Founded in 1845, Queen's University Belfast is one of the UK's leading Russell Group research universities. Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the university is internationally recognised for its academic excellence, world-class research, and outstanding graduate employability. Ranked among the Top 200 universities globally, Queen's welcomes more than 4,000 international students from over 90 countries, creating a diverse and globally connected learning environment. The university offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across disciplines including Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Arts, and Social Sciences. Queen's is particularly renowned for its strengths in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Health Sciences, Data Analytics, Pharmacy, Business, and Biomedical Sciences. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group, it combines research-led teaching with strong industry partnerships and excellent career opportunities. 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 Belfast admissions, available courses, scholarships, admission requirements, and career opportunities for international students.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Program Levels | UG · Master's · MBA · PhD |
Which Program Level Fits You?
Queen's University Belfast offers undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, and research programmes across a broad range of academic disciplines.
| Program Level | Overview |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Undergraduate) | Undergraduate programmes in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Arts, Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences. |
| Master's (Postgraduate Taught) | Advanced master's programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, Finance, Business Analytics, Public Health, Law, and more. |
| MBA | The Queen's MBA focuses on leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, strategic management, and global 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 / Academic Scores | Competitive programme-specific requirements |
| IELTS | Generally 6.5+ (programme dependent) |
| TOEFL iBT | Accepted for eligible programmes |
| PTE Academic | Accepted for eligible programmes |
| Other Requirements | |
| Academic transcripts, personal statement, references, CV (where applicable), and programme-specific documents |
Cost of Attendance
The Queen's University Belfast tuition fees vary depending on the programme and level of study. Students should also budget for accommodation, food, transportation, books, health expenses, and personal living costs while studying in Belfast. Compared with many major UK cities, Belfast offers one of the most affordable costs of living for students, while providing access to a growing technology, healthcare, and business sector.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Queen's University Belfast offers over £1.5 million in international scholarships and a wide range of merit-based funding opportunities for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research students. Some scholarships provide up to 50% tuition fee reductions for exceptional international applicants. Popular scholarship opportunities include:
- Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship
- International Undergraduate Scholarship
- International Postgraduate Scholarships
- International Office Scholarships
- South Asia Scholarships
- Early Confirmation Award
- GREAT Scholarships
- Faculty and School Scholarships
- Research Council Funding
- Doctoral Studentships
- Research Assistantships
Many scholarships are awarded automatically to eligible students, while competitive awards require a separate application.
Campus Life & Student Experience
Queen's University Belfast offers a vibrant student experience in one of the UK's most affordable and welcoming cities. Students benefit from:
- More than 220 student clubs and societies
- Modern libraries and world-class research laboratories
- Excellent sports and fitness facilities
- Career counselling and employability support
- Placement and internship opportunities
- Entrepreneurship and innovation programmes
- Study abroad and international exchange opportunities
- A historic campus located in the heart of Belfast
- Belfast is consistently recognised as one of the UK's most affordable student cities and offers excellent transport, a thriving cultural scene, and strong employment opportunities for graduates
Research & Global Reputation
Queen's University Belfast is internationally recognised for research excellence, innovation, and graduate employability. Highlights include:
- Member of the prestigious Russell Group
- Ranked among the Top 200 universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026
- Ranked 5th in the world for International Outlook
- Ranked 13th in the UK for Research Intensity
- 99% of its research environment is rated world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2021
- Strong research in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cancer Research, Engineering, Precision Medicine, Data Science, Sustainable Energy, and Biomedical Sciences
- Strong partnerships with the NHS, global technology companies, pharmaceutical organisations, and multinational employers
Visa & Post-Study Work
International students admitted to Queen's University Belfast generally require a UK Student Visa after receiving their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. Eligible graduates may remain and work in the UK through the Graduate Route Visa, allowing international students to gain valuable work experience after completing their degree, subject to current UK government immigration regulations.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | International students generally require a UK Student Visa after receiving a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). |
| Graduate Route | Eligible graduates may apply for the UK Graduate Route, allowing them to remain and work in the UK after completing their degree, subject to current UK Government 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. Apply through UCAS.
- Undergraduate — submit documents — Submit academic transcripts and supporting documents. Meet English language and programme-specific requirements.
- Undergraduate — accept your offer — Receive and accept your admission offer.
- Postgraduate — apply online — Apply through the Queen's University Belfast online application portal. Upload academic transcripts and supporting documents.
- Postgraduate — meet requirements and accept — Meet programme-specific admission requirements. Receive your admission decision. Accept your offer and begin your UK Student Visa process.
- Apply for your UK Student Visa — After accepting your offer, apply for your UK Student Visa.
FAQs About Studying Here
Is Queen's University Belfast good for international students?
Yes. Queen's University Belfast is a leading Russell Group university offering globally recognised degrees, outstanding research opportunities, generous scholarships, and excellent graduate employability.
Does Queen's University Belfast offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. The university offers Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarships, International Undergraduate Scholarships, South Asia Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, Early Confirmation Awards, postgraduate scholarships, and doctoral funding.
What English language tests does Queen's University Belfast accept?
The university accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and other approved English language qualifications, depending on the programme.
How do I apply to Queen's University Belfast?
Undergraduate applicants apply through UCAS, while postgraduate applicants apply through Queen's University Belfast's online application portal.
Can international students work after graduating from Queen's University Belfast?
Yes. Eligible graduates can apply for the UK Graduate Route Visa, allowing them to remain and work in the UK after completing their studies.
Does Queen's University Belfast provide career support?
Yes. Queen's offers career counselling, internships, placement opportunities, employer networking events, entrepreneurship support, and dedicated employability services. Its strong links with leading employers help graduates secure careers across engineering, healthcare, business, finance, and technology sectors.
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