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How to apply

How to apply

Undergraduate Applicants

Students having a conversation

From selecting your course to navigating the application process and finally arriving in Belfast, this comprehensive guide leads you through each stage toward your enrollment at Queen's University.


01.
Choosing your course

Your university journey starts by looking at courses.

Here at Queen’s, we have a diverse range of undergraduate courses and on the individual course pages, you will find more information about entry requirements. International students can find information on entry requirements specific to their country/region here.

Browse our full range of courses.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must be able to demonstrate your competence in written and spoken English to benefit fully from the chosen course of study. Find out more about English language requirements.

02.
Registering with UCAS

Applications for full-time undergraduate degree programmes in the UK must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All students can register for the online application facility on the UCAS website.

If you’re in school or college when applying to UCAS, they may provide you with a ‘buzzword’ that you need to enter when registering as it will automatically link you to that centre. If you’re applying independently (not through a school or college), you can still register without a buzzword.

Can I make an application directly to the university?

Students can only apply directly to the university if:

  • They want to study for their degree part-time. The same entry requirements apply for part-time study as the full-time option.
  • They are an international applicant who wishes to only apply for a course at Queen’s. International students may also have to apply directly if they have been asked to supply more information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application.

Support available for international students

We have local advisers worldwide who can provide you with information about studying in the UK. They can also help you with your UCAS and visa application.

Find an adviser in your country

If you do not meet the entry requirements, you may wish to consider a preparation course at INTO Queen's University Belfast, which will prepare you for successful study in our degree programmes.

INTO Queen's University Belfast is based on the University campus and offers a varied range of courses. Further information can be found on the INTO Queen's University Belfast website.

Note:

The UCAS application system opens in September for entry to university the following year and once you have registered, you will be able to start your application. Your application can be completed in stages, and you can apply before getting your final exam results.   

03.
Your Application

UCAS

When completing your application, it's important to remember that universities take everything - not just your exam results - into consideration, so if you have any previous employment or life experience that is relevant, be sure to include it in your application.

For the application form, you will need to include:

  • Personal information and qualifications to date
  • Up to 5 course options you want to study
  • Personal statement
  • A reference from a teacher, adviser or professional who knows you academically. If you have left education, a professional colleague can provide your reference (e.g. Line Manager, Work Colleague or Counsellor)

If you're hoping to apply for a course at Queen's, the code name is QBELF and the number is Q75.

Here are the important dates you will need for 2024 entry applications:

02 May, 2023 Find 2024 entry courses in the UCAS search tool
16 May, 2023 Start your UG application
05 Sept, 2023 Application submissions open
16 Oct, 2023 / 6PM UK Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary courses deadline
31 Jan, 2024 / 6PM UK Deadline for all other courses
06 Feb, 2024 Applications for accommodation open
28 Feb, 2024 UCAS Extra opens*
30 June, 2024 Applications for accommodation close
05 July, 2024 Clearing Opens

* UCAS Extra: You can use this service if you have used all five choices and are not holding an offer.

Direct Applicants

The Queen's Portal is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Please note that the Queen's Portal must not be used for applications to Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing/Midwifery, Pharmacy or Social Work.

If you have already submitted a UCAS application to Queen's or any other UK university please contact the Queen’s Admissions Office after submitting your direct entry application via Queen’s Portal.

The Queen’s Admissions Office can be contacted via intl.admissions@qub.ac.uk. Please provide the application reference number displayed on the submission of the application.

Queen’s Portal – Undegraduate Applications

If you later apply through UCAS you must also include Queen's as one of your choices and advise Queen’s Admissions of your UCAS Personal ID.

Please refer to this guide for help on how to complete your direct application.

04.
What happens next?

Once your application is submitted, you will receive a welcome email from UCAS that includes details of how to use the UCAS system to check your application’s progress.

What happens if I want to defer my entry?

Many students may be considering deferring university entry until the following year to gain work experience or travel. At Queen’s, most of our courses (except for Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work) are happy to consider applications from students wishing to defer their year of entry.

If you decide to apply for deferred entry, then you should tell us what you plan to do during your Gap Year in the personal statement section of your UCAS application. If you’re looking to defer your application after you have applied, get in touch with our admissions team and we can discuss moving your entry date to the following year.

05.
Application offers

If your application is submitted by the 31st of January 2024, the deadline for universities to make offers is 16th May 2024 – however, you may receive an outcome before this deadline.

Your application can have three possible outcomes which are:

  • Conditional Offer:  This means the university would like to offer you a place, however, you still need to meet the requirements – this is usually related to your exam results.
  • Unconditional Offer:  This means you’ve got a place, although there might still be a few things to arrange.
  • Unsuccessful:  An unsuccessful application means the university hasn’t been able to offer you a place on your chosen course.

06.
Replying to offers

Now that you have received your offers, you need to reply by choosing a university course that will be your first choice (UCAS refer to this as your firm choice) and a course that will be your second choice (UCAS refer to this as your insurance).

Be aware that there are deadlines for replying to your offers which can be found in your UCAS hub.

What happens if I don’t have any offers?

If you find yourself without any offers there is no reason to worry as you can still apply through UCAS Extra before 4th July 2024 - a free service that allows you to keep applying for higher education courses even if you’ve used up your five original choices or apply through Clearing.

What happens if I change my mind?

Some students may change their minds about what they want to study or where they want to study – and if this happens to you, then you can apply for different courses through UCAS Extra or Clearing. 

07.
Applying through clearing

If you haven’t managed to get a university place by July 2024, you can apply to Queen’s University through Clearing.

Clearing is when universities across the UK, including Queen’s, advertise any courses that still have spaces on their website or through UCAS. Applications for courses available in Clearing can be completed via UCAS or by applying directly to the university. Please be aware that course options may be limited at this time.

08.
Registering for Queen's

All students are required to complete online registration at the start of each academic year via the Qsis Registration Portal. As a new student, you will receive a welcome email with full instructions from late August onwards on how to register.

Starting university is an exciting and busy time, and to help you settle in we have created a welcome guide that includes everything you need to know from setting up a bank account and registering with a doctor to where the best places are to shop.

Once you arrive, you can join in on our Freshers Week run by our Students Union. There is a full schedule of activities throughout the week that will help you settle into QUB and make new friends.

All that's left to do now is enjoy your time at Queen's University Belfast!


Still have
some questions?

If the above has not answered all your questions or worries, here are some of the most common questions we get asked about the entire application process:

  • Are there opportunities to visit the university?

    An undergraduate open day is the best way to get a taste of life at Queen’s. If you want to get to know more about the university and what life as a student is like in Belfast, then we recommend coming along to our open days. Keep up to date with our upcoming events and open days.

    If you can’t make it to our open days in person, you can also take a virtual tour of the campus, chat with current students or attend virtual events.

    While researching courses, it’s also important to research what it’s like to live in Northern Ireland. If you’re not familiar with Belfast, we have a dedicated guide to help you better understand what it’s like to live in the city and study at Queen’s.

    Campus tours

    If you can’t make it to our open days but still want to visit the campus, you can always book one of our campus tours led by our Student Ambassadors. During these tours, you will see where you’ll study and live, and the facilities you will get to use as part of your student experience.

    Our Campus Tours run on Mondays and Fridays at 10 am, 12 pm and 2 pm – book your place here.

    Please note that our Campus Tours are generic and not subject-specific.

  • I want to live in student accommodation, how and when should I apply?

    If you want to live in Queen’s accommodation, applications open in February and you can find more information on how to apply here. Student accommodation allocations will commence in August.

    Students from NI

    As a first year student from Northern Ireland, you are not guaranteed accommodation – allocations will be based on distance lived from the campus with priority to students living further from campus.

    Many students from Northern Ireland typically find private accommodation close to the campus or choose to live at home and commute to university.

    Students from ROI, GB and International students

    As a first year student, you are guaranteed Queen’s accommodation, provided you have firmly accepted your university offer and have submitted an online application for accommodation by 30 June 2024.

  • How can I pay my tuition fees?

    Students from NI

    Eligible NI students will be able to borrow the full cost of tuition from the Government in the form of a tuition fee loan, you can apply online for this and it will be paid directly to the university or college.

    Once you register with the university, the first payment will be made.

    Students from ROI

    Eligible ROI students will qualify for a tuition fee loan, you can apply online for this and it will be paid directly to the university or college. If you are self-funding your studies, you can find out more information here.

    Students from GB

    Eligible GB students will be able to borrow the full cost of tuition from the Government in the form of a tuition fee loan, you can apply online for this, and it will be paid directly to the university or college.

    Once you register with the university, the first payment will be made.

    International students

    You’ll be asked to pay your tuition fees as part of your registration. For more information on international student fees, check out our fees page.

    Helpful Links
  • What happens when I arrive in Belfast?

    Starting university is an exciting and busy time, and to help you settle in we have created a welcome guide that includes everything you need to know from setting up a bank account and registering with a doctor to where the best places are to shop.

    Once you arrive, you can join in on our Freshers Week run by our Students Union. There is a full schedule of activities throughout the week that will help you settle into QUB and make new friends.

    International students

    To make your arrival as swift as possible, the university arranges set pick-up days to welcome you to the city. Our student guides will be available at the airport to welcome you to Belfast and point you in the right direction.

    We also host a welcome week every year to help you settle in, meet new people and familiarise yourself with everything available on campus.

Group of students walking past Lanyon
Other Routes to University

Study a foundation degree or other higher education qualification at one of Northern Ireland’s six further education colleges then progress to complete your degree at Queen’s University or other local institutions, or enter full time employment.

Find out how we can help you enter university, with hundreds of course options across Northern Ireland.

View course options