University of Prince Edward Island

The only university on Prince Edward Island, UPEI has ten faculties, including veterinary medicine, business, nursing and the faculty of Indigenous knowledge, education, research and applied studies. All first-year students have to choose one of three mandatory courses: writing studies, inquiry studies or university studies. The Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation houses the Climate Research Lab and serves as a living lab, giving students access to nearby wetlands, forests and coastal habitats affected by climate change. “It’s an exciting time at UPEI—we’re in a period of renewal. We strive to create safe, inclusive spaces and offer innovative learning opportunities for all members of our diverse campus community,” says president Wendy Rodgers. UPEI’s large international exchange program has agreements with 54 universities in 30 countries, and students come from 97 countries. UPEI recently established a faculty of medicine, in partnership with Memorial University of Newfoundland, to bring together the strengths of both institutions—rural and family medicine, nursing, clinical psychology, paramedicine and more. The new faculty of health sciences centre houses the school of medicine as well as the school’s undergraduate programs in nursing, dietetics and nutrition, paramedicine, psychology, and kinesiology. At the heart of UPEI’s campus is the historic quadrangle, known for its distinctive red-brick buildings.The southeastern part of campus borders on the farmers’ market, and Brackley Beach is just a short distance away.

Campus buzz: UPEI will soon be a safer place for birds thanks to a third-year student at the school’s Atlantic Veterinary College, who is evaluating bird-window collisions and workshopping solutions to decrease their frequency.

Quick facts

Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees) $8,932

Median Entering Grades
Arts: 87.8% | Science: 87.8% | Commerce: 85.4% | Engineering: 89.4%

Student Body
Undergraduates: Full-time: 4,616 | Part-time: 365
Graduates: Full-time: 628
International Students: First-year: 22% | Graduate: 41.9%

Housing Facts
Residence Spaces: 800 (for 2025, 100% of first-years who applied got a spot)
Cost of double room with meals: $12,198 to $14,182
Cost of single room with meals: $13,852 to $14,820
Cost of apartment-style: $7,936 to $9,296

Standout programs

Indigenous Studies, Knowledge, Education, Research and Applied Studies: In this new degree program, students will learn about the cultures and societies of Indigenous peoples, their histories, languages and L’nu (Mi’kmaq knowledge). 
Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture: Students learn to apply critical thinking in a wide array of careers. Internships and co-ops, plus career-related mentoring and tech skills (like video production and web design) round out their education.
Applied Health in Paramedicine: This program combines any accredited two-year paramedicine program with foundational science, life sciences and advanced capstone paramedicine courses. 

Reputation

Ranked #11 (Primarily Undergraduate) among faculty members and hiring managers in the 2025 reputation survey, powered by Angus Reid Group.