Founded in 1841, Queen's University is one of Canada's oldest and most prestigious public research universities. Located in Kingston, Ontario, Queen's consistently ranks among the top universities in Canada and is recognised globally for its academic excellence, research, leadership development, and exceptional student experience. The university is a proud member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities and attracts students from more than 120 countries. Queen's is home to more than 28,000 students and offers over 235 undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines including Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Arts & Science, Law, Education, and Computing. The university is particularly renowned for its Smith School of Business, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, and Health Sciences, while maintaining a strong reputation for graduate employability and research excellence. Whether you're planning to pursue a bachelor's degree, master's programme, MBA, or PhD, this guide provides an overview of Queen's University admissions, available courses, scholarships, admission requirements, and career opportunities for international students.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Kingston, Ontario |
| Program Levels | UG · Master's · MBA · PhD |
Which Program Level Fits You?
Queen's University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and research programmes across diverse academic disciplines.
| Program Level | Overview |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Undergraduate) | Undergraduate programmes in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Health Sciences, Arts, Science, Law, Education, and Social Sciences. |
| Master's (Postgraduate Taught) | Advanced master's programmes in Engineering, Computing, Business, Public Health, Education, Economics, and other specialised fields. |
| MBA | The globally recognised Smith School of Business MBA is known for leadership, finance, consulting, analytics, entrepreneurship, and international business. |
| PhD (Research) | Research-intensive doctoral programmes supported by internationally recognised faculty and advanced research facilities. |
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary depending on the programme and level of study. Applicants must meet programme-specific academic and English language requirements.
| Requirement | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications | Programme-specific entry requirements |
| GPA | Competitive GPA depending on the programme |
| IELTS | Generally 6.5+ |
| TOEFL iBT | Accepted for eligible programmes |
| PTE Academic | Accepted for eligible programmes |
| Other Requirements | Academic transcripts, supporting documents, and programme-specific requirements |
Cost of Attendance
The Queen's University tuition fees vary depending on the programme and level of study. Students should also budget for accommodation, meals, transportation, health insurance, books, and personal living expenses while studying in Kingston, Ontario. Compared to larger Canadian cities such as Toronto and Vancouver, Kingston offers a relatively affordable cost of living, while providing students with a safe, student-friendly environment and excellent quality of life.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Queen's University offers a wide range of entrance scholarships, merit awards, bursaries, graduate fellowships, and research funding for both domestic and international students. Popular scholarship opportunities include:
- Principal's Scholarship
- Queen's Excellence Admission Scholarships
- International Admission Scholarships
- Major Admission Awards
- Smith School of Business Scholarships
- Graduate Entrance Scholarships
- Graduate Fellowships
- Research Assistantships (RA)
- Teaching Assistantships (TA)
- Department-specific scholarships, bursaries, and research funding
Many master's and PhD students receive funding through fellowships, assistantships, and research grants, while undergraduate students can apply for several entrance awards and merit-based scholarships.
Campus Life & Student Experience
Queen's University is known for offering one of Canada's best student experiences, with a close-knit campus community and vibrant student life. Students benefit from:
- More than 300 student clubs and organisations
- Modern libraries and research laboratories
- State-of-the-art athletics and recreation facilities
- Undergraduate research opportunities
- Entrepreneurship and innovation support
- Career counselling and internship services
- International exchange and study abroad programmes
- A historic waterfront campus located in downtown Kingston
Queen's consistently ranks highly for student satisfaction, leadership development, and community engagement.
Research & Global Reputation
Queen's University is internationally recognised for research excellence and academic leadership. Highlights include:
- Ranked among the Top 200 universities globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026
- Member of Canada's prestigious U15 Group of Research Universities
- Home to the internationally recognised Smith School of Business
- Strong research in Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Business, Cancer Research, Health Sciences, Data Analytics, Physics, Materials Science, and Environmental Sustainability
- Extensive collaborations with healthcare institutions, research organisations, government agencies, and global industry partners
Strong reputation for graduate employability, leadership education, and innovation.
Visa & Post-Study Work
International students admitted to Queen's University generally require a Canadian Study Permit before beginning their studies. After graduation, eligible students may apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing them to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Graduates may also qualify for Canadian permanent residency pathways through federal and provincial immigration programs, subject to current Government of Canada regulations.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Study Permit | International students generally require a Canadian Study Permit before beginning their studies. |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Eligible graduates may apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing them to gain valuable Canadian work experience, subject to current Canadian immigration regulations. |
How to Apply
Every study level follows a similar application process, although deadlines, admission criteria, and required documents vary depending on the programme.
- Undergraduate — choose your programme — Choose your preferred programme and apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).
- Undergraduate — submit documents — Submit academic transcripts and supporting documents, and meet English language and programme-specific requirements.
- Undergraduate — accept your offer — Receive and accept your admission offer.
- Postgraduate — apply online — Apply through the relevant Queen's University graduate programme portal and upload academic transcripts and supporting documents.
- Postgraduate — meet requirements and accept — Meet programme-specific admission requirements, receive your admission decision, and accept your offer.
- Begin your Canadian study permit process — After accepting your offer, begin your Canadian study permit process.
FAQs About Studying Here
Is Queen's University good for international students?
Yes. Queen's University is one of Canada's leading research universities, offering globally recognised degrees, strong research opportunities, generous scholarships, and excellent graduate employability.
Does Queen's University offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. Queen's offers Excellence Admission Scholarships, Major Admission Awards, Smith School of Business Scholarships, graduate fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and department-specific funding opportunities.
What English language tests does Queen's University accept?
Queen's accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and other approved English language proficiency tests, depending on the programme.
How do I apply to Queen's University?
Undergraduate applicants apply through the OUAC, while postgraduate applicants apply through the relevant Queen's University graduate admissions portal.
Can international students work after graduating from Queen's University?
Yes. Eligible graduates can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and may qualify for Canadian permanent residency pathways under current Canadian immigration policies.
Does Queen's University provide career support?
Yes. Queen's offers career counselling, internship opportunities, employer networking events, entrepreneurship support, research placements, alumni mentoring, and comprehensive career development services.
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