Childcare at Queen's
We acknowledge that for some postgraduate students, childcare provisions are of grave importance in their ability to navigate their studies. With this in mind, we have collated several points of contact and resources outlining childcare at the university, child safeguarding policies, and financial guidelines. You will also find information specific to international students with dependents regarding student visas.
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Are there childcare options at Queen's University?
Queen’s university offers a childcare service for students and staff. We would like to make you aware that this service operates with an extensive waitlist, so if you are in need of childcare it is best to apply as far in advance as possible. While the childcare service here at the university may be unable to secure a place for your child immediately, it is a useful starting point and may be able to direct you to external childcare in your area.
More information on childcare at the university can be found on the Queen's University website.
- Where else can I find childcare in Belfast?
Family Support NI provides a comprehensive list of services available to parents and those with dependents. This includes a variety of childcare options specific to various age groups and needs. To explore their list of services, click here.
- Can I bring my child with me to study in the Graduate School?
Unfortunately, we do not have the appropriate facilities to accommodate parents with children in our building. This is not a choice from the Graduate School, but a necessary response to recently updated health and safety policies regarding child safeguarding.
However, the McClay Library has a policy in place stating:
“Parents are welcome to bring their children into the Library as long as they are closely supervised at all times. Advanced booking of the individual study rooms is available to parents who wish to spend time studying in the building whilst accompanied by their child. Reservations should be made at least 48 hours in advance to the Library Office.”
More information on the McClay Library can be found here.
- I am concerned about the welfare of a child, who should I contact?
Gateway is the first point of contact with governmental social services. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, contact Gateway here.
- Where can I find information as an international student with dependants?
The UK government, as of January 2024, has changed its policies regarding student visas including dependants. Please refer to the government guidance listed on their website.
If you are an international student looking for guidance from the university in relation to your transition to living in Belfast, please refer to the international students section of the Queen's website.
Please see below information on the current childcare fees for internal childcare at Queen's.
Note the latter table fee rates are available only for childcare grant recipients. This grant is not available to international students.
For more information regarding the grant, please visit the Student Finance website.
Childcare Fees 2023-24 Academic Year
| Fee Category | Full-Time (5 Days per Week) | Part-Time (2 to 4 Days per Week) |
|---|---|---|
| Staff [1] / Public | £60 | £63 |
| Student [2] | £25 | £28 |
| Out of Schools | £29 | £29 |
Fees per Semester (Childcare Grant recipients only) [3]
| Category | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Full Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Days per Week | £2450.00 | £2275.00 | £1225.00 | £5950.00 |
| 4 Days per Week | £2205.00 | £2047.50 | £1102.50 | £5355.00 |
| 3 Days per Week | £1715.00 | £1592.50 | £857.50 | £4165.00 |
| 2 Days per Week | £1225.00 | £1137.50 | £612.50 | £2975.00 |