As students at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) wrap up the current academic year and look ahead to fall 2026, a newly approved tuition increase is casting a shadow over their plans. The university's Board of Governors has greenlit a 6.5 percent hike for domestic undergraduate students and a 7.5 percent rise for international fees, effective for the upcoming term. This move, part of a balanced $231.5 million operating budget for 2026-2027, comes amid broader financial pressures facing Canadian higher education institutions.

For a typical full-time domestic undergraduate taking 10 three-credit courses, this translates to an additional approximately $460 in tuition costs compared to the previous year, when annual fees stood at around $7,630. International students, already facing significantly higher baseline rates—often exceeding $30,000 annually—will see an extra $630 or more, depending on their program load. While UPEI maintains that its domestic rates remain among the lowest in Atlantic Canada, the cumulative effect of successive increases is amplifying worries about affordability.

Budget Pressures Driving the Decision

UPEI's leadership attributes the hikes to escalating operational costs driven by inflation, stagnant provincial funding, and a sharp decline in international enrollment. Federal government caps on study permits, introduced to address housing pressures and program integrity, have led to a nationwide drop in international students. At UPEI, enrollment fell 2.9 percent in 2025, with a further 4.8 percent decline projected for the coming year. International students, who contribute substantially to revenue as they receive fewer subsidies, now represent a smaller share of the student body.

Tim Walker, UPEI's vice-president of administration and finance, emphasized that alternatives like cost-cutting and deferred projects were exhausted before turning to tuition. 'When you run out of all the other options, tuition is what's left,' he stated. The budget avoids layoffs or program cuts, prioritizing fiscal sustainability to maintain educational quality. Notably, one percent of the international fee increase will fund new emergency bursaries targeted at those students, aiming to mitigate some immediate hardships.

Student Voices: Financial Strain and Tough Choices

The reaction on campus has been one of frustration and anxiety. First-year psychology and music student Mariah Jenkins called the hike 'ridiculous,' noting it exacerbates existing pressures. 'We're all students trying to get a better education to provide more jobs in the community,' she said, highlighting how tuition fuels broader student anxiety. International business student Malak Malak echoed this, working long hours for living expenses while his parents struggle with fees. 'Seven percent is crazy; two or three would be reasonable,' he remarked.

• Scarlett Carter-Caseley, a psychology student, worries about mounting debt and post-grad plans despite bursaries like the George Coles program.
• Georgia Hughes, another third-year psych major, feels compelled to work 'because I have to,' turning university into a 'financial burden' that dims the experience.
• Regan MacLean, a history student, sees it as 'par for the course' but laments the added divide for international friends paying 'exorbitant' sums.

These stories illustrate a common theme: students juggling part-time jobs, scholarships, and basics like groceries amid PEI's rising cost of living.

Mental Health and Food Insecurity on the Rise

Beyond finances, the increase is linked to deeper issues. UPEI Student Union Vice-President External Erica Kyalo warns of intensified competition for limited aid—over 40 applications for a tuition relief fund yielded only three awards. 'Having to choose between groceries and bills impacts mental health and academic success,' she said, citing cases of couch-surfing and debt-fueled homelessness among students.

The campus food bank anticipates a surge in usage, while events like budget cooking demos for international cuisines aim to help. Minimum wage rises to $17.60/hour offer some relief, but many students question if off-island options might be cheaper for equivalent programs.

Photo by Marquise Kamanke on Unsplash

UPEI Student Union Advocacy Efforts

The UPEISU has ramped up support through its Tuition Relief Fund and campaigns on social media polling student sentiments. While not mounting formal protests, the union pushes for more provincial investment and transparent budgeting. Kyalo stresses their role: 'We support students as much as possible, but it's not enough.' Their Instagram series captures raw reactions, amplifying calls for relief.

Placing UPEI in National Context

UPEI's hikes exceed national averages—Statistics Canada reports a 1.4 percent rise for domestic undergrads to $7,734 and 2.5 percent for internationals to $41,746 in 2025/26. Atlantic provinces like Nova Scotia and New Brunswick approach $10,000 for domestics, making UPEI competitive despite the jump. Federal caps, limiting permits to 408,000 in 2026 (down 7 percent), hit smaller schools hardest, prompting revenue shifts to domestic fees.

Details on the national tuition trends underscore widening domestic-international gaps, now 5:1 for undergrads.

Atlantic Canada Comparisons

UPEI touts second-lowest Maritimes rates post-hike, but cumulative rises strain accessibility.

Support Measures and Solutions

To counterbalance, UPEI allocates intl hike proceeds to bursaries and maintains aid programs. Students can explore provincial options like George Coles Bursary covering tuition gaps. Broader fixes include advocating for federal cap exemptions for grads, enhanced work permits, and industry partnerships for jobs. Off-campus work, co-ops, and scholarships remain key—platforms like AcademicJobs.com list opportunities.

Photo by Gabriel Dalton on Unsplash

Looking Ahead: Enrollment and Sustainability

Projections show continued intl dips, but UPEI invests in retention and domestic growth. Long-term, balanced funding models could stabilize fees. Students urged to plan budgets early, seek counseling, and engage union advocacy for change. Despite challenges, UPEI's low baseline and community focus offer hope for resilient higher education in PEI.

For full budget details, visit the official announcement.