Good to know
Useful Information for Canadian students
Check Queen's semester dates for the 2018 / 2019 academic year and get an idea of the living costs here in Northern Ireland, plus an insight in to studying with us on our study abroad programme.
Queen’s University Belfast welcomes students from Canada and from all over the world. We have 17,000 students from over 80 countries, 3,500 staff and 100,000 graduates worldwide. We're one of the UK's leading universities with a heritage dating back over 150 years.
Queen's University Belfast has a long and proud tradition of welcoming students from Canada. The University combines the best of tradition with a progressive outlook. Students have a wonderful opportunity to study at a premier UK university and to experience life in an exciting and vibrant city.
Queen's is an institution with a world-class academic reputation and facilities. As a member of the Russell Group of leading UK universities, Queen's is building on its tradition of excellence to secure a future for its students - the leaders of tomorrow. They can look forward to being taught to the highest standards by academics who are both world-class teachers and researchers.
We accept a wide variety of qualifications. Below you will find information on undergraduate and postgraduate entry requirements, English Language requirements, potential scholarships for international applicants and details of our overseas agents and representatives.
Interested in studying at Queen's?
Click the button below to view our USA and Canada Brochure containing information specific to North American students interested in studying abroad with us.
Important information for applicants
Undergraduate entry requirements
The following qualifications will be considered for direct entry to our undergraduate programmes. The grades required will vary according to your chosen programme. Please check our Course Finder for detailed entry requirements.
- The Canadian High School Diploma (Grade 12). The minimum requirement is usually 75 - 80% overall, although some programmes do require higher grades and may specify exact grade requirements in relevant subjects.
- Alberta: A General High School Diploma with an average of at least 75 - 80% in five acceptable grade 12 courses.
- British Columbia: the Senior Secondary Graduation Diploma with at least five Bs in acceptable grade 12 courses and 75 - 80% overall.
- Manitoba: the High School Graduation Diploma with five credits awarded at 300 level in at least four subject areas and at least 75% achieved in each of these areas.
- Ontario: The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is required normally with an average of 80% in six Grade 12 U/M courses. Certain programmes may require Grade 12 U/M courses in specific subjects.
- Saskatchewan: the Grade 12 Standing/Division IV Standing (Secondary School Diploma) with an average of at least 75 - 80% in five acceptable subjects.
- Between 30 and 36 points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB). Information on required grades.
For entry to Medicine and Dentistry, a minimum of 90% overall in Grade 12 courses in the Canadian High School Diploma is required, with at least 90% in Grade 12 Chemistry and Biology. Mathematics, Physics and English Language are also required, preferably to Year 11. Applicants for Medicine must also undertake the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) www.ukcat.ac.uk and the University will normally interview international applicants. Applicants shortlisted for Dentistry will be required to undertake an online interview. For graduates, a minimum of 3.3 on a scale of 4.0 (78%) is required for consideration, and applicants must have the appropriate background in relevant science subjects.
Postgraduate entry requirements
Entry to our 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 degree may also be considered. Please check our Course Finder for detailed entry requirements.
The comparable Canadian qualifications are as follows:
UK Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1)
A good four-year Bachelor degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4 point scale, 6.0 on a 9 point scale, 8.0 on a 12 point scale or 73% (where the pass mark is 50%). Please note that for graduate admission to either the 5 year Medicine or Dentistry degrees, a minimum CGPA of 3.3 on a scale of 4.0 (78%) is required.
UK Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2)
A good four-year Bachelor degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8 on a 4 point scale, 5.0 on a 9 point scale, 7.0 on a 12 point scale or 70% (where the pass mark is 50%).
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, please 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
If you are interested in Computing, Finance or Management courses, but do not meet the entry requirements, you may wish to consider a a pre-masters Graduate Diploma offered by INTO Queen's.
MPhil/PhD Study
Students interested in undertaking a PhD at Queen’s University need a good Four Year Bachelor's degree and, normally a good Master's degree in addition to a strong research proposal.
English language requirements
If English is not your native language, you will need to demonstrate a minimum level of English. Queen's University normally requires the equivalent of 6.5 IELTS or 90 TOEFL IBT (Internet Based Test). However, some degree programmes 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 English course please contact into@qub.ac.uk or view the list of INTO Queen's English Language courses.
Funding and Scholarships
Canadian Student Loans can be applied to study at Queen’s. More information is available on the Student Financial Assistance pages of the Government of Canada website and the Ministry of Education in Québec.
Queen's University Belfast offers a range of scholarships for international students.
A list of other potential sources of funding for Postgraduate study can be found on the University's Graduate School website.
There are a number of prestigious scholarships for Canadian students which may be used for postgraduate study at Queen's:
International Scholarships offered by the Canadian government
British Council
The British Council in Canada can offer helpful advice on studying in the UK. A useful resource is their Scholarships and Funding website.
Representatives and overseas visits
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.
For more information please contact the Americas team at:
International Office
Queen's University Belfast
Belfast BT7 1NN
Tel: + 44 28 9097 5088
Fax: +44 28 9097 5089
www.qub.ac.uk
The International Officer for North America makes occasional visits to Canada and is very willing to meet with prospective students.
How to Apply
How to apply
For details on the application process for both undergraduates and postgraduates, please visit the University's How to Apply section.
Further Information
Tuition Fees and Living Costs
Please visit the Fees and Funding pages for the latest information.
Accommodation
International students at Queen’s University are guaranteed a place in University accommodation for at least their first year at Queen’s if they apply by the closing date. Queen’s BT9 and BT1 and BT2 and other student houses are located within easy walking distance of the University in a pleasant residential area. All accommodation is self-catered with en suite options. Internet access is available in all Elms BT9 self-catering accommodation. Several residences are reserved for postgraduate students only.
Married international students are advised that it is difficult to obtain suitable accommodation at short notice. Students who propose to bring their family are strongly advised to come alone in the first instance in order to find suitable accommodation in the private sector. If this is not possible, they should let the Student Accommodation Service know at the earliest possible moment after being informed they have been accepted by the University.
To apply online and to see an online copy of the Student Accommodation handbook, and information on accommodation fees, please visit the Queen’s Student Accommodation Service website at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/accommodation/.
Visa Requirements for Students from Canada
Information regarding immigration issues is available by contacting the International Student Support Office or visiting their website
Partnerships in Canada
One of the University’s guiding principles is the recognition that knowledge knows no boundaries, and the forging of international partnerships is central to the realization of its Vision for the Future. Queen’s University has links with universities around the world and is committed to enhancing these partnerships still further.
The university is currently engaged in high levels of cooperation with Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, and the University of Alberta, Edmonton. There are also a number of significant research links with institutions all across Canada; many based in the Centre of Canadian Studies.
The University also encourages study abroad partnerships with many institutions in Canada, although we do allow free-movers to apply from universities where there are no formal links.
Societies/Clubs
Queen's places a huge emphasis on its student experience and if you choose to attend Queen's you will be able to experience this in a number of ways. Social activity plays a huge role in the delivery of the Queen's experience and is something all new, and indeed, current students, should engage in. The University has a great sporting tradition and has provided this island with many of its greatest athletes across a broad range of sports. There are over 140 different clubs and organisations - there is something for everyone!
Queen's University Association
As Canada is a vast country it is difficult to get all Queen's graduates together at the same time. Most events tend to take place in Ontario, where the Association was relaunched in March 2004. The Ontario committee is currently planning a series of alumni events open to graduates and their guests. For further information please contact the president, Dr Brian Metcalfe (hbwm@attglobal.net)
For graduate contacts, in British Columbia Newfoundland and Nova Scotia please contact the Alumni Office for further details.
Students currently studying at Queen's
If you would like to correspond directly with a Canadia student currently studying at Queen's University Belfast, please contact the member of International Office staff named above. We will be pleased to put you in touch with current students, who will be able to give you first-hand information about studying at Queen's.
*All fees are payable in £ sterling. Approximate equivalencies are shown at the following rates (August 2017) US$1.32 = £1 Can$1.66 = £1
** Based on Easyjet flight from various London airports to Belfast International lowest published fare between Jan and June 2017