The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is a public university in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs for international students in areas such as business, computer science, nursing, education, and veterinary medicine. Through ApplyBoard, international students can explore available UPEI programs, review admission requirements, and begin their applications.
Why Choose the University of Prince Edward Island?
- A Close-Knit Island Campus: UPEI's main campus is located in Charlottetown, PEI's capital. Its campus environment gives students access to university facilities, student services, and the surrounding community.
- Programs Across Multiple Disciplines: International students can choose from undergraduate and graduate programs in business, science, arts, nursing, education, and other fields.
- Specialized Graduate Studies: UPEI offers a Master of Arts in Island Studies, an interdisciplinary program examining island communities, economies, environments, international relations, and public policy.
- Research and Veterinary Education: UPEI is home to the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), which offers professional veterinary education and graduate research opportunities.
- Co-operative Education Opportunities: Eligible students in selected programs can participate in co-operative education, combining academic study with paid work placements.
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University of Prince Edward Island Fees for International Students
UPEI publishes its tuition and mandatory fees for each academic year. The total cost of studying depends on your program, faculty, course load, and student status. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the university's published fee schedule includes the following charges:
- International application fee: CAD $100.
- International undergraduate deposit: CAD $3,000.
- International graduate course-based deposit: CAD $3,000.
- International graduate thesis-based deposit: CAD $1,000.
UPEI publishes its exact tuition through an online fee calculator rather than a single printed table, since the amount depends on your faculty, program, and course load. Use the official UPEI Tuition and Fees Selector to get the exact current rate for your program.
Other Student Fees
Full-time international students at UPEI are automatically enrolled in the mandatory International Student Medical Plan administered by the UPEI Student Union (UPEISU).
Additional charges may apply for laboratory courses, professional programs, co-operative education, and other program-specific services.
International Student Scholarships
UPEI offers entrance awards and other scholarships to help eligible international students finance their education.
The International Entrance Award Cycle provides awards ranging from CAD $1,000 to $3,000 to eligible international students entering UPEI from high schools in Canada or other countries.
Applicants are considered during the admission evaluation process. Selection criteria include:
- Strong high school academic performance, generally with a converted average between 90% and 100%, or equivalent academic standing.
- Participation in extracurricular activities, volunteering, sports, arts, or other relevant experiences.
- Strong recommendations from teachers or instructors.
- English-language proficiency and demonstrated potential for academic development and leadership.
Successful students have their award credited to their UPEI student account. Awards are limited and depend on available funding, so early applications are encouraged.
Additional scholarships and awards may require separate applications. Review UPEI's International Student Scholarships page and Scholarships and Awards Academic Calendar for current opportunities and eligibility criteria.
Programs at the University of Prince Edward Island
UPEI offers undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, science, business, nursing, education, and veterinary medicine. Its Computer Science, Nursing, and Economics undergraduate programs, and its MEd and MA Island Studies graduate programs, are especially popular with international students.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
Bachelor of Science – Computer Science (Optional Co-op)
Degree, 4 years
Study programming, software design, and computer systems, with an optional co-op work term to gain Canadian work experience before you graduate.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Degree, 4 years
Combine nursing theory, lab training, and clinical placements, preparing you to write the national licensing exam and work as a Registered Nurse.
Bachelor of Arts – Economics
Degree, 4 years
Study micro- and macroeconomics, statistics, and policy analysis, a strong foundation for careers in business, finance, or government, or for graduate study.
Master's Programs
MEd Leadership in Learning – Global Perspective
Master's, 2 years
Build leadership skills for educators and education professionals, with a cohort model and rolling admission until each cohort fills.
MA Island Studies
Master's, 2 years
Study island communities, international relations, and public policy, including streams in Island Tourism and Sustainable Island Communities. One of the few graduate programs of its kind in the world.
Note: UPEI offers many more programs beyond those shown here, including its Atlantic Veterinary College programs. Intakes and availability change often. Check the ApplyBoard platform for the full, current list and available intakes.
Admission Requirements
General admission requirements include:
- Bachelor's degrees: Completion of secondary school with academic qualifications equivalent to UPEI's Canadian admission requirements. Specific prerequisites may apply depending on the program.
- Master of Education: A recognized undergraduate or graduate degree, normally with a minimum 70% average across the last 20 courses, and at least two years of education-related experience.
- MA Island Studies: An honours or majors bachelor's degree, or equivalent, with a typical minimum B average (70%–79.9%) in the final two years of undergraduate study. Applicants must also provide supporting application materials.
- Other graduate programs: Requirements depend on the degree and department. Some research-based programs require a confirmed supervisor before an application can be considered.
- Academic documents: Official transcripts and proof of previous qualifications are generally required. Additional documents may include a resume, personal statement, research proposal, writing sample, or reference letters.
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants should check the specific requirements for their program and country through UPEI's International Students information page.
English Language Requirements
English is the language of instruction at UPEI. International applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption based on their previous education.
Check the English Language Proficiency Requirements page in the UPEI Academic Calendar for your program's exact minimum, since some graduate programs have their own variations.
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How to Apply to the University of Prince Edward Island Through ApplyBoard
You apply to UPEI through the ApplyBoard platform. UPEI's international application deadlines are set yearly rather than being fixed in advance, so check the current dates with your ApplyBoard expert before you apply.
Before you apply, prepare the following documents:
- Valid passport (biographical page)
- Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo)
- For master's programs: your resume, statement of research interests or intent, and references
Submit your application through the ApplyBoard platform. Choose your program and intake. Popular programs, especially Computer Science and the MEd Leadership in Learning cohort, can fill quickly, so apply as early as possible.
If you meet the requirements, UPEI will send your Letter of Acceptance (LOA). Review it carefully, including your deposit deadline.
Pay your tuition deposit by the deadline in your LOA to confirm your seat. Confirm the current deposit amount directly with UPEI, since it changed for applicants after December 3, 2024.
After your deposit is confirmed, Prince Edward Island's Department of Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population issues your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to UPEI, who forwards it to you. Master's and doctoral applicants starting on or after January 1, 2026, do not need a PAL.
Use your LOA, PAL (if required), and payment receipt to apply for a Canadian study permit.
UPEI added a new residence in 2024, giving the university 813 on-campus beds in total. Apply early for a room, since Charlottetown's off-campus rental market is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions: University of Prince Edward Island
UPEI's campus is in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
UPEI publishes exact costs through an online fee calculator, since tuition depends on your faculty and course load. International tuition rose 7.5% for 2026-2027. Use UPEI's Tuition and Fees Selector to get the current rate for your program.
UPEI is a public, degree-granting university, so most of its bachelor's and master's programs are generally eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Eligibility is set program by program, so confirm your specific program against IRCC's current rules before you apply.
Yes. UPEI has 813 on-campus beds after adding a new residence in 2024. Apply early, since Charlottetown's off-campus rental market is limited.
Yes. International students with a valid Canadian study permit are generally permitted to work up to 24 hours per week off campus during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks, subject to their permit conditions.
The University of Prince Edward Island combines a close-knit campus with strong programs in computer science, nursing, and island studies. If you are ready to explore programs and apply, your ApplyBoard expert can guide you through every step.
Explore University of Prince Edward Island Programs
Browse all available UPEI programs on the ApplyBoard platform and apply today.