Daily Living
From High School to Higher Ed: UPEI, Holland College, and Applying
UPEI's domestic tuition is among the lowest in the Maritimes, and Holland College's competitive review date falls in late February. Here is what applicants, including international students, actually need to know for 2026-27.
1. Two Very Different Institutions
| University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) | Holland College | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | University: Arts, Business, Education, Engineering, Nursing, Science, Veterinary Medicine | Applied/vocational college: diplomas, certificates, trades |
| Location | Charlottetown | Multiple campuses province-wide |
2. UPEI Tuition for 2026-27
- Domestic undergraduate tuition: $8,130/year, among the lowest in the Maritime provinces, even after a 6.5% increase for 2026-27
- International fees are rising 7.5% for 2026-27, with a portion of that increase directed toward emergency bursaries for international students specifically
- PEI residents attending UPEI can access the George Coles Student Bursary: $3,500/year, up to $14,000 over four years
- International students made up roughly 30% of UPEI's student body as of the 2025 fall count (1,630 of 5,503 total), though enrolment has been declining alongside federal policy changes affecting international students across Canada
3. UPEI's Application Basics
Most programs use a standard process: create a UPEI account, complete the application, and submit it with the application fee. A few programs run their own separate process, including the Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Radiography, and the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. International applicant deadlines for non-competitive undergraduate programs are set on a yearly basis due to visa timing and housing capacity; email inte@upei.ca directly rather than assuming a fixed calendar date.
4. Holland College's Application Timeline
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| October 15 | Application review begins for early consideration |
| February 28 | Competitive program review date; apply by this date for the first round |
| March | Most acceptance offers sent |
| March 31 | Entrance awards deadline ($650,000+ available annually) |
| April 30 | Course registration opens for accepted students |
After February 28, remaining applications are still considered as seats become available, right up to the program start date. Once accepted, you have 3 weeks to pay a confirmation fee (a deposit toward tuition) or your offer expires and goes to a waitlisted applicant.
5. The Practical Takeaway
If you're aiming for a competitive Holland College program, treat February 28 as your real deadline, not a soft target. For UPEI, the earlier you contact Enrolment Services about international timing, the more runway you have to sort visa and housing logistics before the semester starts.