Queen's University Admissions Guide 2026–27

Queen's University Admissions Guide 2026–27

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.

Which Program Level Fits You?

Queen's University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and research programmes across diverse academic disciplines.

Program LevelOverview
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.
MBAThe 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.

RequirementTypical Requirement
Academic QualificationsProgramme-specific entry requirements
GPACompetitive GPA depending on the programme
IELTSGenerally 6.5+
TOEFL iBTAccepted for eligible programmes
PTE AcademicAccepted for eligible programmes
Other RequirementsAcademic 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.

CategoryInformation
Study PermitInternational 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 by programme.

  1. Undergraduate - choose your programmeChoose your preferred programme and apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).
  2. Undergraduate - submit documentsSubmit academic transcripts and supporting documents, and meet English language and programme-specific requirements.
  3. Undergraduate - accept your offerReceive and accept your admission offer.
  4. Postgraduate - apply onlineApply through the relevant Queen's University graduate programme portal and upload academic transcripts and supporting documents.
  5. Postgraduate - meet requirements and acceptMeet programme-specific admission requirements, receive your admission decision, and accept your offer.
  6. Begin your Canadian study permit processAfter 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.

Get personalized study abroad advice

Chat with our AI advisor about this university guide - tailored to your profile.

Start conversation

Students on StudyWhere AI research

Real feedback on how StudyWhere AI helps students research universities, costs, scholarships, and study plans with speed and depth.

StudyWhere AI researched programmes across countries in minutes. It felt like having a research analyst who never gets tired of follow-up questions.
Kabir MehtaMaster's applicant, UAE
The AI pulled costs, scholarships, and visa realities into one clear comparison. Powerful research without the usual counsellor wait time.
Ishita RaoParent supporting a UK application
I asked complex shortlist questions and StudyWhere AI came back with structured research - rankings, outcomes, and funding angles I had missed.
Daniel OkonkwoSTEM graduate, Canada track
What impressed me was the depth. StudyWhere AI didn't just list universities - it researched fit, deadlines, and trade-offs like a real advisor.
Sara Al-HashimiBusiness school applicant

Read Next

Related study abroad topics people also search

Explore high-intent searches linked to this university guide - jump to a section on this page or ask StudyWhere AI.