Founded in 1915, the University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of Canada’s premier research universities—consistently ranked among the QS World University Top 30. With stunning campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan Valley, UBC is celebrated for its academic rigor, multicultural environment, and spectacular scenery, drawing students from around the world. It also holds international acclaim in engineering, business, computer science, and life sciences .

📅 Critical Dates to Mark on Your Calendar

For prospective students aiming for September 2026 enrolment (UBC’s Fall 2025 admission cycle):

Early October

  • UBC’s online application season opens via EducationPlannerBC .

November 15 (11:59 PM PST)

  • Deadline for international student scholarships, such as IMES and OIS .

December 1 (11:59 PM PST)

  • Deadline for domestic scholarships (e.g., Presidential, Centennial).

  • First round of admission offers is released .

January 15 (11:59 PM PST)

  • Final deadline for application submission, including the crucial Personal Profile .

March–April

  • One-time or renewable scholarships—ranging from CAD $5,000 to $25,000—are awarded .

May 1

  • Deadline to accept admissions offers and pay deposits.

June 30

  • Cut-off for international final transcripts and test results.

September

  • Welcome Week and new student orientation begin.

Key Insight: To maximize your chances for early acceptance and scholarship consideration, complete your application and Personal Profile by December 1. Delaying may reduce opportunities.

✍️ Why the Personal Profile Is Your Golden Ticket

The Personal Profile is UBC’s top tool for understanding applicants beyond grades: assessing background, values, impact, leadership, and potential .

It comprises 6–8 essay questions, each with 50–500 words, covering areas like:

  • Who are you? (personality, background, values)

  • What have you done? (activities, leadership, achievements)

  • Why UBC/your chosen field? (motivation & alignment)

  • Reflective prompts (lessons, setbacks, growth)

UBC’s evaluation criteria:

  1. Engagement & Accomplishment – What did you do and why it mattered?

  2. Leadership – Demonstration of initiative and influence

  3. Substance – Depth in thought and reflection

  4. Voice – Authenticity and clarity

Summer prep tips:

  • Delve into your personal story—don’t just list; narrate reflective learning experiences.

  • Experiment with Narrative (storytelling) vs. Deductive (analytical) formats.

  • Draft early, seek feedback, and refine each essay multiple times.

This is not just about finishing your application; it’s about making each answer impactful, personal, and memorable.

💰 Scholarship Opportunities: What to Know

UBC offers several prestigious awards. International student scholarships include:

  • International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) – Renewable C$10,000–$20,000 per year

  • Outstanding International Student Award (OIS) – One‑time award of C$10,000–$25,000

For domestic students:

  • Presidential & Centennial Scholarships – High‑value, need‑based awards

  • Okanagan Welcome Award – C$5,000 award for new Okanagan campus students

Important: Scholarship evaluation usually begins alongside admission review—submit by December 1 (or Nov 15 for IMES/OIS) to be fully considered.

📝 Your Month‑by‑Month Prep Roadmap

  1. This July–August

    • Begin working on your Personal Profile responses.

    • Outline your key achievements, service, leadership, and aspirations.

  2. September

    • Finalize drafts, share with mentors, polish narratives.

    • Collect transcripts and test scores (IELTS/TOEFL if required).

  3. Early October

    • Submit application via EducationPlannerBC.

    • Complete Personal Profile within portal.

  4. Mid November to Early December

    • Submit scholarship application questions.

    • Follow through with referees and upload additional documents.

  5. December

    • Receive initial admission offers.

    • Begin thinking about scholarships and financial planning.

  6. By January 15

    • Finalize any outstanding application materials.

  7. March–April

    • Scholarship offers are announced.

  8. May 1

    • Accept offer and pay required deposits.

🌟 How Indigo Education Elevates Your Application

At Indigo Education, we’ve spent over a decade guiding students in both private high school and university applications, specializing in 1-on-1 mentorship for students aged 2–18.

Our tailored services include:

  • 📚 Academic Planning – Strategic grade-level course selection and standardized test prep

  • ✍️ Personal Profile Mastery – Structure, content development, stylistic excellence

  • 💡 Scholarship Strategy – Identification and crafting of high-impact scholarship narratives

  • 🎤 Recommendation & Interview Prep – Aligning teacher input with applicant goals

  • 🧭 Application Logistics – Deadline tracking, document uploads, procedural guidance

Our students have earned admissions to US Top 20 universities, UBC offers, and multiple top Canadian institutions—many with full scholarships.

Curious? Discover our approach, success stories, and services at Indigo Education’s website: www.indigoeducation.ca. Book your free consultation and start your UBC success journey today.