studying at Queen's
What you need to know
In this section you'll find information on entry requirements, the application process and contact details for our USA team. Everything you need to make an informed decision on studying at Queen's is right here.
Important information for applicants
Undergraduate entry requirements
Generally, applicants with the following qualifications will be considered for direct entry to our undergraduate Bachelor degree programmes:
- A US High School Diploma with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 PLUS
An ACT test with a minimum score of 27 OR SAT I test with minimum scores as follows:
- Post March 2016: 1290 (with a minimum of 620 in Mathematics, and 650 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section)
- Pre-March 2016: 1800 (600 in Critical Reading, 600 Writing and 600 Mathematics)
PLUS
Two Advanced Placement (AP) tests at Grades 5,4 or two SAT II subject tests at 650, 600 or above; OR three Advanced Placement (AP) tests minimum Grades 4,4,4 or three SAT II subject tests at 600 or above.
- Between 30 and 36 points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB). Information on required grades.
Please note that Queen’s University Belfast has institutional codes for the following College Board Exams. You can send score reports directly to Queen’s using the following codes:
ACT: 7799
SAT and AP: 7753
To be considered for entry to undergraduate Medicine, the minimum requirements are: US High School Graduation Diploma with minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0, plus at least four Advanced Placement (AP) tests with Grades of 5,5 (Chemistry and Biology) 5,4. Physics, Mathematics and English Language are also required, normally to Year 11 standard. Graduates may also be considered - a minimum of an Upper Second Class Honours degree or CGPA of 3.3 on scale of 4 (78%) would be required, and applicants must also have the appropriate background in the relevant science subjects to satisfy the course entry requirements.
The grades required will vary according to your chosen course of study. Please check our Course Finder for detailed entry requirements.
Postgraduate entry requirements
Entry to graduate diploma or taught Masters programmes usually requires either a UK upper second-class (2:1) or a lower second-class (2:2) undergraduate degree. For most courses, your major subject or content of your Bachelor's degree may also be considered. Please visit our Course Finder for detailed entry requirements.
The comparable US qualifications are as follows:
UK Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1)
Bachelor degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 .
UK Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2)
Bachelor degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8.
Please note the following key differences between graduate studies in the US and a taught Masters degree at Queen's:
- Master's degrees in the UK are normally one-year in duration.
- There is no GRE or GMAT required for entry to Queen's.
A taught Master's refers to a program that combines academic instruction as well as the completion of a written dissertation. PhD degrees are three years in length and typically require you to have a Masters degree prior to applying and to prepare a research proposal.
Supporting Documentation
When submitting your application, please ensure that you upload copies of official transcripts for completed programmes as well as those currently in progress. Degree award certificates for programmes already complete should also be provided.
Borderline Cases
Sometimes, it may be possible to exercise flexibility in the case of applicants who have completed their degree with slightly lower grades than those outlined in their offer letter. In these cases, the decision will be at the discretion of the Academic Selector.
On completion of your degree, you should forward a copy of your official transcript and award certificate to intl.student@qub.ac.uk to confirm the award of your qualification and the overall grade. Unfortunately we cannot advise you further until we receive this documentation .
INTO Queen's Preparation Courses
For those interested in Computing, Finance and Management courses, but who do not meet the entry requirements, you may wish to consider a a pre-masters Graduate Diploma offered by INTO Queen's.
PhD Study
Students interested in undertaking a PhD at Queen’s University need good grades in their Bachelor and Masters degree programmes awarded by a recognised university, in addition to a strong research proposal.
English language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English will normally need to demonstrate a level of English equivalent to 6.5 IELTS or 90 TOEFL IBT (Internet based test). However, some courses have higher or lower requirements (please check individual programme requirements in the relevant undergraduate or postgraduate University Coursefinder. View the full list of acceptable English Language qualifications.
INTO Queen's English Language Programmes
INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a wide range of English Language courses, which may assist students to meet the required standard of English language to be eligible for entry to degree programmes at the University. If you wish to apply for an INTO Queen's English course please contact into@qub.ac.uk or consult the INTO website
Scholarships and financial aid
Scholarships for Students from the USA
A list of potential sources of funding for postgraduate study can be found on the Queen's University Graduate School Office website.
There are a number of prestigious scholarships for US students which may be used for postgraduate study at Queen's:
Mitchell Scholarships **Currently suspended for 2016/17 entry**
Fulbright Postgraduate Student Awards
US Federal Loans
Many US students who are unable to secure a scholarship opt to finance their studies at Queen's through US Federal Loans. Queen's is approved by the US Department of Education for participation in the Federal Direct Loan program. Our School Code is G22736.
Federal Direct Loans are generally available to eligible students who are undertaking Bachelors, Masters or PhD programs at Queen's, except for programmes in Medicine. They are not available to students on postgraduate diploma or certificate courses.
Representatives and overseas visits
Susan McCleary, International Officer for the USA, make frequent visits to the USA and Canada, and are willing to meet with prospective students.
Their contact details are as follows:
International Office
Queen's University Belfast
Belfast BT7 1NN
Susan McCleary
Email: americas@qub.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5090
Mob: +44 (0) 7964 873601
Skype: qubsusan.mccleary
Queen's has a network of agents and representatives committed to providing you with high levels of support. More information on our network and a list of agents by country can be found on the University's agent webpages.
The British Council in your country can also offer advice on studying in the UK.
Applying to Queen's
Studying Abroad
Study Abroad Programme
Broaden your horizons with a semester or full academic year at Queen's
You can take in one of a wide range of courses available in our study abroad programme.
Summer Schools
Get a taste of student life in Belfast with one of our two Summer schools
Queen's currently runs two Summer schools; one in Irish Studies and one in Conflict Transformation. Both are incredibly popular with American students.
Good to know
Useful Information for American students
Check Queen's semester dates for the 2017 / 2018 academic year and get an idea of the living costs here in Northern Ireland, plus an insight in to studying with us.
Queen's faculties
Faculty overview
Welcome to the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
The AHSS faculty is a popular choice for North American students. The faculty consists of nine schools and three institutions, including the highly regarded Queen's management school and the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation and Social Justice
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Consisting of seven schools, ranging from the school of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering to the School of Psychology
the faculty is highly regarded for its quality of research, with world leading work in cyber security at the university's Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT).
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life sciences
The faculty consists of four separate schools, including the school of pharmacy and school of biological sciences
It is headed by Professor Chris Elliott, who led the UK government's independent review of food systems in 2013 and is also currently the Director of the Institute for Global Food Safety.