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Ireland

Queen's University Belfast welcomes students from Ireland and from all over the world. We have 25,000 students from over 90 countries, 4,000 staff and 200,000 graduates worldwide. We're one of the UK's leading universities with a heritage dating back over 175 years.
24,000+
Total students studying with us
1158
Students from Ireland

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

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.

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.

Applicants with the following qualifications will be considered for direct entry to Queen's University Belfast's undergraduate Bachelor degree programmes:

  • Irish Highers (see table below for further details).
  • 3 UK A Levels.
  • Between 30 and 36 points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB). Information on required grades.

A-level grades

Qualification Equivalent to A-levels:  Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

AAA

H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3
May stipulate certain grades in specific subjects depending on course requirements.

AAB

H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 H3
May stipulate certain grades in specific subjects depending on course requirements.

ABB

H3 H3 H3 H3 H3 H3 or H2 H3 H3 H3 H3

BBB

H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 H4 or H3 H3 H3 H3 H3
May stipulate certain grades in specific subjects depending on course requirements.

BBC

H3 H3 H3 H3 H4
May stipulate certain grades in specific subjects depending on course requirements.

BCC

H3 H3 H3 H4 H4
May stipulate certain grades in specific subjects depending on course requirements.

Please note that the 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.

Admission to a graduate diploma or taught Masters programme usually requires either a UK upper second-class honours (2:1) or a lower second-class honours (2:2) undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. For most courses, your major subject or content of your Bachelor degree may also be considered. Please check the Postgraduate Course Finder for specific entry requirements.

For a full assessment of your application, please ensure you upload copies of all official transcripts and final award certificates for degree qualifications already completed. We also require a transcript for any qualifications currently in progress to show the courses/subjects being studied and grades awarded to date.

To choose a course and submit your application, please visit the Postgraduate Coursefinder.

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.

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

    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.

    Applicants with the following qualifications will be considered for direct entry to Queen's University Belfast's undergraduate Bachelor degree programmes:

    • Irish Highers (see table below for further details).
    • 3 UK A Levels.
    • Between 30 and 36 points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB). Information on required grades.

    A-level grades

    Qualification Equivalent to A-levels:  Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

    AAA

    H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3
    May stipulate certain grades in specific subjects depending on course requirements.

    AAB

    H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 H3
    May stipulate certain grades in specific subjects depending on course requirements.

    ABB

    H3 H3 H3 H3 H3 H3 or H2 H3 H3 H3 H3

    BBB

    H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 H4 or H3 H3 H3 H3 H3
    May stipulate certain grades in specific subjects depending on course requirements.

    BBC

    H3 H3 H3 H3 H4
    May stipulate certain grades in specific subjects depending on course requirements.

    BCC

    H3 H3 H3 H4 H4
    May stipulate certain grades in specific subjects depending on course requirements.

    Please note that the 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.

    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.

    Admission to a graduate diploma or taught Masters programme usually requires either a UK upper second-class honours (2:1) or a lower second-class honours (2:2) undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. For most courses, your major subject or content of your Bachelor degree may also be considered. Please check the Postgraduate Course Finder for specific entry requirements.

    For a full assessment of your application, please ensure you upload copies of all official transcripts and final award certificates for degree qualifications already completed. We also require a transcript for any qualifications currently in progress to show the courses/subjects being studied and grades awarded to date.

    To choose a course and submit your application, please visit the Postgraduate Coursefinder.

    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.

    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.

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.

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.

From £20,800

Undergraduate tuition fees

From £

Postgraduate Taught tuition fees

From £20,500

Postgraduate Research 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 75% GPA) £2,000 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 (£42,800), Dentistry (£34,100), Agricultural Technology, Theology
  • ** May be used in conjunction with other scholarships
  • *** Excludes Queen’s Business School PGT programmes and PHD, and Excludes PhD programs

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

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.

Lanyon Building at Queen's
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.


Student relaxing in accommodation room
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.


Student looking out over Belfast city
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.

An affordable, respected university

We’re a member of the UK’s Russell Group - the most elite universities in the UK and we also offer an affordable student experience. Our tuition fees are competitive among Russell Group universities and our short degree courses mean you’ll spend less.

You’ll live in a UK city that offers a great value student experience. Belfast is the UK’s most affordable student city (Natwest Student Living Index 2024). This means you can spend on what matters while saving on rent, transport and living costs.

A safe and happy city

Belfast was voted one of the top ten friendliest cities in the UK (Condé Nast Traveller, Readers' Choice Awards 2024). It’s easy to see why. Our students feel safe to walk anywhere in our friendly city. And there’s something for everyone – from parks and natural beauty to tasty international food and great shopping.

Your future is our focus

With our excellent global industry links and dedicated careers service, you’ll get plenty of student and graduate work opportunities. We help you build skills for life too. You can learn new languages, start a sport or even experience life in a trading room thanks to our state-of-the-art facilities.

Affordable travel

Belfast has two airports, sea crossings from England and Scotland, and a direct rail link from Dublin. You can fly direct to Belfast from over 20 European cities and a number of North American locations.

To
Average Price (return)

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Flight Duration

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Stops

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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

Why I moved from Dublin to Belfast to pursue a Masters

Cost of living, travel times and the need to break free after the lockdowns helped Beth decide to come to Belfast. Read her story here...


Surviving January: Student Budgeting Tips

Are you feeling the squeeze this January? Beth has some top tips on how to get through January without breaking the bank!


5 reasons why I love living in Belfast

Eithne tells us why she has loved her time living in Belfast.


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.

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.

Connect with students from home

Our International Student Societies can help with any queries you have about life at Queen's, and connect you with other students from your region to help you feel at home.

www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/student-societies/

Supporting you every step of the way

More information


Applying to Queen's

Search our 400+ courses, apply online and contact our friendly international team if you need any help with your application or questions on your journey to Queen's.