UPEI: Tuition, English Programs & How to Apply (2027/28 Guide)

The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) charges international undergraduates about CAD 17,848 a year: CAD 813 per 3-credit course (CAD 8,130 for 30 credit hours) plus an international differential of CAD 9,718. That is less than half the 2026/27 national average of CAD 42,062 reported by Statistics Canada.

UPEI is a public university in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and home to the Atlantic Veterinary College. Here is what it costs, what you can study in English, how admission works and the honest downsides.

Why UPEI is good value

Prince Edward Island's average international undergraduate tuition is CAD 22,067 (Statistics Canada, 2026/27), already low for Canada, and UPEI's own figure is lower still. For your money you get a public university with business, science, computer science, engineering, health and veterinary programs.

• Low tuition for both arts and science degrees.
• Automatic entrance awards for international students, with no separate application.
• Early offers are possible on Grade 11 results.
• Conditional admission with English for Academic Purposes (EAP) if your score is below the minimum (not for Nursing, Radiography, Education or Veterinary Medicine).

Tuition and fees for international students

Fees are shown in the Tuition and Fees Selector (choose International and Undergraduate). Ancillary fees, health insurance and housing are extra. UPEI's other fees page lists the international application fee at CAD 100 (CAD 75 for Veterinary Medicine). Graduate MSc tuition is CAD 10,980 per 2-year program, but we could not verify whether an international differential applies, so ask before you budget.

English-taught programs

Our data lists 43 bachelor's, 13 master's and 6 doctoral programs taught in English. French-taught programs are excluded. Examples:

• BBA in Business Administration (4 years) and an accelerated BBA for degree or diploma holders
• Bachelor of Business in Tourism and Hospitality
• BSc in Computer Science, Analytics, Actuarial Science and Financial Mathematics
• BSc in Biotechnology, Biology, Chemistry, Kinesiology, and Foods and Nutrition
• BSc in Applied Climate Change and Adaptation, and a Bachelor of Environmental Studies
• Master in Global Affairs, MSc programs in science and engineering, and a PhD in Environmental Sciences

Deadlines

UPEI sets undergraduate deadlines for international applicants each year and does not publish them on its apply page. Professional programs (BEd, Nursing, Radiography, Veterinary Medicine) have separate processes. Apply early and email [email protected] to confirm the fall 2027 date.

Admission requirements

Bachelor's

• Grade 12 university-preparatory studies with an overall average of at least 70% in five required subjects.
• BSc requires Grade 12 Math, English and two sciences; the BBA requires Grade 12 Math.
• English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6), TOEFL iBT 4.5 on the new scale, PTE 58, CAEL 60 or Duolingo 120. Nursing, Radiography, Education and Veterinary Medicine need IELTS 7.
• Official transcripts sent by your school or through MyCreds.

Master's and PhD

You need a recognised bachelor's (a master's for a PhD), references, a statement of intent and, for thesis programs, a supervisor. English: IELTS with 7 in writing and no band below 6.5 for most programs, TOEFL 5 on the new scale or PTE 66. Tests must be under two years old.

Scholarships

International entrance awards of CAD 1,000–3,000 are granted automatically at admission. Funds are limited, so applying early matters. UPEI also has an emergency bursary for international students, and graduate funding comes through programs and supervisors. See our Canada scholarships guide.

Budget, work and life in Charlottetown

For the study permit, IRCC wants proof of first-year tuition, CAD 23,448 for living costs (one person, applications from 1 September 2026) and return travel. At UPEI the tuition part is small by Canadian standards, so your total proof of funds is lower than at most universities. Accepted proof includes a GIC from a Canadian bank, six months of bank statements, scholarship letters, education loans or a sponsor letter.

Health coverage for international students is set by each province, so check UPEI's health plan before you arrive. During your degree you may work off campus up to 24 hours per week in term time and full-time in scheduled breaks, once you have a Social Insurance Number. After graduation, eligible students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit within 180 days. See our work and stay in Canada guide.

Honest pros and cons

How to apply step by step

1. 1

   Pick a program

   Browse UPEI programs and check subject requirements.

2. 2

   Confirm the deadline

   Email [email protected] for the fall 2027 international deadline.

3. 3

   Apply online

   Use the UPEI application portal and pay the application fee.

4. 4

   Send transcripts and English scores

   Have your school send official transcripts and submit your test results.

5. 5

   Pay the CAD 3,000 deposit

   You then receive the full letter of admission and UPEI arranges your PAL.

6. 6

   Apply for the study permit

   See our Canada student visa guide and documents guide.

Nearby options: Mount Allison University and Cape Breton University. More on the Canada hub.