Tuition rates at the University of Prince Edward Island remain among the lowest in the Maritime provinces according to reports released by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Council (MPHEC) and Statistics Canada.

The MPHEC report indicates that 2016–17 tuition fees paid by undergraduate arts and science students range between $5,716 (Université de Moncton) and $7,944 (Acadia University). Tuition at UPEI sits in the second lowest position, at $5,860 for the current academic year.

Compared to last year, tuition fees in the region have increased between 2.00 (Université de Moncton) and 11.60 per cent (Nova Scotia College of Art and Design). UPEI’s Board of Governors approved a 3.00 per cent tuition increase in May, also the second lowest increase in the Maritimes.

Statistics Canada reported that UPEI’s tuition remains under the national weighted average of $6,373.

“We recognize that the cost of post-secondary education is rising for our students and we work hard to minimize any increase,” said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor. “Even with a three per cent increase, we are pleased that our undergraduate tuition rate remains one of the lowest in the region, especially given that fees vary by more than $2,000.”

UPEI is third lowest in terms of its international student fees in the MPHEC study. Though tuition for graduate students vary by program, PEI’s only degree granting institution features the lowest rate among all Maritime provinces universities, at $3,933, for graduate studies in Arts, Science, and Nursing.

MPHEC also reported that each provincial government provides either rebates or bursaries to entice students to remain “at home” to study, but that the programs differ greatly. Prince Edward Island offers resident students the $2,200 George Coles Bursary when they first enter postsecondary education. Students in their second, third, and fourth years are eligible for Island Student Awards in the amounts of $400, $600, and $600 respectively; graduating students are awarded an additional $1,400 George Coles Graduate Scholarship.