Canada

We have welcomed students from Canada to our student community for many years. You’ll live in an affordable and vibrant UK capital city. Our Canadian students love studying here - 97% said they are happy with the campus environment (International Student Barometer, 2022).

You’ll find everything you need to know here, and hear Canadian students explain why they love living in Belfast and studying at Queen’s.

24,000+

Total students studying with us

128

Students from Canada

Upcoming Events

We will be meeting with students at a range of in-person and digital events over the coming months and invite you to speak with us there. Please get in touch with our international officers to find out where you can meet us next, or to schedule a 1-1 call about Queen's

Meet our North America Team near you

We will be visiting a range of locations across the USA and Canada in 2025. We would be delighted to provide more information on studying at Queen’s.

Meet us in 2025

North America Team

We have a dedicated team to support prospective students, parents and counsellors in Canada.

Susan McCleary
Senior International Officer

Clare Coyle
International Officer

If you have any questions or would like guidance about studying at Queen’s, the team is here to help you.

Book a 1-1 information session

We'll provide you with an introduction to the University and answer any questions you may have.

You can also join our mailing list to receive information directly related to your subject interests and details of any upcoming events.

Book a call Join mailing list Meet with us

Get in touch

We'll help answer your questions. You can contact our international officer for Canada.

Clare Coyle

northamerica@qub.ac.uk

Get in touch

Top 200

Ranked in the top 200 in the world for impact and sustainability

THE Impact Rankings 2024/QS World University Rankings 2025: Sustainability

Canada Admissions Guide 2025

Experience Study Abroad

As the leading UK university on the Island of Ireland, over 100 students from North America come to Queen’s University Belfast each year to study abroad for a semester or an academic year.

Find out more

Applying

You can apply to study at Queen’s from anywhere in the world. The grades required for admission to Queen's will vary according to your chosen course of study.

View entry requirements on your course of choice by using the search tool, then check your comparable grades below, to determine eligibility.

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, the minimum entry requirements are either:

A minimum of 90% overall in six Grade 12 courses in the Canadian High School Diploma, 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 University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) www.ucat.ac.uk and the University will normally interview international applicants. (UCAT and GCSE Physics is not required for Dentistry).
A minimum of 36 points overall is required in the International Baccalaureate Diploma with grades 6,6,6 in Higher level subjects including Chemistry and Biology. Physics, Mathematics and English is also required to Standard Level, or grade 11 (or GCSE Equivalent) if not taken as part of the IB. (Physics is not required for Dentistry). Points obtained for the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge can count towards the total.
For graduates, a minimum of 3.3 on a scale of 4.0 (78%) in a four year Honours degree is required for consideration, and applicants must have the appropriate background in relevant science subjects.

Applicants for Medicine must also undertake the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) www.ucat.ac.uk and the University will normally interview international applicants.

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 four-year Bachelor degree or three-year Baccalauréat 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%) in a four year Honours degree is required.

UK Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2)

A four-year Bachelor degree or three-year Baccalauréat with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.7 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%). Equivalence to 2.7 may vary slightly depending on institutional grading system.

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.

Queen’s University Belfast International Study Centre Preparation Courses

If you are interested in Social Sciences, Finance or Management courses, but do not meet the entry requirements, you may wish to consider a Pre-Master's offered by Queen’s University Belfast International Study Centre.

MPhil/PhD Study

Students interested in undertaking a PhD at Queen’s University need good grades in their Bachelor and Master's degree programmes (if applicable) awarded by a recognised university, in addition to a strong research proposal. Please consult the Coursefinder for details of the specific entry requirements for individual PhD programmes.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

The application procedure varies for undergraduate and postgraduate students, so we publish separate information for each. You'll also need to be able to provide evidence of a specified level of ability in the English language.

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, the minimum entry requirements are either:

A minimum of 90% overall in six Grade 12 courses in the Canadian High School Diploma, 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 University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) www.ucat.ac.uk and the University will normally interview international applicants. (UCAT and GCSE Physics is not required for Dentistry).
A minimum of 36 points overall is required in the International Baccalaureate Diploma with grades 6,6,6 in Higher level subjects including Chemistry and Biology. Physics, Mathematics and English is also required to Standard Level, or grade 11 (or GCSE Equivalent) if not taken as part of the IB. (Physics is not required for Dentistry). Points obtained for the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge can count towards the total.
For graduates, a minimum of 3.3 on a scale of 4.0 (78%) in a four year Honours degree is required for consideration, and applicants must have the appropriate background in relevant science subjects.

Applicants for Medicine must also undertake the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) www.ucat.ac.uk and the University will normally interview international applicants.

How to Apply

Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen’s. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2025, except for those applying for Medicine and Dentistry who should apply by 15 October 2024.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

The application procedure varies for undergraduate and postgraduate students, so we publish separate information for each. You'll also need to be able to provide evidence of a specified level of ability in the English language.

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 four-year Bachelor degree or three-year Baccalauréat 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%) in a four year Honours degree is required.

UK Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2)

A four-year Bachelor degree or three-year Baccalauréat with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.7 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%). Equivalence to 2.7 may vary slightly depending on institutional grading system.

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.

Queen’s University Belfast International Study Centre Preparation Courses

If you are interested in Social Sciences, Finance or Management courses, but do not meet the entry requirements, you may wish to consider a Pre-Master's offered by Queen’s University Belfast International Study Centre.

MPhil/PhD Study

Students interested in undertaking a PhD at Queen’s University need good grades in their Bachelor and Master's degree programmes (if applicable) awarded by a recognised university, in addition to a strong research proposal. Please consult the Coursefinder for details of the specific entry requirements for individual PhD programmes.

How to Apply

Applications for Postgraduate Taught Masters and PhD programmes must be made using the University's online application system. There is no application fee to apply for Postgraduate programmes.

All Masters degree programmes at Queen’s begin in September each year.

Postgraduate research programmes can begin at different times throughout the academic year. The start date has to be agreed with your PhD supervisor.

Applications should be submitted online via the Queen's Portal for admission to the vast majority of postgraduate programmes.

Find out more about applying for Postgraduate Taught and Postgraduate Research programmes.

How to Apply

Prepare for your university degree with tailored, academic pathway programmes from INTO Queen’s. You’ll benefit from university-style teaching for subject-based modules and high academic standards.

Then, when it comes to progressing to your chosen degree, INTO will support you with your university application.

Courses include:

International Foundation courses in Architecture, Business and Engineering, providing a pathway to the first year of a wide range of undergraduate degrees.
International Year One courses in Management and Finance, Engineering disciplines, and Computer Science, allowing direct entry to year two of Undergraduate degrees.
Pre Master's that prepare you for direct entry to selected Master's courses in Finance, Management and Social Sciences.

English Language Requirements

Applicants will normally need to demonstrate a level of English equivalent to 6.5 IELTS or 90 TOEFL IBT (Internet based test). However, some degree programmes have higher or lower requirements (please check individual courses for programme requirements). The full list of acceptable English Language qualifications is available here.

Improve your English language skills to prepare for further academic study or the level required for your degree.

Academic English
For students who need to increase their IELTS level in order to progress to university.

Pre-sessional English
For students who are academically qualified and hold an offer from Queen’s but need to improve their English language skills to the level required for their degree.

Start Student Application

Overview

Fees & Funding

Queen's offers lower tuition fees and living expenses than many other similarly well-regarded universities in the United Kingdom. The fees you will pay will vary depending on the course you choose and the level of study.

Currency:

From £20,800

Undergraduate tuition fees

From £21,500

Postgraduate Taught tuition fees

From £20,500

Postgraduate Research tuition fees

International tuition fees

Fees shown are for Fee rate 1. Laboratory based courses and other courses have different fee rates. Check the relevant course page for Tuition fee costs. All tuition fees quoted are for the academic year 2023-24, and relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise. If you receive an offer of admission, you will be provided with details of the tuition fee payable in your offer letter.
All fees are payable in £ sterling. Approximate equivalencies were correct at August 2022 (xe.com).

Fee Rate 1 - Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Fee Rate 2 - Engineering and Physical Sciences (including laboratory courses)

Scholarships

We are committed to helping students realise their ambitions and we offer a generous range of scholarships and awards for international students. These include:

Undergraduate
SCHOLARSHIP	AWARD	APPLICATION REQUIRED
International Office(Fee rate 1) *	£3,500	No - Automatically deducted from first year
International Office (Fee rate 2)	£4,000	No - Automatically deducted from first year
Early Confirmation **	£1,500	No - When full tuition paid by appropriate deadline
Excellence Award (Achieve a 60% GPA)	£3,000	No - Merit award in the subsequent academic years
Vice-Chancellor's - up to 4 years	50%	Application required / 4 awards available
Queen's Family - fee reduction on year 1	20%	Application required
Queen's Loyalty Scholarship - fee reduction on year 1	20%	Automatic assessment, no application required

Postgraduate
Scholarship	AWARD	APPLICATION REQUIRED
International Office ***	£2,000-£5,000 (depending on course)	No - Automatically deducted from first year
Queen's Business School	£5,000	No - Excludes MBA
LLB Senior Status	£4,000	No - Automatically deducted from first year
Early Confirmation **	£1,500	No - When full tuition paid by appropriate deadline
Vice-Chancellor's - up to 2 years	50%	Application required / 4 awards available
Queen's Loyalty Scholarship - fee reduction on year 1	20%	Automatic assessment, no application required

* Programme, excluding Medicine (£48,400), Dentistry (£37,600), Agricultural Technology, Theology
** May be used in conjunction with other scholarships
*** Excludes Queen’s Business School PGT programmes and PHD, and Excludes PhD programs

Fees and Funding at Queen's

Find out how much you'll pay to study at Queen's and what potential scholarships you might be eligible for.

Scholarships and Funding Finder

Apply for the Queen's Business School Graduate Award for North American Students

Expand the section below to find out more about Canadian federal and provincial loans, Queen's scholarships and British Council funding and scholarships.

Canadian Loans

For Canadian students applying for a Canadian federal or provincial loan, Queen’s can complete your program information form. Once you have enrolled on the program, the Awards Officer will complete your confirmation of enrolment form and Student Finance will then complete details on tuition and sign off the form. Please email your Canadian loan to the Awards Officer.

Email Awards Officer

Examples of Canadian Student Finance include:

OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program)
Alberta Student Aid
British Columbia
Nova Scotia

Scholarships from Queen's include:

There are a number of prestigious scholarships for Canadian students which may be used for postgraduate study at Queen's:

A list of other potential sources of funding for Postgraduate study can be found on the University's Graduate School website.

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.

The lowest cost of student living in the UK

Belfast has the lowest cost of living in the UK (Mercer Cost of Living City Ranking 2023), making it a great city to live in for international students compared to other UK cities.

Total: £27,832

Total for UG (classroom based)

£20,800
Tuition
£4,500
Accommodation
£1,308
Going out
£1,224
Food/Drink

* Costs are for 1 year of study or two semesters. Cost of living based on Which? Student Budget Calculator 2022

Applying

Why Queen's

Queen’s is a world-class university with a thriving international community. One of the oldest Universities in the UK and Ireland, we have a strong global reputation for our high quality teaching and research.

World class teaching and research

The world-leading research by our academics contributes to the latest thinking in how we tackle the great global challenges of our age, such as health, food, conflict and technology. Our state-of-the-art education and research facilities are some of the best in the UK and Ireland.

A vibrant friendly place to live

Our international students are offered a place in our accommodation, which means you can be confident you'll be living somewhere safe, comfortable and affordable. We provide a supportive community, events and pastoral care, 24/7 safety and security and well-being support.

Your future career

As a student at Queen's, you'll gain skills and knowledge valued by employers all over the world. Whether you plan to pursue opportunities here in the UK, or further afield, our links with many industries, specialist career resources and international network can take you anywhere.

Why students from Canada choose Queen’s?

Belfast – the UK’s hidden gem

Belfast is a major cultural destination in the UK and is named as one of the top 10 friendliest cities in the UK (Condé Nast Traveller, Readers' Choice Awards 2024).

It’s not hard to see why - arts and culture, festivals, great places to shop and eat, and a vibrant nightlife are all packed into our small and accessible city. And our excellent plane, train and ferry transport links will allow you to explore even further.

A perfect student city

Belfast is in the safest region in the UK (UK Crime Surveys 2022/23). Our city is known for its warm people, and you’ll feel at home in our multicultural student community. 96% of our Canadian students tell us they feel safe and secure at Queen’s (International Student Barometer 2022).

Belfast is the UK’s most affordable student city (Natwest Student Living Index 2024), so you’ll enjoy a great student experience while saving on rent, tuition fees and transport.

A top sporting university

Sport is a part of our DNA. Our indoor and outdoor facilities are ideal for our sports clubs and beginner or high-performance athletes.

Career prospects

You’ll get all the career opportunities you would expect from a UK capital city. We developed our career programme along with key employers and our global industry links will help you secure placements and work experience.

Recent Information Sessions

See below for a list of recent University and Programme webinars that you might find interesting and informative.

Queen's Podcast Series

Introducing Queen’s academics and their research from schools across the university, available to listen via the below links as well as via Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

The podcasts include a wide-ranging set of brief talks by Queen's academics across many disciplines and subjects including:

Fees & Funding

Student Life

It won’t be long until you feel at home here. There’s plenty of ways to meet new friends, develop life skills and find support when you need it.

Photo of students in the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast — Cathedral Quarter, Belfast

Students at Queen's get the best of both worlds - a safe and easy to navigate campus with the wider city of Belfast nearby.

Known as the "Queen's Quarter", the area surrounding our campus is the most vibrant district of Belfast. Here, you’ll find everything from museums and art galleries to world cuisine, all within easy walking distance.

What our students say

There's a Queen's Student Society for Everyone

Part of having an enriching university experience is getting to know people outside of your course or flat. One way of meeting people with similar interests as yourself could be joining a club or society. In this post, Tejinder shares her experience.

Tips and Tricks for Keeping up with Classes

Managing a busy university schedule is one of the biggest challenges of student life. Tejinder is here to share her advice for keeping ahead of class work and getting the best results from studying.

A week in the life of a second year dental student

Now in her second year as a dental student, Tejinder is sharing a guide to Dentistry at Queen’s for anyone interested in the course.

Connect with Students

View student videos on the official Queen's University Belfast TikTok, read all blogs from our students, and check the latest social media posts using #LoveQUB.

You can also chat to students directly using our messaging app.

Clubs and Societies

Make friends, discover new talents, and get a break from studying. Over 200 clubs and societies provide activities from surfing, gaming, crafting to charity work.

Sport and Fitness

Our active campus provides world class indoor and outdoor facilities for fitness and sports at all levels of ability.

Helpful information

Student Guides

Learn more about life at Queen's from the students experiencing it for themselves.

Read our Student Blogs

I chose Queen’s because I liked the city and how the medical course was being taught. It's a beautiful city and the campus looked well laid out as well. But mainly, I chose Queen’s because of the early clinical contract we had and the dissection in anatomy. We got to talk to a patient for our family attachment in first year and I thought it was a very insightful experience.

Manasa Ramakrishna, Medicine, Canada

Why Queen's

Support

We’re famed for our warm welcome and there’s a strong support network and sense of community on campus. We’ll support you every step of the way through our wide range of support services.

Whether you need help with your visa application, a welcome at the airport, academic or English Language support throughout your studies, advice on finances or career guidance – we can help.

Canadian and American Students' Association

QUB's official Canadian-American society! Great way to meet other students at Queen's that may share your interests. Membership is open to all students - you do not have to be Canadian/American! Contact: casa@qub.ac.uk