UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship 2026 in Canada

The International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) is a renewable merit-based award for exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs at UBC. It is awarded based on academic achievement and extracurricular involvement, providing $10,000-$25,000 per year for up to four years.

Eligible students must be new to UBC, entering directly from secondary school, be international students on a Canadian study permit, demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and extracurricular involvement, and not be nominated for the International Scholars award. Applicants must apply to UBC by the admissions deadline.

For the 2026/2027 academic year, IMES awards are valued at $10,000 to $25,000 per year. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years of study, depending on available funding.

You are automatically considered for the IMES when you apply to UBC by the admissions deadline. No separate application is required. The scholarship evaluation occurs after you receive an admission offer, with decisions made between mid-February and end of April.

You must apply to UBC by the admissions deadline to be considered for the IMES. The specific deadline varies, so check UBC’s official dates and deadlines page. Scholarship decisions are made separately from admission decisions between mid-February and end of April.

Yes, the IMES is renewable for up to three additional years of study beyond the first year. Students receive their IMES when they enter their first year at UBC, and it can be renewed for subsequent years based on maintaining eligibility.

Evaluation is based on demonstrated academic achievement, intellectual promise, and impressive extracurricular and community involvement. The process is highly competitive as all international undergraduate applicants are considered for these awards.

Scholarship decisions are made between mid-February and the end of April, after admission offers are made. Only successful recipients receive notification of an award offer, which comes before the admission acceptance deadline (typically May 1).

You cannot be nominated for both the IMES and the need-and-merit-based International Scholars award. However, you may be eligible for other UBC awards. IMES recipients are encouraged to create a financial plan as the award doesn’t cover full education costs.

Changes to your citizenship status will affect your IMES eligibility. The scholarship is specifically for international students studying at UBC on a Canadian study permit. Any change in status may impact your continued eligibility for the award.