The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of Canada’s largest and most internationally diverse research universities, and its International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) program is one of the primary ways UBC recognizes outstanding incoming international undergraduate students. If you are an international student planning to apply to UBC’s Vancouver or Okanagan campus, understanding how this scholarship works, and how it fits into UBC’s broader scholarships and awards system, can meaningfully change how you plan your finances for your degree.
What the Scholarship Is and Who Funds It
The International Major Entrance Scholarship is funded directly by the University of British Columbia and is awarded automatically to a select group of the strongest international applicants entering undergraduate degree programs. Unlike some awards that require a separate application, UBC’s entrance scholarships for international students are typically assessed based on the information already provided in your regular admission application, making the process more streamlined than many other Canadian scholarship programs. UBC also offers a broader suite of international entrance awards and renewable scholarships, so the IMES should be understood as part of a wider ecosystem of financial support available through the university’s scholarships and awards office.
Eligibility Criteria
While specific thresholds and quotas are set each admissions cycle, general eligibility principles for UBC’s international entrance scholarships include:
- Being a new international student applying for entry directly from secondary school (or in some cases from another post-secondary institution) into an undergraduate degree program at UBC.
- Requiring a study permit to study in Canada, since these awards are specifically reserved for international, non-Canadian, non-permanent-resident applicants.
- Demonstrating outstanding academic achievement in secondary school studies, as reflected in your grades and the strength of your course load.
- Submitting a complete and competitive admission application, since the personal profile section of UBC’s application, which covers extracurricular activities, leadership, and personal circumstances, is factored into scholarship consideration alongside academics.
- Applying and being admitted within the relevant admission cycle, since scholarship consideration is generally tied to your admission application rather than a separate submission.
Because UBC periodically updates its scholarship criteria, values, and number of awards, always verify current details on the official page before assuming eligibility.
What the Scholarship Covers
The International Major Entrance Scholarship provides a significant financial award toward the cost of tuition for the recipient’s undergraduate studies at UBC. Depending on the specific award category and the strength of the applicant pool in a given year, the value and duration of support can vary, and some of UBC’s international entrance awards are renewable across multiple years of study provided the recipient maintains a specified academic standing. Because UBC bundles several award levels under its international entrance scholarship umbrella, successful applicants should carefully review their offer letter to understand the exact value and renewal conditions of their specific award.
The Application Process, Step by Step
- Submit a complete UBC undergraduate application. Apply through UBC’s official admissions portal, ensuring you complete both the academic components and the personal profile section in full.
- Highlight your achievements in the personal profile. Since UBC evaluates scholarship eligibility using the same holistic application you submit for admission, invest real time in describing your leadership, community involvement, and personal growth.
- Meet all application deadlines. International entrance scholarship consideration is typically tied to submitting your admission application by the relevant early deadline, so do not wait until the final cutoff.
- Await your admission and scholarship decision together. Because there is no separate scholarship application for most of these awards, successful candidates are typically notified of their scholarship as part of, or shortly after, their offer of admission.
- Review your offer letter carefully. If awarded, confirm the scholarship’s value, duration, and any renewal requirements, such as a minimum required grade point average each year.
Because UBC’s admission and scholarship deadlines can differ between faculties and campuses, always check the official website for the current year’s application deadline before you begin.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Apply early. Because scholarship consideration is linked to admission timing, submitting your application well ahead of the final deadline maximizes your chances of being considered for the most competitive awards.
- Invest heavily in your personal profile. UBC’s application process is known for weighing personal qualities and experiences seriously, so treat these questions with the same care as your academic transcripts.
- Choose your course load strategically. A demanding, well-rounded senior secondary school course load, especially in subjects relevant to your intended major, strengthens both your admission and scholarship candidacy.
- Demonstrate genuine impact, not just involvement. Describe specific outcomes and lessons learned from your extracurricular activities rather than simply listing memberships.
- Keep your documents organized and submit everything on time. Missing supplementary documents or late transcripts can remove you from scholarship consideration even if your academic profile is strong.
Why It’s Worth Considering
UBC consistently ranks among the top public universities in the world, and its international entrance scholarships make a UBC education more accessible for outstanding students who might otherwise be deterred by international tuition costs. Because the scholarship consideration process is built into the standard application rather than requiring extensive additional paperwork, it rewards students who simply put together the strongest, most authentic admission application they can.
For complete and current details on international scholarships and awards at UBC, visit the official UBC scholarships and awards page. You can also consult EduCanada for broader resources on studying in Canada.
