One app for all your study abroad needs
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is a public university located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. It may not rank in the global top tier of QS World Rankings 2026, but it remains a respected choice for undergraduate and graduate study in Canada. To support international students, the university offers a variety of financial aid options. University of Prince Edward Island Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, athletic participation, or financial need. These scholarships can help reduce tuition costs and make higher education more accessible. In this blog, you’ll find verified and up-to-date information on all major scholarships offered by UPEI for international students in 2026.
This Blog Includes:
UPEI Scholarships 2026: Quick Highlights
Below, we have provided the quick highlights of the UPEI scholarship. You can understand this university and its overview in this table:
| Institution Name | University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) |
| Established | 1969 |
| Location | Prince Edward Island, Canada |
| Acceptance Rate | Around 70% |
| Scholarships For | International Students |
| Degree Levels Covered | Undergraduate and Graduate |
| Official Website | www.upei.ca |
List of University of Prince Edward Island Scholarships
UPEI offers a variety of scholarships for international undergraduates, and these opportunities help reduce tuition or provide cash awards based on merit and achievement.
| Scholarship Name | Type | Coverage Amount (approx.) |
| International Entrance Award | Merit-based | USD 1,000 – USD 3,000 non-renewable |
| International Scholastic Achievement | Merit-based | Up to USD 1,500 per year |
| Dr. Vianne Timmons International Award | Academic or activity | About USD 1,100 for second-year students |
| Ambrose Lee International Prize | Merit-based | USD 500 scholarship |
| International Athletic Fellowship | Sports & Merit | USD 1,000 award |
| Royal Commonwealth Society Award (PEI) | Merit + need | USD 600 prize for Commonwealth students |
| Teame Neguse Memorial Award | Need-based | USD 1,000 award for African descent students |
Also Read: Harvard University Scholarships for Indian Students
Top 5 Scholarships for International Students at UPEI
UPEI offers scholarships that support international students from different backgrounds. These scholarships help international students make their financial journey smooth. Here are the five most important awards for every international applicant!
1. International Entrance Award
This is the most common award for international students entering UPEI for the first time. It’s based on your high school academic performance and overall student profile. Students don’t need to apply separately; if you meet the criteria, you’ll be automatically considered during admission review. The award is a one-time tuition discount, helping with the initial cost of starting your degree.
| Type | Merit-based entrance award |
| Coverage Amount | USD 1,000 – USD 3,000 |
| Eligibility | High school graduates with strong grades and extracurricular activities |
| Benefits | One-time tuition reduction in the first semester |
2. International Scholastic Achievement Prize
This award supports international students who maintain excellent academic records even after admission. Unlike the entrance award, this is available for current students and can be renewed annually. It’s aimed at encouraging consistent academic excellence throughout your studies at UPEI.
| Type | Merit-based academic scholarship |
| Coverage Amount | Up to USD 1,500 per year |
| Eligibility | High GPA, enrolled in any degree program |
| Benefits | Helps reduce tuition costs; renewable based on performance |
3. International Athletic Fellowship
UPEI values students who contribute to its varsity sports teams while keeping up with academics. This award is designed for international students who are both athletes and capable students. It is offered in coordination with UPEI Athletics and may vary based on the sport and your role on the team.
| Type | Athletic plus merit-based award |
| Coverage Amount | Around USD 1,000 |
| Eligibility | Proven athletic background and academic good standing |
| Benefits | Financial support plus university-level sports training opportunities |
4. Royal Commonwealth Society Award (PEI Branch)
This award is supported by the PEI branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society and recognises students from Commonwealth countries. It can be given based on academic merit or demonstrated financial need. While small in value, it helps offset minor educational costs and honours international commitment.
| Type | Merit + need-based |
| Coverage Amount | Around USD 600 |
| Eligibility | Commonwealth citizens enrolled at UPEI |
| Benefits | Additional academic or living expense support |
5. Dr. Vianne Timmons International Award
Named after UPEI’s president, this scholarship recognises the efforts of international students in their second year. It’s awarded to those who’ve shown academic growth or taken leadership in student life. It encourages ongoing involvement and helps support the cost of continuing education.
| Type | Merit or involvement-based award |
| Coverage Amount | Around USD 1,100 |
| Eligibility | International second-year students with good grades or leadership roles |
| Benefits | One-time financial aid that can offset tuition or expenses |
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for scholarships at the University of Prince Edward Island, international students must meet a few basic requirements. These conditions may differ slightly depending on the specific scholarship, but in general:
- You must be an international student, a non-Canadian citizen, or a permanent resident.
- You should have applied for or been accepted into a full-time undergraduate or graduate program at UPEI.
- A strong academic record is necessary, typically a high school GPA of 80% or above.
- Some awards may require leadership activities, sports involvement, or community service.
- Most scholarships are automatically considered, but a few may require separate applications.
Required Documents:
When applying for admission or a scholarship that requires additional steps, you may be asked to submit the following:
- Completed UPEI admission application
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Copy of passport
- Letter of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Athletic portfolio or coach’s reference (only for athletic scholarships)
Also Read: Top 5 Law Scholarships in the UK
Application Process
Most scholarships for international students at UPEI are awarded automatically when you apply for admission. However, some specific awards may require additional documentation or a separate application. Here’s how the process works:
- Apply for Admission to UPEI
- Submit your online application to a full-time undergraduate or graduate program.
- Upload required academic transcripts, passport copy, and English proficiency test scores.
- Get Automatically Considered
- Scholarships like the International Entrance Award are automatically considered based on your high school grades.
- There is no separate application required for these awards.
- Submit Additional Documents (If Needed)
- If applying for scholarships like the Athletic Fellowship, you may be asked for a coach’s recommendation or proof of sports involvement
- Some merit- or leadership-based awards may also require a short essay or personal statement, including letters of recommendation
- Wait for the Offer Notification
- Scholarship decisions are usually communicated at the same time or shortly after your admission decision.
- You’ll receive confirmation via email or your admission portal.
Selection Process and Criteria
The scholarship selection process at UPEI is transparent and merit-based. Here’s what they look for:
- Academic performance: GPA or grades from your previous studies
- English language proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent
- Involvement: Leadership roles, sports, volunteering (for specific awards)
- Nationality/Residency: Some awards are limited to students from specific countries, like Commonwealth nations.
- Program of study: Certain scholarships may prioritise students in specific programs or faculties
FAQs
Ans. Yes, living in Prince Edward Island is generally more affordable than in larger Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver. On average, international students spend around CAD 800–1,000 per month on rent, food, and transport in Charlottetown.
Ans. Yes, UPEI is known for its supportive environment, small class sizes, and diverse campus community. The province is safe, peaceful, and ideal for focused academic study.
Ans. The University of Prince Edward Island has an acceptance rate of around 70%, making it moderately selective. Students with strong academic records and English proficiency usually have a good chance of admission.
Ans. Some scholarships are automatically considered upon admission, while others require a separate application with academic transcripts, personal statements, and recommendation letters before the university deadline.
Ans. While most scholarships are partial tuition awards, select programs and external funding opportunities can offer full tuition coverage for high-achieving international students.
Related Reads
This was everything you needed to know about the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) Scholarships 2026, from available awards and eligibility criteria to how to apply and key deadlines.
If you’re planning to study in Canada and want a calm, affordable, and supportive environment, UPEI is a great option for international students. For more information on scholarships around the world, visit the Scholarships page on Leverage Edu and stay ahead in your study abroad journey.
60,000+ students trusted us with their dreams. Take the first step today!