Founded in 1845, Queen’s is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the UK. We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group, of 24 research intensive universities, which has been compared to the US Ivy League as an indicator of academic quality and reputation.
We have been welcoming US students to Belfast for decades, with around 200 US students enrolling every year on a variety of undergraduate, graduate and short-term study abroad programmes.
US students choose Queen’s for a variety of reasons – the chance to study a focused three year Bachelors degree, the lower cost of studying and living, or reconnecting with their heritage on the island of Ireland.
24,000+
Total students studying with us
293
Students from USA
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 have a dedicated team in place to support prospective students, parents and counsellors in the USA.
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.
|
Susan McCleary |
Clare Coyle |
Kiera Bradley |
Madeline Reeves |
Book a 1-1 information session with our team
We'll provide you with an introduction to the University and answer any questions you have.
You can also join our mailing list to receive information directly related to your subject interests and details of any upcoming events.
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.
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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.
Please note that there is no requirement to have completed the necessary testing requirements at the point of application to study at Queen’s. We operate a conditional offer system, meaning that you can apply before you have completed tests and exams. This means that your offer letter would be conditional upon completing your exams at a later point.
When submitting your application it is essential that you provide details of predicted scores for tests/exams you are due to take in Senior Year, as well as achieved scores for all tests/qualifications you have already completed. Failure to do so will delay the processing of your application.
The grades required for admission to our undergraduate Bachelor degree programmes will vary according to your chosen course of study. Please check our Course Finder for detailed entry requirements which are normally expressed in terms of three A-level grades. The comparable US qualifications and grade requirements are shown in the table below. Subject-specific requirements must be met.
We expect our applicants to have taken:- A rigorous curriculum at high school, which should include a college preparatory curriculum
- Grades A or B in three Grade 12 honours or college level classes on your high school record (or equivalent), or three Advanced Placement (AP) classes/exams or International Baccalaureate Higher Level subject tests (or equivalent).
Honours/College level classes may be accepted in lieu of AP exams for most programmes, excluding Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing & Midwifery, and Social Work. We look for grades A or B in three Grade 12 honours or college level classes, or three AP exams with scores of 4+, within the context of your school’s curriculum; for example, applicants should have taken classes to the most advanced level offered at your school, if the AP curriculum is not available as a study option.
In order for Queen’s to assess your application please provide an up-to-date scanned copy of your US High School transcript and evidence of any previous qualifications undertaken and/or courses currently being undertaken. At the time of application, we can accept ‘unofficial’ and ‘online’ transcripts. These documents can be emailed to intl.admissions@qub.ac.uk in support of your application. In all cases, your School Profile document (or a website link) should be submitted along with your application.
Many of our courses require you to have a particular background in the subject(s). This is known as ‘pre-requisite’ knowledge. Pre-requisite qualifications, if required, will be listed on our Course Finder pages
For admission to degree programmes which do not have subject requirements at A-Level, any combination of three of the following in academic subjects could be accepted in lieu of AP tests:
- Grade 12 Honours Class
- Dual Enrolment Class
- College Level Class
Either the SAT 1 or ACT may be accepted (with the appropriate scores) if presented along with two of any of the above (for example, an ACT and two Grade 12 honours classes).
A-level Grade
A
B
C
Advanced Placement (AP) Exam
5
4
3
Grade 12 Honours/College Course
A
B
N/A*
SAT 1
1350 (min 700 Maths, 650 ERW)
1290 (min 620 Maths, 650 ERW)
1250 (min 620 Maths, 620 ERW)
ACT
28
27
26
IB Higher Level Subject
6
5
5
*we will only consider grades A or B in honours/college classes to meet our A-Level-equivalent requirements.
For admission to degree programmes for which there are subject-specific (pre-requisite) requirements (eg. Mathematics, Engineering and Science), the Admissions Office will consider both the School Profile and the curriculum which has been studied, to ensure that the content and the performance achieved, would be suitable preparation for admission to the Queen’s degree programme.
Evidence of pre-requisite requirements are:
- AP exam scores of at least 4 (depending on degree-specific requirements); eg. ‘AP Calculus BC’ (or equivalent) for entry to study Mathematics, Engineering or Computer Science programmes.
- Evidence of top grades across appropriate Honours or college classes taken in the required subject, including the most challenging options available in the school curriculum. Details of the curriculum will be required and considered on a case-by-case basis.
Subjects cannot be counted twice, ie. if you are submitting an AP exam in US History, you cannot also submit an honours or college course in US History.
SAT and ACT Tests
We will not penalize students for the absence of an SAT or ACT test, however we expect applicants to have taken at least one type of standardized test (AP, SAT, or ACT). Where at least one standardized test has not been taken, we may be in contact to clarify the reasons for this.
SAT Subject Tests - We are aware that the College Board has discontinued SAT Subject Tests and that there will no longer be an option for students to register for these tests. If you took an SAT Subject Test before they were discontinued, we are still able to accept these. Acceptable grades would be:
- 700 in a SAT Subject = AP exam with a score of 5
- 650 in a SAT Subject = AP exam with a score of 4
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- Applicants who have successfully completed an Associate Degree with an overall GPA of 3.0/4.0 awarded by a recognised US institution will be considered for admission to Stage 1 of an undergraduate degree programme. Any subject requirements must be met.
- Applications are welcomed from applicants completing the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD). Scores of between 30 and 36 points overall are required depending on individual course requirements. Information on required grades.
Medicine and Dentistry
For Medicine and Dentistry, a High School Graduation Diploma with minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0 will be required, plus four Advanced Placement tests with scores of 5,5 (Chemistry and Biology) 5,4. Mathematics is also required to GCSE standard, normally Grade 12 in High School. GCSE Physics or equivalent is also required for Medicine. SAT Subject tests are not accepted in lieu of AP tests.
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. Mathematics and English (and Physics for Medicine) is also required to Standard Level, or grade 11 (or GCSE equivalent) if not taken as part of the IB. Points obtained for the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge can count towards the total.
Graduates may be considered - a minimum of an Upper Second Class Honours degree or CGPA of 3.3 on scale of 4 (78%) in a four year honours degree would be required, and applicants must also have the appropriate background in the relevant science subjects to satisfy the course entry requirements.
Applicants for Medicine must also undertake the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) www.ucat.ac.uk and the University will normally interview international applicants. For Dentistry, shortlisted applicants will be interviewed via an online process.
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.
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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. 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.admissions@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.
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.
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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 feesFrom £
Postgraduate Taught tuition feesFrom £20,500
Postgraduate Research tuition feesFees 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:
| 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 |
| 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 for USA Students
Your major is only three years long, so you’re automatically saving 1 year of costs.
It is common in the US for tuition fees to be tied to the amount of credits you’re taking in an academic year, but at Queen’s your tuition cost is tied to your major. Your credit load is fixed each year, so you won’t find yourself in the position of reaching your graduation date and still needing to take (and pay for) extra credits or classes. The tuition fees you see are the actual cost you will pay.
USA Scholarships include
 |
My name is Emily Scott, and I'm currently in my first year studying International Relations and Politics. Receiving the North America Future Leaders Award showed me that Queen's is dedicated to providing students with a platform to make a positive difference both in our local communities and in Belfast. At Queen's, the faculty, staff, and students encourage one another to be at the forefront of the next generation of global leaders. While promoting that mission, I have learned more about making a difference in our global community and built meaningful relationships as a North America Future Leader. |
A list of other potential sources of funding for Postgraduate study can be found on the University's Graduate School website.
US Study Loans
US students can access US Federal Aid to support the cost of studying at Queen’s, the same way you would if you were studying in the United States. We even have a dedicated US Loans team to help you apply usloans@qub.ac.uk.
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.
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.
We make a difference
We’ve been awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize on seven occasions – a prestigious UK award which recognises excellence, innovation, impact and societal benefit. Queen’s plays a key role in the internationalisation of Northern Ireland and we’re proud that Belfast is a socially-diverse and inclusive city.
Queen’s has a student staff ratio of 15.4: 1 (HESA, 2021/22)
Our teaching philosophy focuses on staff-student contact. Our classes are taught directly by our professors and lectures, giving students the opportunity to engage personally with world-leading academics day-to-day.
In a recent survey 94% of American students said they were satisfied with the subject area expertise of their lecturers and 99% satisfied with their personal tutor (International Student Barometer 2022).
Study Abroad
Experience Queen's for a Summer, a semester or a full year with one of our study abroad programmes.
Queen's offers three unique Summer schools as well as a study abroad programme which allows international students to join us for up to one full academic year in a number of courses.
A home away from home
You can expect a warm welcome in Belfast. 93% of our American students are satisfied with the friendly attitude towards international students at Queen’s, with 96% saying they feel safe and secure (International Student Barometer 2022).
International Summer Schools
Spend four weeks with us in Northern Ireland.
Immerse yourself in a unique academic and cultural experience, and pursue your interests in one of three tailored summer school programmes:
- Conflict Transformation
- Education for Transformation
Find out more about our Summer Schools
The Language Centre
Students can study a new language or improve language skills at the Language Centre which offers over 20 languages at various levels as well as a dedicated Language Lab.
Learn more about The Language Centre
Student Blog on improving Language Skills at Queen’s
Hear from Students
Recent Information Sessions
See below for a list of recent University and Programme webinars that you might find interesting and informative.
- Undergraduate events | Postgraduate events
- North America Offer Holder Webinar May 2024
- Undergraduate student Q&A – Spring 2022
- Graduate Studies at Queen’s Webinar
- Undergraduate Studies at Queen's Webinar
- Graduate Student Q&A
- Study Abroad at Queen’s
- Why Graduate Studies History is Brought to Life at Queen’s
- Conflict, Security & International Studies at Queen's
- Queen’s Management School – Graduate Studies
- Student Life: North American Students at Queen's
- Accommodation: North American Students at Queen’s webinar
- Graduate School: North American Students at Queen’s
- Enrolment & Education: North American Students at Queen’s
- North America Fees & Funding Webinar 2021
- Careers and Employability: North American Students at Queen’s
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:
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.
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
Day in the Life of a Public History Student at Queen’s
Join American Student Molly Elspas as she takes us through a day in her life as a Public History Masters student at Queen's
Best Places to get a Veggie Burger near Queen's Campus
Sometimes only a good veggie burger will do! But where is the best place to go near Queen's Campus? Luckily Tejinder has done the "hard" work so you don't have to, here are her recommendations.
A Week in the Social Life of a Student in Belfast
There's never a dull night in Belfast. With so many places to choose from American blogger Allison has put together her top picks for the best craic every night of the week!
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.
Helpful information
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.
Meet us in North America in 2024
Connect with your student society
Canadian and American Students' Association is Queens' official Canadian-American society, and a 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! Check us out on Facebook.
Make friends and get involved
Our soccer clubs offer a competitive and fun atmosphere as well as a great way to make friends and keep fit. We participate in charity tournaments, as well as five-a-side and more competitive matches with various universities and clubs throughout Ireland.
Why not try the Surf club, that meets regularly for trips to the North and West coasts of Ireland. We both organise lessons with safe and professional companies for those new to the sport, whilst taking the intermediate groups to beaches with suitable waves.
Meet our North America Team near you
We have a dedicated team in place to support prospective students, parents and counsellors in the USA.
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.
|
Susan McCleary |
Clare Coyle |
Kiera Bradley |
Madeline Reeves |
Book a 1-1 information session with our team
We'll provide you with an introduction to the University and answer any questions you have.
You can also join our mailing list to receive information directly related to your subject interests and details of any upcoming events.
