Scholarship Opportunity

International Major Entrance Scholarship at UBC: Eligibility, Amount, How to Apply

The International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is a merit-based scholarship for exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs at UBC.

For the 2026/27 academic year, UBC states that International Major Entrance Scholarships are valued at $10,000 to $25,000 per year. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years of undergraduate study, provided the student continues to meet the applicable requirements.

Unlike scholarships that require a separate application, eligible students are automatically considered for the IMES when they apply to UBC by the required admissions deadline.

This guide explains the UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship, including its value, eligibility requirements, application process, deadline, selection criteria, renewal conditions and how it compares with other UBC scholarships for international students.

What Is the International Major Entrance Scholarship at UBC?

The International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) is a merit-based entrance scholarship awarded to exceptional international students beginning undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia.

UBC considers applicants based on factors including:

Academic achievement
Intellectual promise
Extracurricular involvement
Community involvement

The scholarship is intended for high-achieving international students entering UBC directly from secondary school.

UBC awards a limited number of IMES scholarships each year, and both the number and value of awards can vary depending on available funding.

How Much Is the UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship?

For the 2026/27 academic year, the International Major Entrance Scholarship is worth:

$10,000–$25,000 per year

The scholarship can be renewed for up to three additional years, meaning a recipient may receive the scholarship throughout a four-year undergraduate degree if they continue to satisfy the renewal requirements.

UBC IMES Award Amount

Academic year	Potential annual value
2026/27	$10,000–$25,000
Second year	Renewable
Third year	Renewable
Fourth year	Renewable

The exact amount awarded to an individual student is determined by UBC and can vary.

Does IMES cover full tuition?

No. The IMES is a significant contribution toward the cost of studying at UBC, but UBC states that IMES and the Outstanding International Student Award do not cover the full cost of education. Students receiving these awards are encouraged to prepare a financial plan for the duration of their degree.

This is an important distinction for international students because tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance and other living expenses can add substantially to the total cost of studying in Canada.

Who Is Eligible for the UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship?

To be considered for the IMES, applicants must meet UBC’s eligibility requirements.

According to UBC, you must:

Be new to UBC
Be entering UBC directly from secondary school
Be an international student
Study at UBC on a Canadian study permit
Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement
Demonstrate intellectual promise
Have impressive extracurricular involvement
Have strong community involvement
Not be nominated for a need-and-merit-based International Scholars award
Apply to UBC by the admissions deadline

Meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award because the IMES is highly competitive.

Who Can Apply for IMES?

The scholarship is primarily intended for international students entering UBC undergraduate programs directly from secondary school.

This means the IMES is different from many scholarships that are available to current university students or transfer students.

If you are already studying at another university and intend to transfer to UBC, you should review UBC’s other scholarship and award opportunities because the standard IMES eligibility criteria specify students entering directly from secondary school.

Do I Need a Separate Application for the UBC IMES?

No separate scholarship application is required for the International Major Entrance Scholarship.

If you meet the eligibility requirements and submit your UBC application by the applicable admissions deadline, UBC automatically considers you for the IMES.

This makes the application process relatively straightforward:

Apply to UBC → Submit your application by the deadline → Meet the eligibility criteria → UBC evaluates you for IMES

However, automatic consideration does not mean that every eligible applicant receives the scholarship.

How to Apply for the International Major Entrance Scholarship at UBC

The IMES application process is integrated with the UBC undergraduate admission process.

Step 1: Choose your UBC undergraduate program

Start by identifying the undergraduate degree you want to study at UBC.

Check the program-specific admission requirements before submitting your application.

Step 2: Prepare your UBC application

Gather the academic and personal information required for your UBC application.

Your overall applicant profile matters because UBC evaluates merit-based awards using academic achievement and other aspects of the applicant’s profile.

Step 3: Apply to UBC by the admissions deadline

You must submit your UBC application by the applicable admissions deadline to be considered for the IMES.

For example, UBC states that international students who apply by January 15 are automatically considered for the International Major Entrance Scholarship or Outstanding International Student Award.

Always check UBC’s current admissions page for the deadline applicable to your intended intake and program.

Step 4: Complete your application carefully

Because the scholarship is competitive, applicants should not treat the application as merely an admission form.

Make sure your academic information is accurate and present your extracurricular, leadership and community involvement clearly where UBC’s application asks for it.

Step 5: Wait for UBC’s scholarship evaluation

UBC evaluates merit-based awards separately from the admission decision.

According to UBC, scholarship evaluations take place after applicants have been considered for admission. Scholarship decisions are generally made between mid-February and the end of April. Only successful recipients are notified of an award offer.

What Does UBC Look for in IMES Applicants?

UBC describes IMES recipients as students with:

Exceptional academic achievement
Intellectual promise
Impressive extracurricular involvement
Community involvement

Therefore, a strong applicant should demonstrate more than high grades.

Academic excellence

Your academic record is one of the most important parts of your application.

Strong grades in relevant secondary-school subjects can help demonstrate your academic preparation and ability to succeed in a demanding undergraduate program.

Intellectual promise

UBC also considers intellectual promise.

This can include evidence that you think critically, pursue learning beyond the classroom, solve problems effectively or demonstrate exceptional academic potential.

Extracurricular activities

Extracurricular involvement can strengthen your profile.

Examples may include:

Student organizations
Leadership positions
Sports
Academic competitions
Volunteering
Research activities
Entrepreneurship
Community projects
Creative activities

Quality and meaningful involvement are generally more useful than simply listing a large number of activities.

Community involvement

UBC specifically identifies community involvement as one of the characteristics of IMES recipients.

Applicants should therefore demonstrate how they have contributed to their school, local community or other organizations.

When Is the UBC IMES Deadline?

There is not a separate IMES scholarship application deadline for eligible applicants.

The critical requirement is to apply to UBC by the applicable undergraduate admissions deadline.

UBC currently states that international students who apply by January 15 are automatically considered for IMES or the Outstanding International Student Award.

Because deadlines can change between admission cycles and may differ according to circumstances, applicants should verify the deadline directly with UBC before applying.

When Are UBC IMES Winners Announced?

UBC states that merit-based scholarship evaluations are conducted separately from admissions decisions.

While admission offers may begin as early as December, scholarship decisions are generally made from mid-February through the end of April.

Successful recipients receive their scholarship offers before their admission acceptance deadline. UBC notes that most students’ acceptance deadline is May 1.

Not receiving a scholarship notification does not necessarily mean that an applicant has been rejected from UBC. Admission and scholarship decisions are separate processes.

Is the UBC IMES Scholarship Renewable?

Yes.

IMES recipients receive the scholarship when they enter their first year at UBC, and UBC states that the scholarship can be renewed for up to three additional years of study.

This means an eligible student can potentially receive IMES support during four years of undergraduate study.

However, renewal should not be interpreted as unconditional. Students should maintain the academic and enrollment requirements associated with their award and remain eligible under UBC’s scholarship conditions.

Can IMES Be Combined With Other UBC Scholarships?

Students should carefully review the eligibility rules for each UBC award.

One important restriction is that applicants who are nominated for a need-and-merit-based International Scholars award are not eligible for IMES.

UBC offers several different forms of financial support for international undergraduate students, including merit-based awards and the International Scholars Program.

Choosing the right scholarship pathway is therefore important.

IMES vs UBC International Scholars Program

The International Major Entrance Scholarship and International Scholars Program are not the same award.

Feature	International Major Entrance Scholarship	International Scholars Program
Type	Merit-based	Need + merit-based
Target	Exceptional international undergraduate entrants	Exceptional international students with significant financial need
Separate application	No	Yes
Academic excellence	Required	Required
Extracurricular/community involvement	Considered	Considered
Financial need	Not considered	Considered
2026/27 IMES value	$10,000–$25,000/year	Varies by award

UBC specifically states that IMES is merit-based and financial need is not considered when determining the award.

Students who need substantial financial assistance should therefore investigate the International Scholars Program as well as other funding opportunities.

IMES vs Outstanding International Student Award

UBC also offers the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award.

Both are merit-based entrance awards for international students, but the award structures differ.

For the 2026/27 academic year, UBC lists IMES at $10,000–$25,000 per year, while the OIS is described as a one-time merit-based entrance scholarship.

Eligible international applicants can be automatically considered for these merit-based awards when they apply by the required deadline.

Is the UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship Fully Funded?

No, IMES should not be described as a fully funded scholarship.

The scholarship can provide between $10,000 and $25,000 per year for the 2026/27 academic year, but UBC explicitly notes that IMES does not cover the full cost of education.

International students should budget separately for:

Tuition
Accommodation
Food
Transportation
Student fees
Health insurance
Books and supplies
Personal expenses
Study permit-related expenses

The actual amount required will depend on the student’s program, campus, accommodation and lifestyle.

Can Nigerian Students Apply for the UBC IMES?

Yes.

The scholarship is open to eligible international students, and Nigeria is among the countries from which UBC can receive international undergraduate applicants.

A Nigerian applicant must still satisfy UBC’s admission requirements, scholarship eligibility criteria and Canadian study-permit requirements.

Being from Nigeria does not by itself guarantee or disqualify an applicant from receiving the IMES.

How Competitive Is the UBC IMES?

The IMES is competitive because UBC awards it to exceptional international students and the number and value of scholarships depend on available funding.

Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that meeting the minimum eligibility requirements guarantees an award.

A competitive application should demonstrate a combination of:

Excellent academics + intellectual potential + meaningful extracurricular activities + community involvement

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning IMES

1. Aim for excellent academic results

Academic achievement is central to the IMES selection criteria.

Make sure your grades demonstrate strong preparation for your chosen UBC program.

2. Build meaningful extracurricular experience

Do not focus solely on the number of activities.

Long-term involvement, leadership, measurable achievements and meaningful contributions can make your profile stronger.

3. Demonstrate community impact

If you have volunteered or participated in community initiatives, explain your contribution and the impact of your work.

4. Highlight intellectual curiosity

Academic competitions, independent projects, research, entrepreneurship and other activities that demonstrate intellectual curiosity can help communicate your potential.

5. Apply early

Do not wait until the final hours of the admissions period.

UBC’s scholarship consideration is tied to submitting the undergraduate application by the applicable deadline.

6. Research your total cost of study

Even if you receive IMES, you should prepare a realistic financial plan because the scholarship does not cover the complete cost of studying at UBC.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for International Major Entrance Scholarship at UBC: Eligibility, Amount, How to Apply is January 15, 2027.

Applicants should submit all required materials before this date and verify any last-minute changes through the official scholarship source.

Deadline verification: Check the official scholarship source for the latest country-, program-, university- or round-specific deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions About UBC IMES

What is the International Major Entrance Scholarship at UBC?

The International Major Entrance Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship for exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs at the University of British Columbia.

How much is the UBC IMES worth?

For 2026/27, UBC states that IMES awards are worth $10,000–$25,000 per year.

Is IMES renewable?

Yes. UBC states that the scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years of study.

Do I need to apply separately for IMES?

No. Eligible international students are automatically considered when they apply to UBC by the required admissions deadline.

What is the IMES deadline?

The scholarship does not have a separate application. Applicants must apply to UBC by the applicable admissions deadline. UBC currently identifies January 15 as the deadline for international students to be automatically considered for IMES or OIS in the relevant undergraduate application cycle.

Does IMES cover full tuition?

No. UBC states that IMES does not cover the full cost of education.

Can transfer students apply for IMES?

The standard IMES eligibility criteria specify students who are new to UBC and entering directly from secondary school. Transfer applicants should investigate other UBC awards.

Does UBC consider financial need for IMES?

No. IMES is a merit-based award and UBC states that financial need is not considered when awarding IMES.

Can International Scholars applicants receive IMES?

Students nominated for a need-and-merit-based International Scholars award are not considered for IMES.

When does UBC announce IMES decisions?

UBC says merit-based award evaluations generally take place between mid-February and the end of April. Successful recipients are notified of their award offer.

Final Points

The International Major Entrance Scholarship at UBC is one of the major merit-based funding opportunities available to international students entering undergraduate study at the University of British Columbia.

For 2026/27, the scholarship is valued at $10,000–$25,000 per year and can be renewed for up to three additional years. Eligible applicants do not submit a separate IMES application; instead, they are automatically considered when they apply to UBC by the applicable admissions deadline.

The strongest candidates are students who combine exceptional academic achievement, intellectual promise, extracurricular involvement and community involvement.

However, students should remember that IMES is not a fully funded scholarship. UBC recommends that recipients create a financial plan because the award does not cover the entire cost of an undergraduate education.

If you are planning to study at UBC as an international undergraduate student, the best approach is to begin preparing your academic and extracurricular profile well before the admission deadline and carefully verify the latest requirements directly with UBC.

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