Updates for the 2026 Admissions Cycle

Every fall, the Canadian Universities Event (CUE) brings together universities from across the country to connect with students and counsellors in British Columbia. For Team Options, it’s one of our favourite opportunities to learn what’s new: everything from exciting new programs and campus developments to key updates in the admissions process.

Here are the main takeaways for students applying in the Fall 2026 admissions cycle:

Key Changes to the Admissions Process

University of British Columbia

• UBC has introduced a new first review admissions process for students studying in Canadian curriculum high schools.
• Students can now apply any time after the application opens in early October. Applications will be reviewed as soon as all required information is received.
• If a decision cannot be made during the first review, UBC will request updated Grade 12 grades and conduct a second review in March or April.
• Offers of admission will continue to be made from late October through June.

Simon Fraser University

• SFU has updated its admissions process so students no longer have to self-report their grades.
• There is now one cohesive list of accepted grade 12 courses.

University of Victoria

• Commerce program updates: no supplemental application is required, the 2+2 structure has been removed, the cohort now starts in the second year, and students can minor in another subject.
• UVic will begin reviewing grades in November.

University of Waterloo

• Waterloo is launching a new application system to replace Quest.
• A new Documentation of Academic Experience form is required. Students must complete this in order for their application to be reviewed. It will appear automatically when students log in to the new portal.
• The Admission Information Form (AIF) is now required for all aviation programs.
• There is no official “early admission” process for Engineering, though applications completed by January 15, 2026, may still be reviewed early.
• Self-reporting grades is now optional, as Waterloo continuously downloads data directly from the Ministry of Education.

Queen’s University

• The Supplementary Application rubric has changed.
• Queen’s now reads applications to the Smith School of Business with a minimum average of 90%.
• There are more direct-entry programs in Engineering.

Huron University College

• Huron has new supplementary essays this year.
• The first admission period begins in December.
• Students applying for this round should submit their essays by December 1. Huron representatives encouraged students to have essays ready before the November 5 on-campus event, where they can discuss their writing with faculty members.

Western University

• CASPer testing remains required for some programs; students will need an OUAC number to register for the test online.

Toronto Metropolitan University

• Changes to Grades-Plus and Grades-Only programs. Notably, the Creative Industries program no longer requires a written supplement.

St. Francis Xavier University

• The Forensic Psychology supplement is reviewed directly by the program director.

Innovative and New Programs

• Thompson Rivers University – Students can now apply directly to majors in BA, BSc, BBA, and BTM programs, and the new Flexible Entry Pathway allows admission while upgrading missing requirements.
• University of Calgary – Launching Direct Entry Bachelor of Social Work. Students will complete practicum experiences and blended (online and in-person) coursework.
• University of Saskatchewan – New direct-entry Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy.
• Western University – New Ivey Certificate in Entrepreneurship, available to students in any program.
• University of Guelph – Introducing Civil Engineering (Co-op) and reinstating Art History.
• University of Ottawa – New Multidisciplinary Design – Experiential Learning program and new co-op in Food Sciences; Nursing is now offered only on the Ottawa campus.
• Toronto Metropolitan University – Expanded co-op options across programs, and Interior Design is now a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
• York University – New programs at the Markham Campus, including Digital Technologies, Creative Technologies, and Sport Management.
• McGill University – Launching a highly selective Global Engineering program jointly offered with CentraleSupélec (France).
• Dalhousie University – New Bachelor of Engineering – Computer Engineering and Diploma of Dental Assisting programs.
• Saint Mary’s University – New Sport Management BCom degree focused on media and sports partnerships, with co-op opportunities.
• Mount Allison University – Recent program additions include Biopsychology, Health Studies, and Museum and Curatorial Studies.

Campus Growth and Enhancements

• Capilano University – New on-campus housing at the North Vancouver campus opening Spring 2026.
• UFV – New six-storey residence on the Abbotsford campus opening January 2026, adding 400 beds.
• UNBC – Over $10 million in renovations and equipment upgrades to the School of Nursing to help expand the program and enhance training opportunities.
• York University – Continuing to expand co-op across faculties and guaranteeing four years of residence for out-of-province students.
• Bishop’s University – Confirmed no tuition increase for non-Quebec Canadian students (approximately $9,000 for 2025–26).

Notable New Scholarships

• Concordia – Guaranteed scholarships for eligible out-of-province students. Ranging $1500-$4000 per year, renewable for the duration of studies.
• King’s University College – Updated their automatic entrance scholarship offerings to increase the number of students eligible for scholarships.
• UVic – New scholarship just for female engineers.

In Summary

From new co-op options and housing projects to major admissions system overhauls, Canadian universities continue to innovate and expand opportunities for students. If you’re planning to apply for Fall 2026 admission, now’s the time to explore program updates, make note of new requirements, and prepare your essays and supplements early. Team Options is here to help you navigate these changes and find the right fit for your post-secondary goals.