ACOA announces support for UPEI's International recruitment efforts

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue and PEI Federal Regional Minister, announced funding today to the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) to help with their efforts to recruit more international students.

'Our Government is pleased to support academic institutions like UPEI, as they continue to expand and bring more people to our region,' said Minister Shea, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie. 'By increasing UPEI's profile in an international market, we are able to grow and strengthen our local economy.'

UPEI will participate in international student education recruitment fairs and tours to help attract more students to the university. Online information and promotional materials will also be developed for potential student's information.

"International recruitment is a top priority for the University. The best way to ensure that UPEI students can achieve success on this world stage is by incorporating more diversity into our student population. By introducing our Island students to students from around the world, we confirm UPEI's, and PEI's growing stature as an 'educational' destination. We are thankful of supporters like ACOA who believe in our efforts, and see the potential that an initiative like this has to strengthen and expand our Island community and economy,' said UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz.

The Government of Canada, through ACOA, has invested $310,000 to help the university with this initiative. UPEI has invested an additional $946,746 to the recruitment effort.

UPEI is home to an average of 130 international students a year from over 50 different countries around the world. International students bring great economic and cultural advantages to both the university and Prince Edward Island as a whole.