Before you travel

Determine which university

Some of UPEI’s exchange/visiting student programs allow UPEI and our partners to exchange students, whereby a student pays tuition to his or her home institution but attends classes somewhere else in the world. Other non partner institutions may send visiting students to UPEI. Unlike exchange students, these students pay tuition fees to UPEI as international students. In consultation with your home university, be sure to determine which category you fall into.

Choose your courses

If you plan to study at UPEI, you will work with academic advisors at your home university and at UPEI to select courses that meet your program needs and to ensure the credits are recognized at your home institution. Typically, a full-time student at UPEI takes five (5) courses per semester, and most courses are three (3) semester-hours. You must be registered in at least three courses (a total of nine semester-hours) to be considered full-time. Fill out and submit a course request form.

If the courses you want to take are full, contact the department or the professor; you may be able to receive special permission to be allowed into the class.

Apply for your visa

Obtaining student visas and study permits varies from country to country. Visit Citizenship amd Immigration Canada for more information.

Apply for residence

We highly encourage visiting/exchange students to live in residence, and to apply early because residences fill up quickly. Apply online here.

Arrange to pay all costs

Residence, and other fees are payable each term. You can transfer funds directly using StudentPay. (Credit cards are not accepted for tuition or residence fees.)

Arrange for health care

Visiting/exchange students are not covered by local government health plans. You must have comprehensive health insurance while attending UPEI. If your home institution does not automatically provide international student health coverage, we suggest you visit the studentguard.com website or other similar health insurance options. Please arrange appropriate coverage and submit proof of coverage to the UPEI Exchange Coordinator prior to your arrival.

Airport pick-up form

If you require airport pick-up, we are happy to provide that service. Fill out and submit an airport pick-up form.

Upon your arrival

Checklist

• Meet an International Student Advisor to confirm your arrival in Student Services, 2nd Floor North, W. A. Murphy Student Centre.
• Check in with the UPEI Student Exchange Co-ordinator shortly after your arrival.
• Get information on New Student Orientation activities.
• Get your student ID card at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre front desk.
• Pay residence and fees either online (upei.ca/ipay) or in person at the Accounting Office in Kelley Building
• Set up your computer account with your ID number and PIN. You can do this online at upei.ca/myaccount or go to a marked kiosk in Student Services, Robertson Library, Kelley Building Computer Lab, or IT Systems and Services in the Atlantic Veterinary College.
• Pick up a free Student Agenda from the Student Union Office, 2nd Floor South, W. A. Murphy Student Centre.
• English Academic Preparation (EAP) students:
• Take the English Assessment Test (if applicable). Location: EAP Office in the Webster Centre for Teaching and Learning, Robertson Library Annex, Room 225.

Helpful tips for a successful semester

After you leave

Please remember it is the responsibility of each exchange student to request their own official transcripts be sent to their home institution upon completion of their exchange semester. This can be done by completing and submitting the transcript request form.