Ubisoft Toronto NEXT 2027: Game Art, Animation, VFX and Design Competition, Ontario Applicants
Ubisoft Toronto NEXT is inviting eligible Ontario-based emerging game developers to its 2026–27 challenges, spanning 3D Art, Animation, Level Design, Programming, Technical Animation, VFX and other game-development specialties. The overall published final deadline for many categories is January 11, 2027. Two categories require important earlier steps: Level Design Phase 1 closes October 26, 2026, and Programming Phase 1 closes November 16, 2026. Applicants should read their specific discipline brief rather than relying on one general closing date.
Eligibility is Ontario-specific
This is not an unrestricted global competition. Participants must live in Ontario, legally have the right to work in Canada, be enrolled in or have graduated from an accredited Ontario college or university no earlier than Spring 2025, and have less than two years of professional industry experience. Current and former employees of any Ubisoft studio are ineligible. Every project must be completed individually: team submissions are explicitly not reviewed. A Canadian student studying outside Ontario should not assume eligibility.
Why creative game-makers may apply
The programme offers discipline-specific challenges that mirror practical game production: 3D environment dioramas, CG character animation, mission level design, technical animation systems and visual-effects scenes. Programming entrants work on a game made entirely in C++ using a provided API. The briefs test more than a finished portfolio image; contestants must interpret the supplied theme and provide work matching studio production demands.
Dates differ for designers and coders
Submissions opened September 10, 2026. Level Design requires its Phase 1 material by October 26 even though the main project deadline is January 11, 2027. Programming has its Phase 1 deadline November 16 and a theme release on January 8, followed by the January 11 deadline. Categories such as 3D Art, Animation, Technical Animation and VFX list the January 11 date. Missing an earlier mandatory phase can invalidate the entry.
What is the professional opportunity?
Ubisoft Toronto describes the competition as a route toward a paid apprenticeship and hands-on learning at its studio. That opportunity is for successful candidates under the programme rules, not an offer of paid employment to all applicants. The published call does not provide a universal salary in its overview; applicants should ask about apprenticeship contract length, compensation and work conditions at the appropriate stage.
Organiser and safe application
Ubisoft Toronto is an identifiable development studio of the Ubisoft game group with a history of student recruitment through NEXT. Its website profiles previous winners and links official discipline briefs and the project submission form. Download the exact challenge brief, confirm eligibility and work independently. Queries can be directed to next@ubisoft.com. Information verified October 25, 2026.
Official source / 公式募集情報 / 主办方公告
Original organizer announcement and application: https://toronto.ubisoft.com/next/