Ubisoft NEXT 2026 is open to emerging game developers in Ontario

Eligible Ontario students and recent graduates can enter one of nine individual disciplines, with phase deadlines beginning October 26 and final submissions due January 11.

Ubisoft Toronto has opened submissions for the 2026 edition of Ubisoft NEXT, an annual competition that connects emerging Ontario talent with paid summer apprenticeships. The program includes nine individual disciplines such as 3D art, animation, level design, programming, technical animation and visual effects. Deadlines vary by challenge. Level Design has a first phase due October 26, Programming has a phase deadline on November 16, and several final submissions are due January 11, 2027. Eligibility is narrow: applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada, live in Ontario and be currently enrolled in—or have graduated no earlier than spring 2025 from—an accredited Ontario college or university program. They must also have under two years of professional experience, cannot be a current or former Ubisoft employee and must complete the challenge individually. Each discipline has its own brief, so applicants should follow the requirements for the specific track rather than treating the general page as a complete checklist. Dates and eligibility were checked September 22, 2026.