Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
Need-and-merit based, up to full demonstrated need for Undergraduate study in Canada.
Am I eligible?At a glance
Study level
Undergraduate
Destination
Canada
Funding
Need-based; varies per student. Can cover up to the full cost of the academic program and living expenses over the undergraduate degree.
Eligible applicants
International students
Photo: CjayD, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award is offered by University of British Columbia for Undergraduate study in Canada. Details were checked against the provider’s official page on October 11, 2026.
Application checklist
What you’ll need
The confirmed essentials for this application. Always check the official source before applying.
- University admissionMust meet UBC admission requirements including English Language Admission Standard
- Official academic transcripts / high school certificatesRequired
- Financial documents (family income, expenses, assets)Required
- Nominator recommendation formRequired
- Teacher referee formRequired
- 4 personal essays (150–250 words each)Required
What this scholarship covers
Need-based award covering tuition and living expenses
Included
Access to skill-building workshops and retreats
Included
Option to participate in exchange and co-op
May be included
Dedicated International Scholars Program advising
Included
Need-based; varies per student. Can cover up to the full cost of the academic program and living expenses over the undergraduate degree. Award components, amounts, and exclusions can change by intake, programme, nationality, or host institution, so confirm them on the official provider page.
Are you eligible?
Eligibility review
Checked against the official criteria on October 11, 2026
International students
Conditional
Domestic students
No
Scholarship scope
University-specific
Last eligibility check
October 11, 2026
Who can apply
- Citizenship
- Must be an international student on a Canadian study permit.
- International eligibility
- Open to international students from all countries. Priority given to those from challenging circumstances.
Academic requirements
- Academic recordRequired
- Superior academic achievement — all As or equivalent standard
- Minimum grades / GPANot published
- No fixed minimum grade is listed for this scholarship. Check the provider’s current call for academic requirements.
Experience and personal requirements
- LeadershipRequired
- Exemplary leadership skills supporting and empowering others through collaboration, empathy, and active listening; notable achievement in extracurricular pursuits
- Financial needRequired
- Significant financial need; must submit official financial documents. Family unable to afford a significant portion of educational costs.
Study restrictions and coverage
- Universities
- University of British Columbia
Official eligibility summary
Exceptional international students from secondary school with all-As academic achievement, leadership qualities, community involvement, and significant financial need.
Applicant profile
- International students
Study route
- Undergraduate study in Canada
Current-cycle criteria
- Exceptional international students from secondary school with all-As academic achievement, leadership qualities, community involvement, and significant financial need.
What to confirm for this cycle
Scholarship details can change from one application cycle to the next. Check these points on the official page before you apply.
- Current eligibility rules
- Current funding and benefits
- Current deadline and application route
Required documents
- English language test results (if required)
How to apply
- 1
Mid-September: Decide on your academic program and campus.
- 2
Late September: Arrange a nominator (guidance counsellor/principal) and a teacher referee from your high school.
- 3
Early October: Submit UBC admissions application (required first).
- 4
Early October: Create an International Scholars Program account and invite your nominator and referee.
- 5
By November 15: Submit the completed award application including financial information, extracurricular details, and 4 essays (150–250 words each).
- 6
By January 31: Submit required academic documents and English language test results.
- 7
January–March: May be invited to complete a video interview.
- 8
February–April: Await rolling award decision notification by email.
Application timeline
Application cycle
Annual intake for September entry. Applications for September 2027 open October 5, 2026; due November 15, 2026. Results released on a rolling basis February–April.
The listed deadline is November 15, 2026. Confirm it on the provider’s official page.
Always confirm the latest deadline on the official provider website.
Official source
University of British Columbia
Official scholarship source
Last checked October 11, 2026
Your next steps
- 01Read the official programme guidance.
- 02Confirm eligibility, funding, and the deadline.
- 03Check the current application cycle.
- 04Apply through the official provider.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next deadline?
The listed deadline is November 15, 2026. Confirm that it remains current on the official provider page.
Why do some details vary?
Scholarship conditions can differ by intake, study programme, nationality, and host institution. The official provider page is the source of the current rules.