Prince Edward Island is finally, for the first time ever, able to offer medical school training at home. In 2025, the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) partnered with Memorial University of Newfoundland to launch a new regional Doctor of Medicine (MD) program campus in Charlottetown giving PEI residents a chance to pursue medicine right in their own community. This article breaks down exactly what the new program is, why it matters, how to apply, what you need to be competitive, and what life and training look like in the first medical school on Prince Edward Island.
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What Is the UPEI Medical School?
The UPEI Faculty of Medicine is Prince Edward Island’s first medical education program. It opened in 2025 as a regional campus of Memorial University’s Doctor of Medicine curriculum, combining Memorial’s nationally accredited program with local PEI learning and training opportunities.
The program in PEI will award successful students with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Memorial University. Because this is a regional campus of Memorial University, students complete Memorial’s MD curriculum while spending most of their training in PEI. UPEI does not yet independently grant the MD degree. Instead, it hosts and delivers the program under Memorial’s accreditation. PEI residents who joint are accepted to the program will help achieve UPEI’s mission to train doctors locally and improve physician retention in PEI.
Why the UPEI Medical School Matters
PEI historically lacked its own medical school. Residents had to apply out-of-province for MD training often with limited seats and tough competition. The new UPEI–Memorial program changes that.
Expanding Access
The program increases access to medical education specifically for PEI residents offering reserved seats and a clear pathway for those who want to study and eventually practice medicine in their home province.
Improving Rural and Community Care
Medical students trained in PEI are more likely to choose family medicine and community-based practice, making long-term investments in local healthcare. That’s important in a province where physician shortages have been a persistent challenge. The new program’s mission is to fix these issues.
World-Class Facilities and Technology
The new Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Centre is a state-of-the-art facility with advanced simulation labs, immersive tech training, and collaborative learning spaces which help students build clinical confidence early and effectively.
UPEI Medical School Admissions Overview
Who Can Apply?
All applicants to the UPEI MD program apply through Memorial University’s standard MD admissions portal, selecting the “PEI applicant pool.”
The PEI seat pool is primarily reserved for residents who meet the province’s residency definition. Applicants outside PEI should check eligibility rules closely because priority is given to Islanders.
How Many Seats Are There?
In the inaugural year, approximately 20 seats are reserved for PEI applicants, with at least one seat reserved for an Indigenous applicant. Be sure to check back, though, because these numbers will change from year to year as the program expands and evolves.
Application Timeline
While dates can vary slightly from year to year, the general timeline is consistent:
- Application Opens: Annually in July
- Application Deadline: Late August
- Interviews: Fall / early winter
- Offers of Admission: Late winter / spring
- Program Start: August of the academic year
Because this is a highly competitive and rapidly evolving program, applicants should always verify deadlines directly with Memorial University’s and UPEI’s admissions websites.
Minimum Admission Requirements at the UPEI Medical School
The UPEI regional MD program follows Memorial University’s admissions standards, which align with Canadian medical school norms. Exact thresholds (such as GPA cutoffs) can change annually based on applicant competitiveness.
Common Admission Requirements
- An Undergraduate Degree: Completed or in progress at the time of application
- A competitive GPA
- Prerequisite coursework: typically sciences like biology and chemistry. Check Memorial’s admissions page for more information.
Standardized Tests
Interview
Applicants who pass initial screening are invited to the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). Communication, ethics, empathy, and teamwork are evaluated.
Supporting Materials
- Personal Statements
- Extracurricular and Activities Resume
- Letters of Recommendation
Applicants should treat Memorial’s admissions page as the final authority for requirements, as policies can evolve.
How to Build a Competitive Application
Like all medical programs in Canada, you can expect this program to be very competitive. Having the most competitive application you can achieve will improve your chances of getting accepted. BeMo recommends the following strategy:
1. Start Planning Early
Begin building your academic and extracurricular profile 1–2 years before you apply:
- Maintain a strong GPA
- Take relevant science courses
- Balance academics with clinical and volunteer experiences—but don’t sacrifice your GPA!
2. Gain Clinical & Volunteer Experience
Admissions committees want to see real engagement with healthcare in hospitals, clinics, community health programs, or underserved settings. These experiences signal commitment and maturity.
3. Prepare for CASPer
If required, register early and practice responding to ethical and professional scenarios under time pressure.
If you would like us to help you prepare, click here for a free initial consultation for CASPer preparation.
4. Craft a Strong Personal Statement
Write with clarity about your motivation to study medicine and specifically to train in PEI. Authentic connection matters more than polished slogans or clichés.
5. Master the MMI
Multiple Mini Interviews assess skills you can’t fake: ethical reasoning, communication, adaptability, and composure. Practice with mock MMIs if possible.
6. Gather High-Quality References
Ask mentors who truly know you — not just high achievers — to write your reference letters.
UPEI’s Medical Curriculum
The four-year MD program follows a traditional medical education pathway, but with rich local integration.
Years 1–2: Foundations of Medicine
During the pre-clerkship phase, you’ll learn:
- Core medical science
- Clinical skills in simulation labs
- Small group problem-based learning
- Early patient interaction
Years 3–4: Clinical Rotations
Once you reach clerkship:
- Core rotations in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, and more
- Community placements across PEI and Atlantic Canada
- Rural healthcare experiences
These placements help you apply classroom knowledge in real care environments.
Simulation & Tech Training
The UPEI Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Centre features:
- Advanced simulation labs
- Immersive learning technology
- High-fidelity mannequins
- Clinical skills and procedural labs
These tools allow students to build confidence before working with real patients.
Cost and Financial Aid
Tuition and Living Costs
Tuition for the MD program is set by Memorial University and can change annually. In addition to tuition, students should budget for:
- Housing in Charlottetown
- Transportation
- Books and equipment
- Personal living expenses
Compared to larger Canadian cities, Charlottetown generally offers a lower cost of living, which can help offset tuition expenses.
Financial Aid Options
Students may access:
- Provincial student loans
- Scholarships and bursaries
- Institutional awards from UPEI and Memorial
- External medical education funding
Applicants should explore funding options early.
Living and Studying in Charlottetown
PEI offers a supportive, community-focused environment that’s ideal for medical training:
- Lower cost of living than major Canadian cities
- Close knit student and healthcare community
- Opportunities to build meaningful patient relationships
PEI promotes collaboration and communication, assets when you’re immersing yourself in a demanding program.
What Makes PEI’s Program Special
A Strong Primary Care Focus
The program is intentionally designed to train physicians who can meet PEI’s healthcare priorities, especially in family medicine and community-based care.
Interprofessional Collaboration
The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Centre brings together learners from:
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Paramedicine
- Psychology
- Other health disciplines
This mirrors real-world healthcare teamwork.
Community Integration
The facility functions as a hub for education, research, and clinical service, strengthening PEI’s healthcare system as a whole.
UPEI Medical School: Career Outcomes
Graduates earn a Doctor of Medicine from Memorial University and are eligible for residency programs across Canada.
Common career paths include:
- Family Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Surgery
- Other specialties
Many graduates are encouraged to practice in underserved or rural communities.
Final Thoughts
The UPEI–Memorial Joint Medical School Program is a historic milestone for Prince Edward Island. It provides a clear pathway for local students to become physicians while strengthening healthcare access across the province.
Backed by Memorial University’s established medical program and delivered in a modern, community-focused environment, this new MD stream offers an exceptional opportunity for students who value service, connection, and high-quality training.
If you’re serious about medicine and want to train in a setting where your work truly matters, PEI’s new medical school may be the perfect fit.
Contact Information
550 University Ave, Charlottetown
Prince Edward Island, Canada C1A 4P3
1-800-606-UPE or 902-628-4353
FAQs
1. Is UPEI granting its own MD degree?
Not currently. Students receive an MD from Memorial University.
2. How many seats are available?
Approximately 20 seats for PEI applicants at launch, with potential growth.
3. Is the MCAT required?
Yes. Memorial requires an MCAT completed within five years of application. These admissions requirements can change, though, so be sure to check the most up-to-date information at the school’s website.
4. When does the application open?
Typically July, with a late-August deadline for the PEI stream.
5. Can students transfer to Memorial’s main campus?
No. Students remain in the PEI stream for the full program.
6. Are out-of-province applicants eligible?
Priority is given to PEI residents. Policies may evolve over time.
7. What is the learning environment like?
Small cohorts, modern facilities, close faculty access, and strong peer support.
8. Does the program support residency placement?
Yes. Memorial provides guidance and resources for residency match applications nationwide.
To your success,
Your friends at BeMo
BeMo Academic Consulting
Disclaimer: BeMo does not endorse or affiliate with any universities, colleges, or official test administrators. The content has been developed based on the most recent publicly available data provided from the official university website. However, you should always check the statistics/requirements with the official school website for the most up to date information. You are responsible for your own results.
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