Awards, Scholarships, and Bursaries
Eligible students can access a wide range of funding opportunities by recommendation and application throughout their studies. Financial support pathways include:
- Faculty-recommended awards
- UBC awards, scholarships, and bursaries
- Competitions, prizes, and external opportunities
Faculty-Recommended Awards
The School of Music awards scholarships to incoming and current students by the recommendation of the Division Chairs. Provided students are eligible (see above), they are considered throughout their studies.
For a full list of scholarships administered by the School of Music, please refer to the UBC Award Search.
UBC Awards, Scholarships, and Bursaries
The University of British Columbia offers merit and need-based funding. Music students are encouraged to apply for opportunities via Student Services.
Competitions, Prizes, and External Opportunities
Students may pursue competitions and bursaries to support their studies. Competition opportunities are highlighted throughout the year.
Incoming Students
Entrance Awards
Incoming Undergraduate students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships based on their auditions.
Application: none
The School of Music awards competitive scholarships to outstanding international students. These scholarships are by recommendation of the division chairs and do not require an application. Incoming and transfer international students are eligible for recommendation. International Students applying for the Bachelor of Music are not eligible for the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES), the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award, or the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award as they are automatically considered for international student scholarships from the School of Music.
Application: required (opens mid-February)
Financial Need
UBC offers several funding opportunities for incoming students with financial need.
Canadian Students
Application: required
Deadline: Early December
Application: required
Deadline: Early December
Application: required
Application: required
Deadline: See application period information
International Students
Applications for 2027 will open in September 2026. We recommend starting the application process as early as possible.
Applicants are required to first apply for admission to UBC, speak with their high school about the nomination, gather family and financial information, and complete their student essays. Applicants may also be invited to complete a video interview.
Applicants who apply for International Scholars are considered for four categories of awards.
Current Students
Travel Awards
An annual scholarship has been endowed for an Undergraduate or Graduate student in the School of Music. The Scholarship assists with the cost of pursuing advanced music training or research outside of Canada through a program of study approved by the school.
Eligibility
Undergraduate Students
- Third or fourth year
- Registered in at least 24 credits (graduating students may be eligible for recommendation with reduced credits)
- Completed all courses (e.g., no missing grades or standing deferred courses)
- Received a passing grade in all courses
- An average of 75% or higher
Graduate Students
- Enrolled in a graduate or doctoral program in the School of Music
Application
Deadline: February 1
Email music.admissions@ubc.ca to request an application form. You will be required to include a recommendation and signature from your instructor and division chair by the deadline.
Established by the Johann Strauss Foundation, and augmented by generous annual support from the Hecht Foundation, the Strauss-Hecht Scholarships are available for advanced study of music at specified public or private institutions in Austria.
Eligibility
Undergraduate Students
- Third or fourth year
- Registered in at least 24 credits (graduating students may be eligible for recommendation with reduced credits)
- Completed all courses (e.g., no missing grades or standing deferred courses)
- Received a passing grade in all courses
- An average of 75% or higher
Graduate Students
- Enrolled in a graduate or doctoral program in the School of Music
Application
Auditions are held annually.
External Opportunities
The Hnatyshyn Foundation Christa and Franz-Paul Decker Fellowship in Conducting