Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

Overview

The Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award is one of the most significant scholarships available to Nepali students applying to the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada. Unlike most international scholarships which are merit-only, this award is specifically designed for students from economically disadvantaged or conflict-affected regions who have achieved academic excellence despite significant hardship — and who cannot attend university without financial assistance.

Nepal qualifies strongly under the award's regional criteria. The award covers both full tuition and living expenses for the duration of an undergraduate degree at UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan, making it one of the few scholarships that addresses the total cost of studying abroad, not just tuition.

The award is part of UBC's International Scholars Program, which also includes the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award. Both are need-and-merit-based awards administered through the same nomination-based process.

Important trade-off: Students nominated for the Wehrung Award are automatically excluded from consideration for UBC's merit-based awards, including the International Major Entrance Scholarship and the Outstanding International Student Award. This is a significant decision — understand both options before your school submits a nomination.

Eligibility

• International student who will study in Canada on a Canadian study permit
• Graduating or recently graduated from a recognized senior secondary school (must have graduated no more than two years before the application year)
• Applying for a first undergraduate degree — not open to students already enrolled at UBC or holding a previous degree
• Demonstrates superior academic achievement — all A grades or equivalent standard
• Comes from a war-torn, politically unstable, or economically disadvantaged region of the world — Nepal qualifies
• Has achieved academic excellence under difficult personal or financial circumstances
• Has no financial means from family or other sources to pursue post-secondary education, either within Nepal or abroad
• Demonstrates leadership potential
• Meets UBC's general admission requirements and English Language Admission Standard

Nomination Requirement

This award cannot be applied for directly. You must be nominated by your school or a recognised non-profit organisation. Key nomination rules:

• A single high school, college, or university may nominate up to three students for UBC Vancouver (including Vantage College) and one student for UBC Okanagan
• A non-profit organisation may only nominate a high school student involved with its programmes — this nomination counts toward the school's total
• You must also submit a reference from an academic referee alongside your nomination

How to Apply

This award requires nomination — you cannot apply directly to UBC. The process runs in parallel with your UBC admissions application.

1. Confirm your nominator — approach your school principal, college, or a recognised non-profit organisation and confirm they are eligible and willing to nominate you. Inform them of the November 15 nomination deadline.
2. Identify an academic referee — you will need a reference letter from an academic referee (a teacher or lecturer who knows your work well). Inform them of the deadline in advance.
3. Submit your award application — complete the online Wehrung Award application through UBC's International Scholars Program portal by November 15.
4. Submit your UBC admissions application — complete your application for admission to UBC by December 1 through UBC's admissions portal.
5. Meet the English language requirement — ensure your English Language Admission Standard (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) is submitted to UBC by February 1.
6. Await notification — shortlisted candidates are contacted by UBC. Award offers are made alongside admission decisions.

Note: If you are nominated for the Wehrung Award, UBC will not consider you for the International Major Entrance Scholarship or the Outstanding International Student Award. Discuss this trade-off with your school counsellor before proceeding.