UBC Establishes South Asia Hub and Partners with Indian University

The University of British Columbia (UBC) has launched a South Asia Hub aimed at enhancing academic and research collaboration between Canada and India. This initiative was announced during the visit of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand to India on February 28, 2026. The Hub will serve as a centralized platform to promote research partnerships, talent development, and academic cooperation.

A key component of this initiative is UBC’s partnership with ATLAS SkillTech University, located in Mumbai. This collaboration aims to strengthen transnational education and includes a commitment of over $4 million in scholarships for exceptional Indian undergraduate students. The announcement coincided with the launch of the Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy, which emphasizes education and research as vital elements of bilateral cooperation.

The Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy is designed to foster collaboration between the two nations through enhanced opportunities for students and researchers. According to Minister Anand, “Canada welcomes the new Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy that will create opportunities for students and researchers, drive economic growth, and reinforce the strong people-to-people ties that connect our two countries.”

Strengthening Academic Ties

The UBC South Asia Hub initially functioned as a pilot program focusing on talent development and student mobility. With the recent announcement, it will expand its role to encompass a broader range of activities, supporting research collaborations and industry engagement. This expansion reflects UBC’s commitment to addressing global challenges through strategic partnerships.

In addition to the partnership with ATLAS SkillTech University, UBC is also enhancing its educational offerings by collaborating with various Indian institutions. The partnership will focus on joint programming and academic pathways, which may include dual-degree programs and research exchanges.

“Global partnerships create opportunities not only for research collaboration but for deeper understanding across cultures and perspectives,” stated Marie Tarrant, UBC Okanagan Provost and Vice-President, Academic pro tem. By working with ATLAS, UBC aims to foster diverse approaches to learning and innovation.

Investment in Education

UBC’s commitment of $4 million for scholarships is part of a broader strategy to improve access to high-quality education for international students. This funding is targeted at high-achieving students from India, reinforcing UBC’s dedication to creating meaningful academic pathways.

Since the introduction of its International Student Initiative, UBC has allocated over $89 million in merit-based entrance awards to Indian citizens, resulting in the enrollment of 837 award recipients. This initiative demonstrates UBC’s ongoing efforts to enhance educational opportunities and strengthen connections with Indian communities.

The establishment of the South Asia Hub builds on UBC’s long history of educational and research partnerships in India. The university has a dedicated presence in the region through the UBC-India Liaison Office. UBC also hosts the India-Canada Centre for Innovative Multidisciplinary Partnerships to Accelerate Community Transformation and Sustainability (IC-IMPACTS), a $30 million initiative aimed at facilitating joint research and applied solutions.

Overall, these developments signify UBC’s commitment to deepening its engagement with India, thereby fostering collaboration that extends beyond academic institutions to address pressing global challenges.