrate measurable impact in your leadership and service activities.
- Keep your grades strong across all senior-level courses.
- Double-check that your documents are official and complete.
- Meet every deadline without relying on extensions.
- Confirm English proficiency requirements well in advance.
- Contact the awards office if you are unsure about eligibility.
- Review your application for accuracy before submitting.
- Respond quickly to any follow-up requests from UBC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a separate application for the Global Citizen Award?
No separate scholarship form is typically required, because consideration is built into the standard UBC admission application and personal profile.
Who is eligible for the award?
The award is intended for international students entering their first year of an undergraduate program at UBC Okanagan.
What factors influence selection?
Selection focuses on academic excellence and demonstrated global citizenship, including leadership and community engagement.
Can the award be renewed?
Renewal depends on the terms in your official award letter and on maintaining satisfactory academic standing and full-time enrolment.
When will I learn if I received the award?
Recipients are generally informed alongside or shortly after their admission decision, so monitor your applicant portal closely.
Preparing a thoughtful application and presenting a clear record of academic achievement and community involvement gives you the strongest possible chance of receiving the UBC Okanagan Global Citizen Award. Because the award is assessed through the admission application itself, every section of that application—grades, profile responses, and supporting documents—is an opportunity to make your case.