Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award- Eligibility, Deadline, Application Process, Selection Criteria

Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

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Naman Arora

Study Abroad Course Specialist | Updated 3+ months ago

The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award is a need and merit-based scholarship for international students. The award is designed for students starting their undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia(UBC).

  • The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award is applicable for all UBC undergraduate degree programs.
  • The award covers the full cost of the student's program as well as his/her living costs.
  • The Karen McKellin International Award is renewable for up to three years.
  • Applications for 2026 open in mid-September. When the application opens, you can only apply to winter session (September 2026 – April 2027).

The renewability of the award is dependent on the recipient's performance and his/her ranking in the top quartile of the program of study and based on his behavior/status as per the student authorization to study in Canada.


Highlights

Scholarship TypeCollege-Specific, Full-Ride-Scholarships, Merit-Based, Need-Based
Offered byInstitution
OrganizationN/A
Application Deadline Nov 15 ,2025
Number of Scholarships693
AmountVariable Amount
RenewabilityYes
International Student EligibleYes
Scholarship Website Linkhttps://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/international-scholars/

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be considered for the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, applicants must fulfill all the requirements listed below:

  • Nationality: International student studying in Canada on a verified Canadian student visa.
  • High School Completion: From a recognized secondary school/ college, or another university.
  • Academic Qualification: Demonstrate exceptional and consistent academic performance.
  • UG Condition: Secured admission at the University of British Columbia.
    • Students should be entering their first year of the UBC undergraduate degree.
  • Demonstrate financial need that will otherwise prevent the applicant from studying in Canada.

Applicants must note that if they are nominated for a Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, then they will not be considered for merit-based awards offered by the university, including International Major Entrance Scholarships and any other awards including the Outstanding International Student Awards.


Application Process

The process for the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award is given below:

  • Mid- SeptemberDecide on your academic program/campus.
  • Late September: Decide on a nominator/referee.
  • Early October: Discuss your nomination and create an account:- The nominator and teacher recommendations need to be completed and submitted a few days before November 15. 
  • Early October: Start your UBC admissions application.
  • Mid-October: Gather relevant information for application and complete your sections of the award application.
  • By November 15: Submit your completed application.
  • By December 1: Apply to UBC.
  • By January 31: Submit required documents.
  • Mid- April: Check your email to learn if you have received an award.
ELP Test Name Minimum Score Requirement
IELTS 6.5 (no section below 6.0)
PTE(Academic) Overall: 65; Reading: 60; Listening: 60; Writing: 60; Speaking: 60
TOEFL

Overall: 90; Reading: 22; Listening: 22; Writing: 21; Speaking: 21

Duolingo

Overall: 125

Applications for 2026 open in mid-September. When the application opens, you can only apply to winter session (September 2026 – April 2027).


Selection Process

Students are awarded on the basis of their academic merit and financial need. In addition to that, the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award recipients are selected on the following factors:

  • Involvement in the Student Affairs
  • Leadership Skills
  • Contribution to Community Service
  • Achievement in athletics, performing art, creative writing or debating.

Note: For scholarship, you must apply first for an eligible program at the UBC and should fill the application form along with it, within the deadlines.


Grant Details

The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award is a tuition fee waiver type of scholarship and covers nearly all the tuition and fees requirements of the student.

This is a type of need-and-merit-based award, which recognizes international undergraduate students who succeed to demonstrate their superior academic achievements, leadership skills, their involvement in student affairs and their contribution to community service, and other recognized achievement in some.

Benefits Under The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

The value of each award varies and it depends upon the applicant's financial circumstances and course fees. The awards are made to students who are entering their first UG study at UBC.

The table below shows significant benefits of the scholarship :

Award Amount Varies, depending upon the financial need of the student
Award Duration 1 year (renewed for next 3 years based on performance)
Applicable Programs UG programs at UBC

The financial need of a student is determined by totaling their tuition fees of the study and living costs, and by subtracting the financial contribution made by them and their family towards the study each year.

Students who wish to study in Canada at the University of British Columbia are advised to keep an eye on its official website for further updates.

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