Why Prince Edward Island Department of Education & Early Years?
Safety is the most important question for parents sending a child abroad for the first time. Prince Edward Island is a quiet, peaceful and safe island that offers high school education at an affordable cost for families seeking that combination.
- Safety: according to the program's own presentation, the province has the lowest crime rate in the country.
- Budget: annual tuition is CAD 10,600.
- Academic option: IB and AP are offered together in a small province.
Reasons: what makes Prince Edward Island stand out
Of the province's 62 public schools, 12 accept international students. The international program has run since 2012. Students can choose a full-year or single-semester program, with intakes in September and February.
- Safe environment: the island is described as quiet, peaceful and safe, with the lowest crime rate in the country, so parents can send their child with confidence.
- IB and AP: because both the International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement are offered, students in a small community can still find advanced academic programs.
- French Immersion: instruction is in English and French, so students can develop in both official languages.
- Few international students: about 100 international students study among roughly 20,200 students, so students mix with Canadian peers and use English constantly.
- Homestay choice: families choose a homestay provider that fits their needs. The program works with Study Abroad Canada, so the accommodation plan is flexible.
- School activities: sports teams, music, drama, a yearbook and a student council give students ways to join school life quickly.
- Transportation: Charlottetown Airport is about a two-hour flight from Toronto, so the island can be reached with one connection.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 10,600 | $10,600 |
| Application fee | 275 | $275 |
| Health insurance | 600 | Health Insurance: $600 |
| Homestay, full year | see text | varies by homestay provider, please confirm directly with them. |
| Total of the published items, without homestay | 11,475 | Homestay is priced by the homestay provider and is not included in this total. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,060 per school month over a 10-month year. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
The tuition figure for the 2026–27 school year was confirmed on the district's own website on 11 October 2026.
The other items are taken from the district's CAPS-I member page, read on 11 October 2026. Items shown as "see text" could not be read as a single amount and are left out of the total.
How this fee compares
At CAD 10,600, this fee is CAD 4,400 below the median of CAD 15,000 among 104 Canadian public school districts on this site.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
These features form a consistent picture for families who prioritise safety and language development. Students can focus on their studies in a calm environment, and parents can plan around a predictable budget. A Study Permit is required for stays longer than six months. Recognition in the student's home country is handled by that country's education authority.
- Peace of mind: a safe island setting eases the biggest worry of parents who are far away.
- Language development: the small number of foreign students increases practice in English.
- Academic preparation: IB or AP courses support university applications.
- Accessible budget: tuition is noticeably lower than in larger provinces.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Cost: full-year tuition is CAD 10,600 and a single semester is CAD 5,300. A CAD 275 application fee and CAD 600 health insurance are added. Homestay and guardianship costs depend on the provider. Current fees should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- Application and age: for September entry, apply by May 1; for February entry, apply by November 30. Students from kindergarten through grade 8 must live with a parent or legal guardian.
- Location and climate: the island is small and quiet and is connected to the mainland by the 12.9-kilometre Confederation Bridge. There are four distinct seasons. Students looking for big-city activity may find the environment too quiet.
Is a safe island setting right for your child's first experience abroad? Book a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre to discuss the Prince Edward Island option.