International Students

Life @ UPEI

Testimonials

Redwan

Major: 4th-year Business

Country of Origin: Bangladesh

"I love it here in Charlottetown. It's a small city with a very welcoming, helpful community. As well, PEI's stunning country side and seashores amazed me. At UPEI, I most benefited from the Business School's co-op program. This excellent opportunity immersed me in the professional aspect of Canadian culture."

Shavado

Major: 1st-year Education

Country of Origin: Bahamas

My Study Abroad Experience in Canada

"With the increasing integration of people and systems around the world, there is a greater imperative for us to become global citizens. It is within this context that I view the opportunity to study abroad as part of the cultural exchange taking place, which I find very rewarding."

Tsukasa

Major: 3rd-year English

Country of Origin: Japan

"I really appreciate the size of the classes here. It's a fairly small school, so the students know each other and it's easy to make friends. It's also great that the professors at UPEI just happen to be incredible!"

Lindsay

Major: 4th-year Business

Country of Origin: Canada

"At UPEI I've gained valuable insights and experience, while being constantly motivated and challenged by my professors and fellow students. I feel well-prepared to pursue endeavours in the 'business world' after graduation."

Masako

Major: 4th-year English Literature

Country of Origin: Japan

"I love the beautiful scenery in Charlottetown, especially the clear sky. I took tons of pictures. As well, I really like my classes at UPEI. The professors here are exceptionally enthusiastic and friendly. They remember my name and make a comfortable atmosphere for me. I can freely ask questions and consult them about my problems."

Leanne

Major: 4th-Year Family Science

Country of Origin: Canada

"The faculty were more than just professors-they were always there and happy to help with my learning. The experience has made me more confident in my myself and my area of study. This program has provided me with an invaluable education and opportunity to excel in my future career plans."

Bret

Major: First-year Nursing/UPEI Hockey Panther

Country of Origin: Canada

"When choosing what university I would attend, I thought it was important to research the community in which I would be learning, as well as what the program would offer me. UPEI was my number one choice. UPEI prepares its students for the health care industry, allowing them to provide the utmost care for future patients."

Kristen

Major: 4th-year Business

Country of Origin: Canada

"I have had a fantastic experience at UPEI, with small class sizes, one-on-one mentoring and ample opportunities to enrich my university experience. Everything you need for a great university experience is right here!"

Felix

Major: 3rd Year Computer Science

Country of Origin: China

"I'm impressed by UPEI's incredibly generous professors who sacrifice their personal time to give extra tutorials. Because of their excellent instruction, I received unexpectedly good academic results in my first semester. If I had to do it all over again, I would definitely choose UPEI!"

Daniel

Major: 4th-Year Arts

Country of Origin: Canada

"UPEI has a unique setting in which small class class sizes combined with professors who are actually concerned with teaching create an atmosphere geared for excellence. Studying at UPEI was a fiscally responsible and academically prudent decision."

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get home-stay accommodation?

You will need to fill out the following application and contact the home-stay coordinator, Reiko Dolan.

Can I stay in residence during the holidays?

You will need permission to stay in residence during the Christmas break, and you may request a move-out extension if you wish to stay for a short time after your final exams in April, but everyone needs to move out during the summer.

When are the holidays?

There is a break between semesters in December (Christmas holidays) until the first week of January. The exact dates depend on your particular exam schedule, but most students get at least two weeks’ vacation. There is also one week of holidays in February (Reading Week), and a long break (summer holidays) between the end of exams in April until the first week of September.

How many semesters do you have in one academic year?

There are two semesters. The first semester goes from September through to December, and the second semester goes from January through to April. There is also a spring session (May-June) and a summer session (July-August), which are optional.

Do non-Canadian airlines fly straight into Charlottetown? How do I connect and from where?

Charlottetown has a small airport with two main air carriers: Air Canada and WestJet. In the summer months there are other carriers (NorthWest Airlines and Delta Connection). You will want to book your flight so that you can connect with one of those airlines in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, or Ottawa, which will bring you into Charlottetown Airport. Before booking your ticket, visit Flypei.

I am admitted for September, but could I come early to attend summer classes?

Yes, as long as you have made arrangements and have your letter of acceptance. You will want to mention this plan to the Embassy when you apply for your study permit.

I am already in Canada as a visitor. How do I get a Study Permit?

You can send your application to a Canadian Embassy in the United States, preferably to Buffalo, New York. When your application is approved, you will be notified to travel to the Canada-US border to receive your study permit. The form can be found here. You have to apply as if you are “Outside of Canada”.

What else is there to do in my free time?

There are many social activities going on at the University and in the local community. Some good entertainment guides are PEI Locals and The Buzz. Other interesting cities to visit on the weekends include Moncton and Halifax. Because of liquor licensing rules, many nighttime social activities are restricted to those 19 years of age and older, although the UPEI campus pub, “The Wave” often has events open to all ages.

Are there any clubs or teams that I can become involved in?

Yes. There is a sports centre on campus available to all students for fitness and recreation. There are many clubs and societies through your faculty or the Student Union that you may be interested in joining. There is also a Society of International Students (SIS).

I have applied for and received a letter of acceptance. What should I do now?

You need to contact the Canadian Embassy in your country to apply for a study permit. The process and wait time will depend on what country you are in, but the Embassy will tell you what you need to do.

How can I make friends and become involved in the community?

Living in residence is a good way to become quickly involved and to meet many fellow students. You can also apply to the “Buddy Program,” where you will be matched up with a Canadian or returning student who can spend time with you and introduce you to his/her friends. There is also the “Ambassador Family Program” through which you can be matched with a local family to get together for a meal or an outing a few times each semester.

Can my family come with me?

Yes, it is possible. If you have a spouse and/or children, they can apply for a visitor visa, a study permit, or a work permit to be able to come with you.

Can I travel back and forth to my country?

You can travel back and forth if you have a “re-entry visa.” You can apply for this at the time you are applying for a study permit.

Who will help me when I have a problem?

Of course it depends on what kind of problem you have, but there are lots of people to turn to. Asking your International Student Advisor is a good move in the right direction. There is support in place through the Department of Student Services and the Webster Centre for Teaching and Learning to help with personal problems, academic struggles, and career-planning.

What kind of health care is provided?

You will be provided the same health care as any Canadian citizen. There is a Student Health Centre located on campus where you can make an appointment to see a medical doctor, and there are walk-in clinics for emergencies.

Is there medical insurance available?

Yes. All full-time students, international and local, are automatically enrolled in a student medical insurance plan which is included in your student fees and is administered by the UPEI Student Union. For more information, see the Student Union.

What kinds of jobs are available?

Student jobs on campus can consist of working in the cafeteria, in residence, as a grounds keeper, in the library, or assisting professors, just to name a few possibilities. For off-campus, there are many places that employ students part-time. You can view postings on the central government job site by creating an account at the job bank.

Can I work as well as study?

Yes, you can. International students can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week without a work permit. Students who have been studying for over six months and have good marks may apply for an “Off Campus Work Permit” which is usually valid until your expected date of graduation. With this permit you may work wherever you want for up to 20 hours per week during the semester, and work-full time during holidays. For more details, see Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

What kind of transportation is available to and from the University campus?

There is a public transit bus that runs through the main parts of the city and UPEI students can ride as often as they want for free just by showing their student card. To see the routes, check the public transit site.By taking the bus, you can be downtown in just 10 minutes. Otherwise, students typically walk or take a taxi to where they need to go.

What should I bring with me?

Be aware of weight restrictions determined by the airlines you are flying with. When packing clothing, think more about long-sleeve shirts and long pants (trousers) and less about shorts or light tops. Perhaps instead of bringing lots of textbooks in your native language, invest in a specialized dictionary to help you with translations.

Will someone help me when I arrive?

If you forward your flight information to the International Student Advisors (ISAs), someone will pick you up at the airport and bring you to residence. If you are living in a home-stay, please contact your home-stay family or the co-ordinator to arrange to be picked up. There are lots of people available to help with everything from choosing courses to finding your way around. Of course, as time goes on you will become more independent, but there is always someone you can ask for help.

What is the weather like?

The weather is a very popular topic of conversation because it is always changing. The summer months (July and August) are warm and pleasant, with temperatures typically in the 20s. From November until April, temperatures often drop below 0ºC and it is necessary to dress appropriately. Snow typically begins to fall in November and ends in March. The fall (September and October) and spring (April, May and June) are moderate in temperature. See more PEI weather details.

Is there any financial assistance available?

Although you should not depend on financial assistance to be able to study, there are several awards and scholarships for which international students are eligible to apply. Every fall and spring, new bursaries are posted on our website, and some are specifically for international students. For more information on financial aid follow the link.

How much does it cost to be an international undergraduate student at UPEI?

Here is a complete list of all fees for international students.

How do I get home-stay accommodations?

You will need to fill out the following application and contact the home-stay coordinator, Reiko Dolan.

Where can I live?

You can live on campus, in one of the three student residences You must apply and be accepted to residence before you arrive. You can live with a home-stay family, or you can rent a room or apartment. It is strongly suggested that you make these arrangements before you arrive. For more information on the home-stay or rental options, contact Erica Stanley, one of our International Student Advisors at estanley@upei.ca.

Are there deadlines that I need to know about?

To be considered for an entrance scholarship, your application must be received by March 1. The next deadline to send in your application and tuition deposit for the first semester (in September) is May 1. Other important dates in the Academic Calendar can be found at the UPEI's registrar site.

I want to apply for admission. What should I do?

You need to send in the completed application form and pay the $75 CAD non-refundable application fee. The application can be done online, or printed off and mailed in.

What are the admission requirements for international students?

All students are required to have graduated with an academic high school diploma or equivalent. Most international students are required to take an English language test upon arrival, unless you have already submitted a TOEFL score. Depending on your score, you may be required to take English Academic Preparation (EAP) courses. See the the Webster Centre for more details on test scores and language requirements.

What academic programs are offered at UPEI?

The University of Prince Edward Island offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Arts, Business Administration, Education, Nursing, Science, Veterinary Medicine. As well, there is a three-year diploma program in Engineering.

You should also check out Graduate Studies, and our Pre-professional Programs (Architecture, Dentistry, Law, Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Veterinary Medicine).

Video Testimonials