The University of Prince Edward Island is a well-established Canadian university that has drawn a good deal of attention in recent years, particularly since the launch of its Faculty of Medicine, and it is one of the institutions students look at when applying for a Canadian study permit. It sits in a quiet, safe setting and offers a broad range of options for study, research and student life.
If you are planning to build your academic future at a reputable Canadian university, it is worth understanding how UPEI is structured, what it asks of applicants, what it costs and what it offers. This article covers the ground that matters to international students, to applicants interested in medicine, and to anyone considering studying here.
Where the University of Prince Edward Island is located
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) sits in the centre of Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island. Charlottetown is a small, safe and quiet city, the capital and largest community of Prince Edward Island, and one of the more comfortable places in Canada to study and live as a student.
Campus address
550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE, C1A 4P3, Canada
UPEI location on Google Maps
The main campus is set in a green, quiet part of the city, a few minutes from downtown, shops, cafes and cultural venues. Students can reach most city services on foot or by bicycle.
The campus is a single compact site in Charlottetown and includes academic buildings, laboratories, residences, sports facilities and green space for rest and study. The Confederation Trail, a popular walking and cycling route, runs close by and makes the campus an easy base for time outdoors. McMaster University is another popular choice among international applicants.
If you want a small, quiet, student-centred place to study, the location is one of UPEI’s real strengths.
Read more: The best fields of study for immigrating to Canada
Academic standing of the University of Prince Edward Island
UPEI is a relatively small Canadian university, but it holds a solid reputation nationally and internationally on the strength of its teaching, its veterinary and environmental research, and its focus on the student experience. Various ranking tables place it among the leading institutions in specific fields, veterinary medicine in particular. Rankings differ in method and change from year to year, so treat them as one input rather than a verdict.
| Category | UPEI position |
|---|---|
| Rank in Canada (Maclean's 2025) | 7th among primarily undergraduate universities |
| Research Infosource list | 46th among Canada's top 50 research universities |
| EduRank 2025 | 1,484th worldwide and 40th in Canada |
| Webometrics 2025 | 45th in Canada and 1,627th worldwide |
| QS Subject Ranking (veterinary science) | 51-100 worldwide |
| Shanghai GRAS (veterinary science) | 51st worldwide |
Degree levels at the University of Prince Edward Island
UPEI offers a full range of programs across academic levels, from bachelor’s degrees through professional certificates to doctoral study. That breadth lets students pick a path that matches what they actually want to do.
| Level of study | Main credentials offered |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | BA, BSc, BBA, BEd, BSc Paramedicine, BSc Nursing and more |
| Master's | MA, MSc, MBA, MEd, MN, Master in Island Studies, MAHSR |
| Doctoral | PhD in various disciplines, clinical PsyD, DrAH in applied health |
UPEI admission requirements
UPEI sets out defined criteria for international applicants at both undergraduate and graduate level. These cover prior qualifications, acceptable grades, English language ability and supporting documents. The requirements are set out below.
| Level of study | Credential and grades | Language test | Other required documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | High school diploma with an average of 70% or higher | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 80 | - |
| Graduate | Related bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher | IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 100 | Statement of purpose, letters of reference, CV, research proposal (where required) |
| Conditional language admission | Sufficient grades but a lower language score | Must complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program | Available only for certain programs |
Practical notes
- Applicants whose documents are not in English or French must supply certified translations.
- Sit your language test at least three months before the application deadline.
- Admission is competitive, especially in limited-intake programs such as veterinary medicine, clinical psychology and the MBA.
- Conditional admission on language grounds is available in some programs only.
- Requirements and fees are set by the university and change. Confirm the current figures on the UPEI website before you apply.
How to apply to the University of Prince Edward Island
The application process for international students is straightforward and runs step by step. Everything is done online, and you can track the status of your application through the student portal. Here is what each stage involves.
Step one: create an account
Start on the official UPEI website and create an account in the admissions section. You will use it to submit your application, upload documents and receive notifications.
Step two: complete the online application
Once you are in the portal, complete the online application form. You will enter your personal details, the program you want and your intended start term. At the end of the form there is an application processing fee, which is usually CAD 50 for most programs and CAD 75 for some, including veterinary medicine.
Step three: submit your documents
After you submit the form, upload or send the supporting documents. These include official transcripts, a language test result such as IELTS or TOEFL, a statement of purpose, reference letters and, for graduate programs, a CV. Documents can be sent through the portal or to the university’s official email address. Translated documents must be produced by a certified translator.
Step four: pay the tuition deposit
If your application is successful, the university will ask for a tuition deposit of CAD 3,000. The deposit is required before the university issues the formal letter of acceptance you need for a study permit application.
Step five: receive your decision and move forward
Once your documents are in and the deposit is paid, the university assesses the application. A decision usually takes four to six weeks. After you receive an offer, you can apply for a Canadian study permit and deal with the rest, such as booking residence and arranging travel. A letter of acceptance is not a study permit, and the study permit decision rests with IRCC.
Some programs, including veterinary medicine, nursing and education, have additional requirements. At master’s and doctoral level you may need to contact a potential supervisor and secure their agreement before your application proceeds.
Read more: A guide to the University of Alberta
Costs at the University of Prince Edward Island
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition (international) | About CAD 14,800 per year |
| Graduate tuition | CAD 10,400 to 17,000 per year |
| MBA tuition (12 months) | About CAD 36,900 |
| Housing (university residence) | CAD 4,400 to 5,400 per term |
| Off-campus housing | About CAD 600 per month |
| Food (groceries and cooking) | About CAD 250 per month |
| Public transit | About CAD 40 per month |
| Internet and utilities | About CAD 150 per month |
| Entertainment and leisure | About CAD 150 per month |
Scholarships at the University of Prince Edward Island
UPEI offers a range of financial support to international and domestic students. Awards are made on academic merit, financial need and extracurricular involvement, and they can cover a meaningful share of study and living costs.
1. International entrance awards
Students with strong academic results and a record of involvement in activities such as sport, the arts or community service may qualify for international entrance awards. These are typically worth between CAD 1,000 and CAD 3,000 and are usually applied automatically to eligible students after admission.
2. Celebration of student achievement awards
The university also makes awards based on academic average. Students with an average between 95% and 100%, for example, may receive up to CAD 3,000. Further awards are available to students in their second year and beyond.
3. Graduate awards
For master’s and doctoral students, UPEI offers dedicated awards worth up to CAD 5,000. These are assessed mainly on academic and professional background, along with leadership and research ability.
4. Provincial funding for resident students
Students who live in Prince Edward Island can also access provincial funding. Awards such as George Coles and Island Advantage provide up to CAD 3,200 a year. Some of these are restricted to health care programs. They are aimed at residents of the province rather than at international students.
Note that some awards require a separate application and additional material such as reference letters or a personal statement. Application dates are commonly 1 October and 1 February, so it pays to start early. For current details, go to the University of Prince Edward Island website.
Read more: A guide to scholarships in Canada
Notable UPEI graduates
UPEI has produced a number of well-known graduates:
- Tyler Shaw: Canadian singer and actor
- H. Wade MacLauchlan: former president of the university and former Premier of Prince Edward Island
- Wayne Easter: politician and former Member of Parliament
- Heather Morrison: emergency physician and the province’s Chief Public Health Officer
- Mathew Maione: professional ice hockey player
- James Muhato and Jonah Tandepy Chininga: entrepreneurs and founders of the fintech startup Woveo
Frequently asked questions
- Does UPEI help international students stay in Canada after graduation?
Graduating from an eligible program can make you eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), but it is not automatic and the university does not decide it. IRCC sets the rules. The length of a PGWP is tied to the length of your program, up to a maximum of three years. Applicants also have to meet a language requirement, and for programs below the degree level the field of study must appear on IRCC’s eligible list. Confirm the current PGWP rules with IRCC before you choose a program, because they have changed several times in recent years. - How can people contribute to the development of the UPEI Faculty of Medicine?
Building the UPEI Faculty of Medicine has been a multi-year process with repeated opportunities for public consultation and community input. The university continues to seek feedback and involvement from the community, and details are published on its own website. - How many students are admitted to the first UPEI medical class?
There are 20 seats in total for residents of Prince Edward Island, with at least one seat reserved for an Indigenous student. Because the seats are allocated to provincial residents, the medical program is not an admission route for international applicants.
