Public University

University of Prince Edward Island

📍 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island · UPEI

Prince Edward Island's only university, known for small classes, a close-knit campus and strong programs in veterinary medicine, nursing and island studies.

Acceptance Rate
Not published
Not published in Canada
Total Students
about 5,000
about 4,200 undergraduate
Avg Starting Salary
Not published
Graduates, CA$
Graduation Rate
about 70 percent
6-year rate
Endowment
about CA$100 million
CA$
ⓘ Figures beginning with “about” are estimates. Canadian schools do not publish an acceptance rate.
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About University of Prince Edward Island

The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is a public university in Charlottetown and the province's only degree-granting university. It offers undergraduate, graduate and professional programs across arts, science, business, education, nursing, and the Atlantic Veterinary College, the only veterinary school in Atlantic Canada.

UPEI is a comparatively small university, which means smaller classes, accessible professors and a strong sense of community. Students benefit from research opportunities in areas such as animal health, climate and the environment, food and aquaculture, and island and rural communities.

The university also offers co-operative education options, a growing international student population, and an active campus life in a safe, welcoming small city by the sea.

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Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition in CA$, 2026-2027

In-Province Tuition
about CA$8,100
Per year, from the school’s fees
Out-of-Province Tuition
Same as in-province
Per year, from the school’s fees
International Tuition
about CA$18,000
Per year, from the school’s fees
Room & Board
about CA$13,000
Residence and meal plan, estimate
Avg Financial Aid
about CA$3,500
Per student receiving aid, estimate
Students receiving financial aidabout 50 percent

Students apply for student aid through the program of the province they live in. A provincial application also covers the federal Canada Student Grants and Loans.

UPEI offers entrance scholarships, in-course awards and bursaries funded by the university and its donors to support students with financial need and academic achievement.

Tuition for 2026-27 from the school’s own published fees, for a typical first-year arts program, rounded. Ancillary fees, books and housing are extra. Confirm the current figure on University of Prince Edward Island’s fee page.

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Available Scholarships
Entrance Scholarships · Varies
Awarded automatically to incoming students based on their admission average.
President's Scholarship · Varies
A competitive award recognizing outstanding academic achievement and leadership among new students.

Scholarship names and amounts are estimates and change every year; confirm them with University of Prince Edward Island.

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Admissions
Apply Through
The school’s own application
Admission Average
about 75 to 85 percent
Regular Deadline
about March 1

Applications to University of Prince Edward Island go through University of Prince Edward Island’s own application.

Applicants typically need a high school diploma with required courses in English and subject-specific prerequisites for their chosen program. Some programs, such as nursing and education, have additional requirements and earlier deadlines.

Apply online through UPEI's own application, submitting your transcripts and any program-specific materials by the posted deadline.

The admission average and deadline are estimates; confirm them with University of Prince Edward Island.

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Top Programs
#1
Atlantic Veterinary College
The only veterinary college in Atlantic Canada, with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program and strong animal health research.
#2
Faculty of Nursing
Offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing with clinical placements across the province's health care settings.
#3
Faculty of Science
Includes biology, chemistry, psychology and environmental programs with hands-on research opportunities for undergraduates.
#4
Faculty of Education
Prepares future teachers through the Bachelor of Education and graduate programs focused on island and rural classrooms.
#5
Faculty of Business
Offers the Bachelor of Business Administration with co-operative education options and strong ties to the local business community.
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Campus Life

UPEI's main campus sits in the north-central part of Charlottetown, the provincial capital, a compact and walkable city known for its historic downtown and waterfront. The campus is a short bus ride from the city's shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, with beaches a short drive away.

UPEI Main Campus · Charlottetown
The university's central campus, home to most faculties, residences, athletics facilities and the Atlantic Veterinary College.

UPEI offers a tight-knit campus community with a wide range of student clubs, societies and events. Students enjoy the island's beaches, festivals and outdoor activities close to campus.

Student union clubs and societies covering academics, culture and recreation
On-campus residences and a welcoming first-year experience
Easy access to the island's beaches, trails and cultural events
Athletics
U Sports
Teams
UPEI Panthers
Campuses
1

The Panthers compete in several varsity sports, including hockey, basketball, soccer and swimming, in Atlantic university competition.

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Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
Small classes and personal attention from faculty
Unique professional programs such as veterinary medicine
Safe, friendly and affordable small-city setting
Same tuition for Canadian students from any province
✗ Cons
Fewer program choices than larger universities
Smaller city with fewer entertainment and job options
Limited public transit and a quieter social scene
Island location can make travel home more costly

Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the school’s official website.