Applications are currently invited from suitably qualified undergraduate students for The University of British Columbia International Major Entrance Scholarship. International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES) are awarded to exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs at UBC.
Students receive their IMES when they enter their first year at UBC, and the scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years of study. The number and level of these scholarships awarded each year vary, depending on available funding.
SCHOLARSHIP AT A GLANCE:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | University of British Columbia International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Eligibility | International students entering UBC from secondary school |
| Citizenship | International students (non-Canadian) on a study permit |
| Requirements | Academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community involvement |
| Renewal | Renewable for up to 3 additional years |
| Application Deadline | December 1 (admissions), November 15 (International Scholars Program) |
| Award Value | Varies depending on funding |
| Number of Awards | Varies depending on funding |
| Eligible Programs | Most undergraduate programs (check website for exclusions) |
| Excluded Programs | UBC Okanagan Bachelor of Nursing, Dental Science, Medical Lab Science, etc. |
| Application Process | Admissions application + International Scholars Program application |
| Nomination | Required by school or non-profit organization |
| Reference | Academic referee |
| Additional Info | Financial information, extracurricular activities, awards |
Fact About The University of British Columbia
- Ancient Roots: UBC’s origins date back to 1890, but its predecessor, the McGill University College of British Columbia, was established in 1906, with just 92 students.
- Two Campuses: UBC has two main campuses: Vancouver (Point Grey) and Okanagan (Kelowna), spanning over 1,000 acres combined.
- Global Rankings: UBC consistently ranks among the top 3% of universities worldwide, placing 34th in QS World University Rankings 2022.
- Nobel Laureates: 7 UBC faculty and alumni have won Nobel Prizes, including physicist Erwin Neher (1991) and economist Robert Mundell (1999).
- Indigenous Focus: UBC has a dedicated Indigenous Studies program and is home to the First Nations House of Learning, promoting cultural understanding and reconciliation.
- Sustainable Leader: UBC aims to be carbon neutral by 2050, with initiatives like solar-powered buildings and a 28-acre botanical garden.
- Research Powerhouse: UBC attracts over $700 million in research funding annually, driving innovation in fields like medicine, clean energy, and AI.
- Diverse Community: UBC welcomes students from 160+ countries, with international students comprising 25% of the student body.
- Alumni Network: UBC’s 380,000+ alumni include notable figures like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, astronaut Roberta Bondar, and actor Ryan Reynolds.
- Innovative Spirit: UBC has spawned over 1,000 startups, including companies like Slack Technologies and Hootsuite Media, revolutionizing industries worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria For 2025 UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship
To be considered for the UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship, applicants are expected to meet the following conditions:
- Applicants must be new to UBC, entering directly from secondary school.
- Be an international student who will be studying at UBC on a Canadian study permit (student visa). (Changes to your citizenship status will affect your IMES eligibility.)
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and intellectual promise, as well as impressive extracurricular and community involvement.
- Not be nominated for a need-and-merit-based International Scholars
How To Apply For 2025 UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship
apply for the UBC International Scholars Program, interested and qualified candidates should;
6. Submit your admissions application to UBC by the December 1 deadline.
Review the application page for the International Scholars Program.
Decide on the academic program you want to study, and which campus you want to choose.
For the International Scholars Program awards, you will be considered for your first choice program. You should still select a second choice program; however only your first choice program is eligible for award consideration.
When selecting your degree, please note that the following degrees are not eligible for UBC International Scholars Program awards:
UBC Okanagan Bachelor of Nursing degree, Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor + Master of Management degree, dual degrees, joint degrees between UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver, and joint degrees with other post-secondary institutions.
To apply for the International Scholars Program, you must be nominated by your school or non-profit, and submit a reference from an academic referee.
Gather your required financial information, as well as notes on any extracurricular activities and awards.
Apply for the International Scholars Program by submitting the application by the November 15 deadline.