About us

Located in Charlottetown, the birthplace of Confederation and the capital city of Prince Edward Island, the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) has a rich history with roots in two founding institutions, Prince of Wales College (est. 1834) and Saint Dunstan’s University (est. 1855). Formed in 1969 as the provincial university, UPEI honours its proud legacy through academic excellence and research innovation. In 2019, the University is celebrating 50 years of outstanding leadership and achievement in education and research with a full year of commemorative events and activities.

UPEI offers a wide range of programs and degrees to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. Home to Canada Research Chairs, a Canada Excellence Research Chair in Aquatic Epidemiology, a UNESCO Chair in Island Studies and Sustainability, endowed or sponsored research chairs, and 3M National Teaching Fellows, UPEI offers its students access to exceptional faculty, researchers, and staff. Students come from all walks of life and from local, regional, national, and international locations to study and learn at UPEI. In the fall of 2018, international students from 80 countries comprised almost 26 per cent of the University’s total enrolment.

In addition to welcoming students to its home campus, UPEI extends its reach beyond the province’s shores, with approximately 70 post-secondary exchange agreements in 27 countries. Students have the opportunity to experience other cultures while studying abroad and earning credits toward their UPEI degree. The University is also offering post-secondary students in Asia, Africa, and Europe the opportunity to earn certain UPEI degrees based on its curriculum and rigorous educational standards.

The University’s beautiful 140-acre home campus consists of 30 academic, administrative, residential, and athletics buildings and facilities, the newest of which is the 76,000-square-foot Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering building, which opened in August 2016. Athletics facilities have grown substantially over the past 50 years, including the UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place track and field facility; the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre; a lit, synthetic-surface sports field; and the community-based Bell Aliant Centre, which features competitive and leisure pools, and MacLauchlan Arena with two NHL-sized ice surfaces. The campus also houses the National Research Council’s Institute for Nutrisciences and Health at the Regis and Joan Duffy Research Centre.

With over $6 million in scholarships, international exchange and experiential study opportunities, an active Student Union, expanding graduate programs, and outstanding student-faculty interaction, the University offers its students an educational experience designed to help them reach their potential as future leaders. UPEI’s dedication to the highest standards in education is reflected in its alumni, who enjoy success in their chosen fields around the world.