Ubc International Major Entrance Scholarship 2027 | Study in Canada — University of British Columbia
Being renewable for three additional years beyond the entering award, rather than functioning as a single one-time payment, makes the International Major Entrance Scholarship one of UBC’s most financially significant awards for international undergraduates specifically.
About the Scholarship
The University of British Columbia’s International Major Entrance Scholarship, commonly known as IMES, is awarded to exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs at UBC. For the 2026-2027 academic year, covering 2027 admission, IMES awards are valued between $10,000 and $25,000 per year.
Students receive their IMES award when they enter their first year at UBC, and the scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years of study, meaning recipients can expect consistent funding throughout their entire undergraduate degree rather than facing uncertainty after their first year. This multi-year renewal structure makes IMES one of the more financially significant scholarships UBC offers to international undergraduates.
Because the award amount spans a notable range from $10,000 to $25,000, admitted students should expect their specific scholarship value to reflect their individual academic strength and overall candidacy relative to the broader pool of international applicants in a given admissions cycle.
As one of Canada’s leading research universities, with its main campus in Vancouver, British Columbia, UBC offers international IMES recipients access to a globally recognized institution within a city consistently ranked among the most livable in the world, combining strong academics with a distinctive Pacific Northwest setting.
Scholarship Benefits
- An annual award valued between $10,000 and $25,000
- Renewable for up to three additional years of study beyond the entering year
- Recognition as one of UBC’s most financially significant international undergraduate awards
- Access to UBC’s globally recognized academic programs in Vancouver
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be an international student entering an undergraduate program at UBC for the first time
- You must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement to be considered for IMES
- You must maintain UBC’s required academic standing to retain renewal for up to three additional years
- You must meet UBC’s standard undergraduate admission requirements
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship supports undergraduate study across the University of British Columbia’s full range of majors and programs.
Required Documents
- A completed University of British Columbia undergraduate application
- Academic transcripts
- Standardized test scores, if required under UBC’s current admissions policy
- Letters of recommendation
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Submit your complete undergraduate application to the University of British Columbia
- Ensure all required transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters are submitted alongside your application
- Understand that IMES consideration is automatic as part of the standard admissions review
- Complete your application by UBC’s stated admissions deadline
- Review your scholarship offer details alongside your admission decision
Selection Process
UBC’s admissions committee evaluates international applicants holistically, with IMES award amount within the $10,000 to $25,000 range reflecting overall academic strength and candidacy relative to the broader applicant pool.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Submit the strongest possible holistic application, since IMES award amount reflects your overall academic profile
- Apply as early as possible within your admissions cycle to strengthen your overall candidacy
- Maintain strong academic performance throughout your time at UBC, since renewal depends on meeting required academic standing
- Compare this against other large-scale international entrance scholarships like the University of Alberta President’s International Distinction Scholarship when weighing offers across Canadian universities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a separate scholarship application?
No, IMES consideration is automatic as part of the standard admissions review.
What is the award range?
$10,000 to $25,000 per year, depending on individual academic strength.
How long is the scholarship renewable?
For up to three additional years of study beyond the entering award, covering the full undergraduate program.
Is this scholarship open to all international applicants?
Yes, it is awarded to exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs at UBC.
What is UBC known for academically?
A globally recognized reputation across a wide range of disciplines, located in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Does my standardized test score affect my scholarship amount?
Test scores are one factor among several considered in the holistic evaluation, rather than the sole determinant.
What happens if my academic standing drops during my degree?
Confirm UBC’s current guidance directly regarding specific academic standing requirements for retaining IMES renewal.
Can I combine this scholarship with outside funding?
Check UBC’s current policy on combining institutional scholarship funding with external scholarship sources.
Is there a specific application deadline for IMES consideration?
Confirm UBC’s current admissions cycle deadlines directly, since IMES consideration is tied to the standard undergraduate application timeline.