International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) for Vantage One

What you will need

• ✓ Automatic consideration upon admission to the Vantage One Program

About this award

You can receive a total of up to $85,000 for your studies. This is broken down as up to $25,000 for your first year, and up to $20,000 per year for years 2 to 4. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an exceptional international student who has balanced strong academic achievement and intellectual promise with impressive community involvement and extracurricular activities. There is no separate application: everyone admitted into the Vantage One Program is considered automatically. Vantage One applications for 2026/2027 closed on January 15, 2026; check Vantage College's How to Apply page for the next intake's date. Questions about IMES go to international.entranceawards@ubc.ca. Awards are granted on the basis of exceptional academic achievement, intellectual promise, and impressive extracurricular and community involvement. The number of awards is not published. Ask University of British Columbia — Vantage College during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. You can keep this scholarship for up to three additional years of study beyond your first year. Renewal conditions aren't listed — confirm with University of British Columbia — Vantage College what you need to maintain to keep the funding.

Who qualifies

You must be an exceptional international student entering undergraduate studies at UBC (the University of British Columbia) in the Vantage One Program. Note that if you apply for the International Scholars Program, you will not be considered for this scholarship.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ International student
• ✓ Open to high school students

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Check this year's deadline

   We don't have a confirmed date for this round. The award's official page will have it.

Tips for applying

• ExtracurricularsAvoid just listing your clubs and sports. Instead, describe the specific impact you had on your community through your involvement. Write about one project where you led a team to solve a problem.
• Academic RecordAvoid focusing only on your final grades. Instead, show your intellectual promise by mentioning a complex topic you pursued outside of your required schoolwork. List any advanced certifications or independent research you completed.
• StrategyAvoid applying for the International Scholars Program if this scholarship is your primary goal. Since applying for that program removes you from consideration for this one, choose the path that best matches your profile. Review both program mandates before submitting.
• RealismAvoid assuming that admission to Vantage One means you will get this money. While you are automatically considered, the award is reserved for exceptional profiles. Ensure your application materials highlight your achievements beyond the classroom.

Questions students ask

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