• Undergraduate

  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 undergraduate programmes:

  • Students who have completed 12 years of education in ChinaMainland and attained the Secondary School Leaving Certificate with good grades must complete an approved Foundation programme or GCE A Levels for progression to undergraduate degree programmes.
  • The Gaokao Chinese University Entrance Examination will be considered, along with performance in the Senior High School examination for entry to Stage 1 of our undergraduate programmes (excluding Medicine and Dentistry), with a minimum score of 75% overall average in Gaokao and 75% in all subjects.  Subject-specific requirements must be met.  Where A-level Mathematics is a course requirement, both Mathematics and Physics must be taken as part of the Gaokao, and a score of 80% in each subject will be required.  If a subject is a specified as a requirement at GCSE grade C, a score of 75% in this subject in Senior Secondary school HUI Kao (Graduation Certificate) will be accepted.  If Grade B in GCSE is required, a score of 80% in the subject in Senior Secondary school HUI Kao will be accepted.
  • Progression to Stage 1 of an undergraduate degree programme at Queen's (with the exception of Agricultural Technology, Medicine, Dentistry and Social Work) is guaranteed for students who successfully complete the INTO Queen's International Foundation Programme at the required standard.
  • Students who have completed one or two years of university study in China Mainland may be eligible for admission to Bachelor degree programmes, if relevant subjects have been studied and strong grades have been achieved.
  • Applicants who have already completed A-Levels/a recognised Foundation programme or the first year of a relevant degree programme in China, but who do not meet the academic or English language requirements for entry, may wish to consider INTO Queen's International Year One. Successful completion at the required standard offers direct entry to the second year of selected undergraduate degree programmes in Management, Economics, Finance and Engineering.
  • Between 30 and 36 points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB). Information on required grades.

  Please note: Grades required vary depending on the programme of study. Further guidance on the entry requirements for each degree programme can be found in the Undergraduate Coursefinder.

  Gao Kao

  • A minimum 75% overall average in Gao Kao scores.
  • If a subject is required at A-level, a minimum score of 75% will be required in this subject in Gao Kao.
  • If Mathematics is a required subject at A-level, a score of 80% will be required in both Mathematics and Physics in Gao Kao.
  • If a subject is a specified as a requirement at GCSE grade C, a score of 75% in this subject in Senior Secondary school HUI Kao will be required.
  • If Grade B in GCSE is required, a score of 80% in Senior Secondary school Hui Kao will be required.
  • If the overall average is 75% but the relevant subjects which are required at A Level are lower than 75% or 80%, the academic selector will make a final decision.
  • Excluding Medicine and Dentistry.

  International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Requirements

  Queen's welcomes applications from International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma students. Offers will normally be conditional upon successful completion of the IB, to include three subjects at Higher Level (with scores between 6,6,6,- 5,5,5), in addition to an overall score (normally between 29 and 37 points). Points obtained for the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge can count towards the total.

  The table below shows the IB requirements compared to the University’s UK A-level entry requirements. We may also require specific grades in relevant Higher Level subjects. Details of the A-level grades and any specific subject requirements for each programme may be found in our Course Finder.

  Please note that these grades should be treated as a guide as variations may occur in certain circumstances.

  A-level grades	International Baccalaureate Diploma
  AAA	36-37 points overall including 6,6,6 at Higher Level
  AAB	34-35 points overall including 6,6,5 at Higher Level
  ABB	33-34 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level
  BBB	32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level
  BBC	30 points overall including 5,5,5 at Higher Level
  BCC	29 points overall including 5,5,5 at Higher Level

  English Language Requirements

  Applicants should also hold an acceptable English language qualification at the appropriate level. English (Syllabus A) with a score of 4 at Standard Level or 4 at Higher Level will normally meet the English language entry requirement for the majority of our programmes. English (Syllabus B) with a score of 5 at Standard Level or 4 at Higher Level is also acceptable. However, please note that English language requirements may vary depending on your chosen programme.  Please refer to our Course Finder for English language requirements by programme.

  Applicants who are not studying English as part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma should refer to the full list of other acceptable English language requirements.

  Mathematics Requirements

  We will accept both Mathematics Standard Level and Mathematical Studies Standard Level in lieu of GCSE Mathematics.  The corresponding grade requirements are:

  GCSE	IBD Standard
  A	6
  B	5
  C	4

   

  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.

• Postgraduate

  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 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.  Some taught programmes will accept a UK 2:2 undergraduate degree with a minimum of 55% or equivalent. For most courses, your major subject or content of your Bachelor degree may also be considered. Please check our Course Finder for specific entry requirements.

  Applicants from China Mainland should hold a good four-year bachelor degree from a recognised, well ranked university with an average grade of at least 70-85%.

  Type of institution	UK 2.1 Hons standard	UK 2.2 Hons with 55% standard	UK 2.2 Hons standard
  Tier 1	Final average 75%	Final average 72.5%	Final average 70%
  Tier 2	Final average 80%	Final average 77.5%	Final average 75%
  Tier 3	Final average 85%	Final average 82.5%	Final average 80%

  Tier 1: Prestigious Universities (Double First Class Universities and Top 100 Academic Ranking of World Universities). Tier 2: Other Recognised Universities and Independent Colleges affiliated to a Tier 1 Institution (as defined by Queen's). Tier 3: Other Independent Colleges recognised by Ministry of Education and Self-Study Degrees.

  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. Final Bachelor Degree and Graduation Certificates for programmes already complete should also be provided.  

  Applicants should upload official English translations of their qualifications documents, for example, official translations (signed and stamped) issued by the degree-awarding university/institution in China.

  We will also accept online verification reports (in English) of the degree certificate, transcript and the qualification certificate issued by CHESICC (China Credentials Verification service) – please see https://www.chsi.com.cn/en/service/ for further details.  There is a fee for this service. 

  Borderline Cases

  We will consider students who have completed their degree with lower grades than those outlined in their offer letter. For many postgraduate taught programmes which require a UK 2:1 standard, Chinese graduates will normally be accepted with a final average mark of up to 2% below the condition stated in the official offer letter, assuming that performance in key modules is of an appropriate standard.  Where the entry requirements are different, borderline cases will be considered at the discretion of the Academic Selector.

  Sometimes, it may be possible to exercise flexibility in the case of applicants who have fallen more than 2% below the target grade when final results are known. 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 the following documents to intl.student@qub.ac.uk to confirm the award of your qualification and the overall grade:

  • Official transcript (final version including all your grades)
  • Bachelor degree Certificate
  • Graduation Certificate

  It is only on receipt of these documents that we will be able to confirm your acceptance.

  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 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.

• INTO Foundation Courses

  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.
  • Graduate Diplomas that prepare you for direct entry to selected Master's courses in Finance, Management and Social Sciences.

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)

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