The aim of the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) by the University of British Columbia (UBC) is to attract international students starting undergraduate programs.
It is awarded to students with excellent grades, strong leadership skills, and active participation in extracurricular activities.
IMES values both academic success and community involvement, making it a well-rounded award for outstanding students.
This scholarship is available for all undergraduate programs at UBC, including the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science, Engineering, Sauder School of Business, and more.
It supports international students throughout their studies, helping them become active and positive members of the UBC community.
💰 Scholarship Value
- Recipients get different amounts depending on each student’s academic performance and leadership qualities. It can be up to CAD 40,000, distributed as CAD 10,000 per year for four years.
- The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years, as long as the student meets the renewal requirements.
You should know that IMES is highly competitive, and the exact amount you’ll receive depends on the overall strength of your application.
Your application should include your academic records, personal profile, and leadership experiences.
🧑🎓 Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the IMES, applicants must:
- Be new to UBC, entering directly from secondary school or post-secondary education (no prior enrollment at UBC).
- Be an international student on a valid Canadian study permit (student visa) for the duration of the program.
- Show academic excellence through high grades in high school or equivalent qualifications.
- Apply to a UBC undergraduate program on the Vancouver or Okanagan campus.
- Show leadership skills, active involvement in community service, and participation in extracurricular activities.
- Not be nominated for the International Scholars Program (students cannot receive both awards).
📅 How to apply
- Students are automatically considered when they apply to UBC, you don’t apply separately.
- To be eligible for IMES, students must select UBC as their first choice in the application.
- Submit Academic Records: Provide all required transcripts, certificates, and supporting documents.
Meet deadlines
The deadline for application is usually around December 1 for the following academic year.
Note: If you’re interested in the award, you should focus on strengthening your general UBC application since consideration for IMES is automatic.
🔄 Renewal requirements
To maintain the IMES award throughout the undergraduate program, recipients must:
- Maintain a minimum academic standard: Usually, a minimum GPA is specified by UBC for scholarship holders.
- Remain an international student on a valid Canadian study permit throughout the program.
- Enroll in a full-time undergraduate program at UBC without any gaps in their study terms.
- Demonstrate continued engagement in leadership and community service activities.
- Renewal is evaluated annually, and students must consistently meet the criteria to receive funding in subsequent years.
💡 Tips for submitting a strong application
- Focus on academic excellence: Achieve high grades in challenging courses to demonstrate academic strength.
- Engage in extracurriculars: Participate in clubs, volunteer work, leadership roles, or other meaningful activities.
- Develop leadership skills: Showcase your ability to lead teams, initiate projects, or contribute positively to your community.
- Craft a compelling personal profile: Highlight your achievements, goals, and impact on your school or community.
- Apply early: Applying early is always good.
🎓 Benefits of receiving IMES
- You will receive financial support
- Being an IMES recipient can open doors to career opportunities for you.
- It allows you to connect with other high-achieving international students and join the UBC global community.
🌐 Useful link
Application link: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students.