University of Prince Edward Island

Established in 1969 as a provincial university, the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) has a proud heritage and traces its roots back over 150 years to two historic founding institutions. UPEI sustains its academic legacy through academic excellence and research innovation.

UPEI is home to over 1,600 international students from across the world, representing almost 30 per cent of the student body on campus. International students can look forward to a stimulating, safe, and transformative educational experience, while soaking in the cultural diversity and gaining a global perspective. As a public university, UPEI has the most affordable tuition and fees across Canada.

Students at UPEI have a wide range of programs to choose from at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The university also offers students access to high-caliber staff, faculty, and researchers, while being home to Canada Research Chairs, endowed and sponsored research chairs, and UNESCO Chairs. UPEI's dedication to offering students a high standard of education is reflected in the exciting and experiential study opportunities on offer, outstanding student-faculty interaction, an active and vibrant student union, and much more.

UPEI's stunning 140-acre home campus in Charlottetown houses administrative, academic, and residential buildings and facilities, in addition to research institutes and centers. There are also over 40 clubs and societies that students can be a part of and meet and engage with people of similar interests. The scenic rural landscapes of Prince Edward Island, with its sun-swept beaches and small-town charm, further enhance the student experience at UPEI.

The university offers students a choice of more than 70 programs at undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level, all designed to help students achieve their academic or professional goals. The university houses multiple Canada Research Chairs, as well as a Canada Excellence Research Chair in Aquatic Epidemiology. This is in addition to a number of sponsored or endowed research chairs, a UNESCO Chair in Island Studies and Sustainability, and multiple 3M Teaching awardees. As a result, students can depend on exceptional staff, experienced faculty and a passionate research environment for their studies.

As the only university in Prince Edward Island, UPEI's size and close relationships with local industry provide unique access to experiential education opportunities not found in larger places. Hands-on research experience, co-operative education placements, global exchange partnerships, and collaboration opportunities with local business offer UPEI students access to real-world problem-solving and the development of marketable skills.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on attracting a diverse student body, across both subjects of expertise and nationality. Whatever their country of origin, prospective students will be able to find set of entry criteria tailored to their home education systems.

The university has developed admissions requirements specifically for each country, based on the type of qualifications and school certificates students hold. Applicants can browse the university's website to find admissions information for their home country.

In addition to academic entry requirements, students will need to meet the minimum English language proficiency level set out by the university. These standards will differ depending on the type of course an international student is applying to: undergraduate, English Academic Preparation (EAP), Graduate, or Graduate English Academic Preparation (GEAP).

Students who can't meet the English language criteria for an undergraduate programme, for example, may be admitted onto an English Academic Preparation programme. This course is designed to help students develop the language skills necessary to transfer into a full programme at UPEI.

Separate entry requirements will apply to transfer students. Applicants can find full details on the university website.

University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) supports its students in their educational pursuits by offering competitive tuition rates and providing millions of dollars in scholarships and awards to undergraduate and graduate students each year. UPEI is one of the most affordable public universities in terms of tuition fees in Canada.

International Entrance Award Cycle

The International Entrance Award Cycle is open to international students who are joining UPEI from high schools in Canada or overseas. These awards, funded by the university, range in amount from CAD 1,000 to CAD 3,000.

International Scholastic Achievement Prize

The International Scholastic Achievement Prize is a one-time award given to international students who have made significant contributions to the campus community, maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0, and not received this award before. The prize is valued at CAD 1,500.

Dr. Vianne Timmons International Student Award

The Dr. Vianne Timmons International Student Award is presented to an international student enrolled in their second year of full-time undergraduate study at UPEI who is in good academic standing and demonstrates involvement in the university and community, both on- and off-campus. This award is worth CAD 1,100.

The University of Prince Edward Island stands out among Canadian options for international university students. Not only does it offer an excellent range of academic pathways and a vibrant campus experience, but it is well-placed to provide overseas students with a great start to their career. Whether they plan to remain in Canada for some time or return to their home nation, they'll be able to gain experience, skills and connections which will boost their employment prospects.

The university's co-op programme of experiential learning allows students to take on paid employment or internships during their studies. This type of programme is a perfect way to gain real-world professional experience while taking home a paycheck.

It's also possible to find work on campus or in surrounding Charlottetown while studying. Not only that, but it's possible to work towards the CEC Canadian work permit and kick start a career in Canada.

UPEI is the only university in the province, benefiting from higher government investment and lower tuition fees as a result. Students can enjoy learning and working in an affordable, compact city which is well located for launching into successful graduate study or a Canadian career.

With plenty of graduate programmes and research programmes for students to explore after they finish their initial programme, coming to UPEI to study is often the start of an exciting and successful journey.

New Programmes and Schools

The university is pleased to announce a number of new departments and courses, which are available to all international students attending Prince Edward.

The School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences (SMCS) at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is a recent addition to the university, which builds upon the strong foundation of core mathematics and computer science courses that have been offered at the university for many years. As the only program of its kind in Atlantic Canada, the SMCS offers a comprehensive suite of majors in quantitative disciplines.

The new Bachelor of Science in Applied Climate Change and Adaptation provides students with a solid foundation in climate sciences and the opportunity to delve into the policy and cultural impacts of climate change. This degree program offers a balance of comprehensive theory-based courses and hands-on, experiential learning opportunities.

The Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture program at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is designed to prepare students for successful post-graduation employment by connecting the communication skills, leadership training, and cultural awareness gained during a liberal arts education to the real world. This degree program emphasizes the transferability of written, oral, and visual communication skills, critical thinking, and cultural awareness to a wide range of professional contexts.

In addition, the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering at UPEI offers a cutting-edge Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design Engineering degree, which recognizes the importance of a well-rounded engineering education. This program follows current trends in engineering education and focuses on student outcomes, with small class sizes and an activity-based learning environment that allows faculty and staff to be student-centric and provide individualized support to students.

The University of Prince Edward Island houses ten faculties: Arts, Business Administration, Education, Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies, Medicine, Nursing, Science, Sustainable Design Engineering, Graduate Studies, and Veterinary Medicine. These faculties house all of UPEI's official programs and courses, with some programs taking direction from multiple faculties.

Within the Faculty of Science, students can find the School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, which offers nine specializations across its program, as well as the School of Climate Change and Adaptation and its Bachelor of Science in Applied Climate Change and Adaptation program.

Faculty of Business

A business degree can provide access to numerous career options. The Faculty of Business at UPEI offers courses and programs that test students' abilities, broaden their perspectives, and enable them to pursue a variety of career paths.

Featuring cutting-edge and adaptable programs that prioritize enterprise and entrepreneurship, graduates of the Faculty of Business leave equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in any setting. These attributes provide graduates with the adaptability and expertise to compete and achieve success.