About the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

The Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award is one of the most prestigious and generous scholarships offered by the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada. It was established to support outstanding international students from developing or war-torn countries who have achieved academic excellence under difficult circumstances, and who would be unable to pursue a university education without significant financial support. The award recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their home countries.

Key Scholarship Programs

• Full Tuition Coverage: Covers all tuition and student fees for the full duration of undergraduate study (up to 4 years)
• Living Allowance: Monthly stipend to cover housing, food, books, and personal expenses
• Annual Book Allowance: Extra funds for textbooks and academic materials
• Visa & Health Insurance: Support with study permit costs and mandatory BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage
• Renewable: Renewed each year based on satisfactory academic standing
• Number of Awards: Approximately 20–30 awards given each year

Eligibility Requirements

• Nationality: International student from a developing or war-torn country (Afghanistan is on the eligible list)
• Academic Standing: Outstanding academic achievement — usually top 1% of graduating class
• Financial Need: Demonstrated inability to fund a UBC education without full scholarship support
• Adversity: Must have overcome significant hardship (war, displacement, financial barriers, family loss, etc.)
• Leadership: Evidence of leadership, community service, or extracurricular impact
• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5+ (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL 90+
• Admission: Must be admitted to a UBC undergraduate program (Vancouver or Okanagan campus)
• Age: Entering first-year undergraduate study — direct from secondary school or equivalent
• No Prior Post-Secondary: Applicants must not have already completed a university degree

Application Details

Required Documents

• UBC application for admission (submitted via the EducationPlannerBC portal)
• Wehrung Award application form (separate from admission application)
• Certified academic transcripts from all secondary schools attended
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
• Personal profile / statement (500–800 words) — explaining academic journey, adversity, and future goals
• Financial information form (family income and hardship documentation)
• Two letters of reference (one academic, one personal or community)
• Copy of passport or national ID
• Evidence of leadership or community involvement
• Proof of refugee status or displacement (if applicable)

Application Timeline

• Application Opens: August 1 of the preceding year
• UBC Admission Deadline: January 15 (for scholarship consideration)
• Wehrung Award Deadline: January 15 (same as admission deadline)
• Document Submission Deadline: January 31
• Evaluation Period: February – April
• Results Announced: Late April – Early May
• Scholarship Start: September (Winter Session)

Selection Criteria

• Academic excellence (weighted most heavily)
• Demonstrated financial need — the award is intended for those who could not otherwise attend
• Overcoming adversity: war, displacement, illness, family hardship
• Leadership potential and community impact
• Quality and authenticity of the personal profile
• Strength of reference letters
• Potential to contribute to UBC and to their home country after graduation

Benefits Covered

• Full tuition and student fees for up to 4 years
• Monthly living allowance (approximately CAD $1,200–$1,800)
• Annual book and supply allowance
• Study permit application support
• BC MSP health insurance coverage
• Orientation and academic support services
• Renewable annually with satisfactory academic standing