Studying at Queen's

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.

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.

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 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 

Marshall Scholarships

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.

Read more about US Federal Loans

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

www.qub.ac.uk

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.