Overview
Getting financial assistance as an international student looking for higher education opportunities can be essential to realising your goals. Since UBC understands how important it is to help deserving students, the university annually allots over $30 million for awards, scholarships, and other financial aid for international undergraduates. One such scholarship is the IMES, which provides a fantastic chance for worthy students to succeed academically, participate in extracurricular activities, and add to the lively UBC community.
About UBC
UBC is a well-known university with a global reputation, ranking in the top 40 worldwide. It is also the most globally oriented university in North America, drawing students from a wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Enrolling at UBC entails becoming a part of a community of enthusiastic and helpful young leaders who enhance the university with their distinct viewpoints, involvement, and inventiveness. Co-ops, undergraduate research, clubs, study abroad programmes, and other opportunities are just a few of the many extracurricular and on-campus activities that the university provides to help students complete their degrees and get involved in the vibrant campus community.
What is the IMES, or International Major Entrance Scholarship?
Outstanding international students enrolled in UBC undergraduate programmes are eligible to apply for the merit-based International Major Entrance Scholarship. Joining the ranks of accomplished scholars who are driven to change the world is what it means to be an IMES recipient. Throughout your undergraduate studies at UBC, you will receive continuous support through the IMES, which is renewable for up to three more years of study.
Qualifications
You must fulfil the following requirements in order to be eligible for the IMES:
be a first-time student at UBC who came straight out of high school.
possess a Canadian study permit (student visa) and be an international student attending UBC.
Exhibit remarkable success in the classroom, intellectual promise, and outstanding extracurricular and community involvement.
not receive a nomination for an International Scholars grant determined by merit and need.
Apply by January 15th to UBC.
Procedure for Selection
You are going to be automatically considered for the IMES after receiving an admissions offer from UBC. The evaluation procedure considers your exhibited scholastic success and extracurricular activities. The amount and calibre of scholarships given out each year are determined by the funds that are available. Usually, scholarship decisions are announced between the middle of March and the end of April.
Scholarship Renewal
If you continue to maintain a satisfactory academic standing and actively participate in extracurricular activities and community engagement, the IMES is renewable for a maximum of three more years. The UBC scholarship office has the specific requirements for renewing a scholarship.
How to File an IMES Application
The process of applying for the IMES is simple. You will automatically be considered for the scholarship once you have filed your UBC admissions application by the deadline of January 15. No additional steps or separate application form are needed. To increase your chances of being considered for the IMES, you must make sure that your application is complete and submitted on time.
Further International Scholarships at UBC
A variety of scholarships and awards are available from UBC to help overseas students with their academic endeavours. Students can usually apply for these scholarships following their first year of study. They are given out based on a number of criteria, such as leadership, varsity athletic team participation, academic achievement, and UBC involvement. The application procedures and qualifying requirements for these awards may differ, and it is the responsibility of individual faculties to suggest students for them. Recipients of these awards must file a T4A form during tax season.
International Welcome Award, UBC Okanagan
The UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award is a $5,000 scholarship that is applied to international students’ first-year tuition at the university. All international applicants who list a UBC Okanagan degree as their top choice on their application and are accepted into their first-choice programme automatically receive it. With the help of this award, international students will hopefully receive a warm welcome and have an easy transition to their time at UBC Okanagan.
UBC Vantage One Grants and Scholarships
Academically gifted international students whose English language proficiency falls short of UBC’s requirements for direct admission can apply to the university’s Vantage One programme. You are qualified to apply for UBC Vantage One scholarships and awards as a new student. Academic excellence, intellectual promise, extracurricular activity, community service, and in some cases, financial need are taken into account when awarding these scholarships. There may be variations in the particular dates, application procedures, and qualifying requirements for these grants.
Organising Your UBC Finances
It is essential for prospective international students to carefully plan their financial future in order to guarantee a successful academic career at UBC. Knowing the costs associated with a university education is essential as it represents a substantial financial commitment. Use the UBC cost calculator to obtain a detailed breakdown of all of your first-year expenses, including living expenses, books, meals, tuition, and transportation. To help you better plan your finances, this tool lets you enter your information and examine various financial scenarios.
My Experience at UBC as an International Student
Being a foreign student at UBC is a rewarding and life-changing experience. Students from various backgrounds can join together in a dynamic and welcoming community on the Vancouver campus of UBC to study, develop, and make contributions. International student advising is one of the many comprehensive support services offered by the university to make sure that foreign students have the tools and direction they need to succeed academically, socially, and personally.
Tax Considerations and T4A Forms
If you have received any scholarships or awards from UBC, including the IMES, you must file a T4A form during tax season. To speed up the processing of your T4A form, make sure that your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Individual Tax Number (ITN) is updated in your Student Service Centre (SSC). It is best to apply for your SIN or ITN as soon as possible if you haven’t already, as the processing period may take up to two months.
Speak with advisors for enrollment services at UBC
You can get in touch with UBC’s Enrollment Services Advisors if you have any inquiries or need more details regarding the IMES, other scholarships, or any other part of your application or enrollment process. The advisor’s contact details are available to undergraduate students in the Student Service Centre (SSC) under “UBC Contacts.” Graduate, postgraduate, and other students can use the online form to ask a question or call 604 822 9836 to speak with an Enrollment Services Advisor.
Final Thoughts
For outstanding international students, the UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity to pursue their academic and personal goals at one of the best universities in the world. UBC is committed to promoting diverse perspectives, academic excellence, and global engagement, which is reflected in its financial support of worthy students. The IMES guarantees that international students have the tools and chances necessary to succeed at UBC and have a positive impact on the world, in addition to other scholarships and awards. With the UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship, set out on a path to success. Apply now to UBC to realise your full potential.
Application Deadline: January 15, 2024
Visit the Official Website for Further Details