University of Prince Edward Island

PhD in Veterinary Medicine

Charlottetown, Canada 3 years Taught in English Open to international students

Why students choose University of Prince Edward Island

  • UPEI is ranked #7 in Canada for sponsored research funding among undergraduate universities.
  • The university offers guaranteed entrance scholarships based on high school grades.
  • International students receive support through the International Buddy Program.
  • UPEI provides access to specialized graduate scholarships with research funding.
  • The campus is located in a safe, small community with strong student services.

Introduction

The University of Prince Edward Island, established in 1969 and located in Charlottetown, Canada, enrolls about 5,143 students and offers a welcoming, community-oriented campus. With a notable international student population of roughly 1,421, the university provides a multicultural atmosphere within a small-city setting. Charlottetown’s safe, coastal environment combines accessible student services with a high quality of life that eases the transition for those coming from abroad.

UPEI offers a diverse program portfolio—around 66 programs—spanning sciences, business, arts, education, and health-related fields, with an emphasis on experiential learning and community partnerships. Small class sizes and faculty engagement support individualized learning and hands-on projects. International students benefit from dedicated advising, orientation programs, and opportunities for research and internships that build practical experience.

Campus culture prioritizes close student-faculty relationships, leadership opportunities, and active student clubs that foster belonging. The university’s scale enables personalized academic planning and quick access to support services, while the island setting provides unique opportunities for environmental and marine research. For international students seeking a supportive, immersive Canadian university experience with strong community ties, UPEI offers both academic rigor and a balanced lifestyle.

About the Program

The PhD in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Prince Edward Island is for students who want to become independent research scientists in veterinary medicine. This PhD degree takes several years to complete and requires students to demonstrate mastery of a concentrated field of study.

The curriculum includes courses in areas like Animal Behaviour, Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Epidemiology/Health Management. Students also work on a research project and write a thesis based on their research. They can specialize in areas like Animal Science and Animal Nutrition, Clinical Sciences, or Public Health, and develop skills in research, laboratory work, and data analysis.

Graduates of this program can work as Veterinary Research Scientists, Animal Health Specialists, Epidemiologists, or Public Health Professionals. They can find jobs in industries like animal health, agriculture, or government, and work for companies, research institutions, or government agencies.

This program's tuition is 30% below the typical PhD in Canada.

Median tuition for that cohort is 10,659 USD, across 514 programs on Global Admissions.

Compare Canada PhD programs

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 8.0+. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

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140–150

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TOEFL iBT
110–114
PTE Academic
79–82
CEFR level
C1
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Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

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