The University of British Columbia is one of Canada’s leading public research universities, consistently ranked among the top 3 in the country. Founded in 1908, UBC recently celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008. To commemorate this momentous occasion, UBC established the Centennial Scholarship program to recognize students of exceptional merit and outstanding achievements. This prestigious award provides recipients with substantial financial support and celebrates students who embody the spirit of excellence at UBC.
What is the UBC Centennial Scholarship?
The UBC Centennial Scholarship was established in 2007 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of UBC’s founding. It is awarded annually to a select group of exceptional incoming first-year students to support their university education at UBC. As one of UBC’s most prestigious awards, the Centennial Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, community service, and contributions to school and community.
Recipients gain substantial financial assistance as well as access to unique enrichment opportunities. They join a community of past and present scholars, fostering networking and mentorship. The Centennial Scholarship celebrates excellence at UBC and instills a sense of pride among recipients for being chosen among a pool of many outstanding applicants.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Centennial Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Applicants to their first year of undergraduate study directly from high school to any faculty at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver or Okanagan campus)
- Minimum admission average of 95% or higher based on final grades from the last two years of high school
- Proven track record of academic excellence as well as leadership achievements, community service, and extracurricular activities
International students or those transferring from other post-secondary institutions are unfortunately not eligible for this award as it aims to recognize exceptional new students joining UBC directly after secondary school.
Award Details
The UBC Centennial Scholarship is awarded annually to 10-15 new incoming first-year students. It is one of the most prestigious and substantial admission scholarships available at UBC. Here are more details about the award:
- Valued at $40,000 ($10,000 per year for 4 years of undergraduate study)
- Renewable each year for up to 4 years of study, provided the recipient maintains an 85% average or higher
- Students may pursue any undergraduate program and faculty at UBC (Vancouver or Okanagan)
- In addition to the monetary award, scholars participate in enrichment activities and mentorship
- Recipients gain exclusive access to special events and networking opportunities
By providing $10,000 per year, the Centennial Scholarship covers a significant portion of tuition, living expenses, and educational costs. Combined with other admission scholarships, bursaries and student loans, it can allow recipients to graduate with little to no student debt.
Application Process
Applying for the UBC Centennial Scholarship is a competitive process that takes place in two phases:
Phase 1: Nomination
- Top applicants from each British Columbia secondary school are nominated by their school principal or counselor in the fall of their Grade 12 year
- Nominated students are then invited to complete the Phase 2 application in early 2023
Phase 2: Online Application
The online application typically opens in early January and closes by early February. It involves:
- Detailed academic transcripts, resume of extracurriculars, references
- 500-word maximum personal profile statement
- 500-word maximum response to an essay prompt
- Optional portfolio of achievements, awards, and creative works
Shortlisted candidates may be invited in March/April for phone or virtual interviews. Selection is based on a rigorous holistic review that considers academic merit, leadership qualities, community service, and how the applicant would contribute to and benefit from the program.
Selection Criteria
As one of the most prestigious admission awards at UBC, competition for the Centennial Scholarship is intense. The selection committee rigorously assesses each applicant based on the following criteria:
Academics
- Consistently high grades, especially in Grades 11-12
- Rigorous course load and upward-grade trajectory
- Standardized test scores (if applicable)
Leadership
- Positions held in student government, clubs, athletics, arts, etc.
- Initiative in founding or leading extracurricular activities
- Demonstrated leadership skills and impact on others
Community Service
- Volunteer activities within and outside of school
- Community projects and causes actively supported
- Commitment to service, civic engagement, and social responsibility
Potential to Succeed and Contribute
- Ambition, goals, and passion are evident through personal statements
- Unique talents, interests, and experiences beyond academics
- Likelihood to thrive at UBC and become a role model
Meeting the high minimum academic standards is essential but not guaranteed for selection. Strong evidence of leadership, impact, and potential for success set top applicants apart in this competitive process.
Past Recipient Profiles
To illustrate the exceptional caliber of UBC Centennial Scholars, here are brief profiles of two past recipients:
Jane Doe (Class of 2022)
- Valedictorian with 98% average; top AP/IB scores
- Captain of the varsity soccer team, student council president
- Founded peer tutoring program, volunteered 400+ hours
- Conducted neuroscience research, published paper at ICSE
- Studies neuroscience, joins UBC Women’s Soccer team
John Smith (Class of 2023)
- 97% average taking highest-level science courses
- Started environmental Club raising $10K for local conservation
- Awarded multiple academic and volunteer achievement prizes
- Plays piano at elderly homes, mentors newcomer youth
- Pursues chemical engineering and chemistry as a double major
As evident, Centennial Scholars demonstrate academic excellence, serve their communities through leadership roles, and have a strong drive to succeed. Their well-rounded profiles exemplify the qualities sought by the selection committee.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. If I am not nominated by my school, can I still apply?
No, all applicants must be formally nominated by their high school principal or counselor in order to qualify for the Phase 2 application process. Contact your school’s career department in the early fall of Grade 12 to inquire about the nomination procedure.
2. What if I am still completing my Grade 12 courses when applications are due?
Provided you have submitted your complete transcripts and grades from Grades 11-12 by the deadline, this should not affect your eligibility or competitiveness. Predicted final grades may be considered if absolute grades are pending.
3. If I defer my university acceptance, will my scholarship still be valid?
The Centennial Scholarship is contingent on commencing studies at UBC in the academic year following secondary school completion. Deferring enrollment would forfeit the award. Alternatives such as a medical/compassionate deferral may be considered case-by-case.
4. Will my involvement in extracurriculars in university still count towards my renewal each year?
No, renewal evaluations are solely based on maintaining the minimum 85% academic average. Continued community service, leadership achievements, or research conducted after the first year will not impact scholarship renewal, which depends only on academic standing.
5. Can the scholarship be deferred to a future year if I don’t receive it in my application year?
No, unsuccessful applicants cannot defer or re-apply in future years for the Centennial Scholarship. Each year’s application process considers only that year’s cohort of incoming first-year students. Students are welcome to re-apply through other major admission awards at UBC if eligibility permits.
Conclusion
The UBC Centennial Scholarship celebrates excellence by providing exceptional students the opportunity to develop their full potential through an education at one of Canada’s premier public research universities. For eligible applicants demonstrating outstanding leadership, academics, and potential to succeed, this prestigious award covers a substantial portion of undergraduate costs and connects recipients to a community of accomplished peers.
While competition is intense, each applicant who strives for excellence in and out of the classroom and meaningfully contributes to their communities gains valuable experiences that cultivate growth regardless of scholarship outcomes. With careful preparation, high academic achievement, demonstrated leadership impact, and clear future goals, one’s application can truly shine.
