Study in Prince Edward Island

How can a potential international student apply to study in Prince Edward Island (PEI)?

To apply for a Canadian study permit, prospective international students must first obtain a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). As each institution may have different admission requirements and application processes, interested applicants may contact the desired institution(s) individually. 

What are the designated learning institutions in PEI?

For the complete list of designated learning institutions, please visit this page.

What are the top universities in PEI?

PEI has one university — the University of Prince Edward Island, or UPEI. Yet it covers all bases, with faculties of arts, science, education, and veterinary medicine, and separate business and nursing schools. The university caters mostly to undergraduates, although successful graduate programs are also offered. UPEI is dedicated to student success: all first-year students in Bachelor programs take targeted courses to prepare for academic life. Students may choose between Writing Studies, Inquiry Studies, or University Studies.

• Signature programs: Education, Nutritional Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Computer Science, Education

What are the top colleges in PEI?

• Holland College is the island’s English-language post-secondary college. Since its establishment in 1969, it has gained a reputation for its trades program. The college has 11 campuses and education centres, including renowned institutions such as the Culinary Institute of Canada and the Marine Training Institute.
  • Signature programs: The Culinary Institute of Canada, Marine Training Centre, Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, Business, School of Performing Arts
• Collège de l’Île (formerly known as Collège Acadie Î.P-É.) is a French-language college founded in 1994 Its main campus is in Wellington, PEI, with satellite centres in both DeBlois and Charlottetown. To better serve its students it also has an association with Holland College and the University of PEI. Students may enjoy a low teacher-student ratio and career-focused programming.
  
  
  • Signature programs: Practical Nursing, Youth Worker, Welding, Early Childhood Educator.

Which areas of study are particularly popular in PEI?

• The Marine Training Institute and Culinary Institute of Canada at Holland College draw students wishing to study maritime management and hospitality trades.
• In addition to the above, many different study programs are available at PEI institutions.

What is the cost of tuition for international students in PEI?

• Tuition for international students in PEI varies widely between colleges and universities, and between different study programs. Language school and graduate school tuition may differ significantly.
• At the University of Prince Edward Island, international students may expect to pay from $10,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on the program. Tuition fees may be updated or changed annually.
• At Holland College, international students may expect to pay from $6,701 to $22,040 per year, depending on the program. Tuition fees may be updated or changed annually.
• At Collège de l’Île (formerly known as Collège Acadie Î.P-É.), international students may expect to pay from $6,000 to $7,750 per year, depending on the program. Tuition fees may be updated or changed annually.

What are the health care and insurance options in PEI?

International students studying in Canada are required to purchase health insurance. Often, this is organized through the post-secondary institution. University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College, and Collège de l’Île (formerly known as Collège Acadie Î.P-É.) all offer student healthcare plans.

What is the average monthly cost of living for a student in PEI?

To apply for a study permit, a potential international student must show that he or she has $10,000 in addition to tuition fees to cover living expenses in PEI. This equates to $833 per month.

The below table shows an estimate of living expenses in PEI. Residence and meal plan prices for University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College are also provided in the below table. Collège de l’Île (formerly known as Collège Acadie Î.P-É.) does not offer student residence facilities.

What are the options for financial aid in PEI?

International students in PEI may have access to private loans on the same terms as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Loans may be offered by banks, student organizations, or other groups. It is important to properly research loan options and understand the interest and repayment plans, before committing to any contract.

Many organizations and institutions may offer scholarships or bursaries to international students studying in PEI. For more information, students are encouraged to contact the international student services department of their institution.

Graduate programs in particular often have funding options for students pursuing a Master’s or PhD program. It is important to contact the educational institution directly for more information.

Which colleges and universities in PEI offer engineering study programs?

• Holland College offers a range of Engineering Technology programs, as well as Engineering-related Trades and Technology programs.
• The University of Prince Edward Island does not have an Engineering faculty, however, it has recently introduced a School of Sustainable Design Engineering.

Which colleges and universities in PEI offer computer technology programs?

• Holland College has a dedicated Computer Studies department, offering a range of programs in information systems and networking technology.
• The University of Prince Edward Island offers a Computer Science undergraduate degree through the Faculty of Science.

Which colleges and universities in PEI offer nursing study programs?

• As a popular program across Canada, it is possible to study Nursing and related health programs in PEI’s three public post-secondary institutions:
• University of Prince Edward Island offers a Bachelor and Master program in Nursing. Collège de l’Île (formerly known as Collège Acadie Î.P-É.) and Holland College both offer a Practical Nursing course.
• Holland College also offers eight further health-related study programs, including Paramedicine and Dental Assisting.

Where in PEI offers STEM degrees?

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. While careers in STEM fields are popular, there is no specific program entitled “STEM” in a PEI college or university. Prospective students are encouraged to research programs in their particular area of interest.

What are the employment prospects for international students after graduation in PEI?

• Employment options for young people are encouraging in PEI, as the province is trying to attract more young workers to the region.
• The Healthcare and Social Assistance sector is the major employer in the area, and employment in the Information, Culture and Recreation sector and the Agriculture sector is growing.

How can an international graduate work in PEI?

Graduates from a DLI in PEI may apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit after graduating from an eligible study program.

Does studying in PEI provide options for permanent immigration to Canada for international students?

The International Graduate Stream of the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) Labour Impact Category is an employer-driven stream that allows PEI employers to hire recent graduates from recognized accredited PEI universities and colleges. International graduates from an eligible PEI post-secondary institution may be eligible to apply if they have already been hired by a PEI employer for a skilled profession in their field of study.

International graduates may pursue an application for permanent residence through the federal Express Entry immigration system. Candidates for immigration to Canada who has completed their education at a school in PEI may be awarded points on account of their high level of education. Moreover, international graduates of Canadian educational institutions may have obtained important Canadian work experience, another highly valued factor under the Express Entry system.

What is the climate like in PEI?

PEI is a small island, and its climate is heavily influenced by the surrounding sea. Weather can change quickly from one day to the next. Temperatures are milder than in other parts of Canada, reaching an average of -5 degrees Celsius in winter, and 20 degrees Celsius in summer. Summer and fall remain balmy as the surrounding ocean keeps the frost at bay until winter.

What advantages are there to studying in PEI?

PEI has some of the lowest international tuition rates in Canada. For individuals looking for a sense of community and a small-town environment, PEI could be a perfect choice. Rolling hills, woods, sand beaches, ocean coves and the famous red soil have justifiably given Prince Edward Island a reputation as a province of outstanding natural beauty.

The University of Prince Edward Island adheres to the Pan-Canadian Protocol on the Transferability of University Credits, which states that all course work completed by transfer students during the first two years of university study in Canada (including the final year of studies in Quebec leading to a diploma of college studies and the university transfer courses offered by community colleges and university colleges in British Columbia and Alberta) will be recognized and fully credited to grant a degree.

What are the largest cities and towns in PEI?

• Charlottetown, the province’s capital city, is home to almost 35,000 people. The University of Prince Edward Island and some of Holland College’s campuses are located in Charlottetown.
• The province’s second city is Summerside, the main municipality on the west side of the island. Four of Holland College’s campuses are located here.