University of Prince Edward Island
Canada's island university - home to the Atlantic Veterinary College and a tight-knit campus community.
The University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown is a primarily undergraduate university with one exceptional research program: the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), one of Canada's five veterinary schools. UPEI is small, tight-knit, and warmly community-oriented. The island setting is uniquely beautiful, and Charlottetown - the birthplace of Confederation - is one of Canada's most historic cities.
What average do you need to get into UPEI?
There is no single UPEI acceptance rate - admission is program-by-program. Top competitive programs like Veterinary Medicine (DVM - AVC) require high 90s + experience, while programs at the more accessible end admit students with averages around mid 70s. A competitive overall average for most UPEI programs is roughly the mid-80s and up. Check the per-program admission averages below to find your target.
Key Facts
- Location: Charlottetown, PE
- Founded: 1969
- Students: 5,500
- Maclean's ranking: #7
- QS World ranking: #1001
- Approximate domestic tuition: $8500/year
- Co-op available: Yes
Top Strengths
- Veterinary Medicine
- Business
- Nursing
- Sciences
- Arts
- Education
Admission Averages by Program
Real admission average ranges for UPEI programs, from most accessible to most competitive:
- Veterinary Medicine (DVM - AVC) — admission average: high 90s + experience (One of Canada's 5 vet schools - Atlantic Veterinary College is world-respected.)
- Nursing (BScN) — admission average: high 80s (Small but well-regarded program, strong Island Health connections.)
- Business Administration — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Good program with strong PEI business community connections.)
- Biology — admission average: high 80s (Strong pre-vet and pre-health pathway.)
- Chemistry — admission average: high 80s (Small but strong research program.)
- Computer Science — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Small, growing program with co-op options.)
- Psychology — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Intimate program with strong student-faculty relationships.)
- Education (BEd) — admission average: mid 70s (PEI teacher certification, strong practicum.)
- Environmental Studies — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Strong island ecology and marine environment focus.)
- Arts (BA) — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Liberal arts core, small and flexible.)
Things to Know
- UPEI's Atlantic Veterinary College is genuinely world-class - one of the most respected vet schools in North America.
- PEI has a unique quality of life - island life, beaches, and the birthplace of Confederation.
- The small size means every student is genuinely known on campus - rare for a university.
- For pre-vet students, UPEI's biology program and proximity to AVC creates an exceptional pathway.
Notable Alumni
- Lucy Maud Montgomery (honorary connection)
- Joe Ghiz
- Bill Whelan