UNITED KINGDOM

Queen's University Belfast

public · Founded 1845 · Languages: en

In short

Queen's University Belfast is a Russell Group research university founded in 1845, offering over 24,000 students from 90+ countries a world-leading research environment and a vibrant campus life. It is recognised for its global top 250 ranking and a triple-accredited business school.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1845
Students: 24,560
International students: 3,800
Acceptance rate: 55%
Tuition (intl): €12–29k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: United Kingdom

For international students

United Kingdom

Student visa & funds

International students apply for the UK Student visa, which replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and must show maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days. As of November 2025 the requirement is £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London and £1,171 per month for courses elsewhere, on top of tuition. Students who have already held a UK visa for 12 months, and nationals of certain low-risk countries, are exempt from evidencing the funds.

Working while you study

On a degree-level course at a licensed higher-education provider, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods; sub-degree courses are capped at 10 hours per week. There is no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work, but self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson or coach are not permitted. Once you have completed all course requirements you may work full-time until your visa expires.

After you graduate

Graduates of an eligible UK degree can apply for the Graduate visa (the Graduate Route) without needing an employer sponsor. As of 2026, bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive two years of open work permission and PhD graduates receive three years. Under the 2025 immigration reforms, applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will grant 18 months instead of two years for non-doctoral qualifications, while PhD holders keep three years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; competitive/Russell Group courses up to 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–90; PG 90–100; top research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 51–65; PG 59–75

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,400/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesGOV.UK — Student visa: money you need · GOV.UK — Student visa: working · GOV.UK — Graduate visa · UKCISA — Changes to the Student and Graduate rules · Fateh Education — IELTS requirements for UK universities (2026) · Fateh Education — UK living expenses for students (2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Queen's University Belfast · United Kingdom

Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice (PGCert)

This part-time, distance learning Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice is designed for pharmacists who wish to enhance their therapeutic knowledge and clinical skills while continuing in their current employment. Developed in consultation with practicing pharmacists and employers, the programme aligns with the advanced competencies outlined in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Core Advanced Pharmacist Curriculum. It offers a flexible pathway for pharmacists across all sectors, both within and outside the UK, to gain advanced-level expertise without the need for on-campus attendance.

Queen's University Belfast · United Kingdom

Aerospace Engineering BEng

Aerospace Engineering focuses on the design, development, and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft. This field is at the forefront of technological advancement, applying scientific principles to create innovative aerospace products. Engineers in this discipline will play a crucial role in addressing future industry challenges, such as environmental sustainability and the development of zero-carbon propulsion systems. The versatility of aerospace engineers opens up a wide array of career opportunities in both public and private sectors globally.

Queen's University Belfast · United Kingdom

Anthropology and Spanish BA

This four-year Bachelor of Arts degree offers a unique combination of Anthropology and Spanish language and culture. You will explore socio-cultural differences and similarities, understanding how they develop and are transmitted. The program delves into the inter-relationship between texts and contexts, fostering critical thinking about culture and identity. You'll gain skills in synthesizing information and developing arguments from diverse literary and contemporary sources, while analyzing the literary, political, social, and cultural aspects of Spanish-speaking countries globally. Students can begin learning Spanish as beginners. The curriculum includes core Spanish language modules to enhance written and spoken skills, alongside translations from Spanish to English. You will also study the literatures, histories, cultures, and languages of the Spanish-speaking world, with opportunities to focus on periods from early modern Spain and colonial Latin America to contemporary issues. The degree includes a mandatory year abroad in a Spanish-speaking country, which can also be used for anthropological fieldwork.

Queen's University Belfast · United Kingdom

Anthropology BA

Anthropology is the study of human diversity across the world, exploring how different societies function and understand concepts like family, religion, art, politics, and economics. This BA program at Queen's University Belfast delves into profound questions about human existence. You'll examine critical issues such as the impact of globalization on cultural diversity, the process of healing in post-conflict societies, the role of traditions and performance in shaping identity, and the motivations behind group loyalty. The course combines classroom learning with opportunities for fieldwork, placements, and performance ensembles, equipping you with valuable skills in critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, research, interviewing, writing, and presentation.

Queen's University Belfast · United Kingdom

Archaeology with Portuguese BA

This Bachelor of Arts (BA) program combines a comprehensive study of Archaeology with proficiency in the Portuguese language and Lusophone cultures. Archaeology delves into the human past through analysis of artefacts, monuments, settlements, and landscapes to understand societal development. The program covers various periods of world, European, and Irish/British archaeology, alongside practical archaeological techniques and heritage management. Students will develop linguistic skills in Portuguese and explore Lusophone literature, cinema, linguistics, art, and history. A significant component of the degree is a mandatory year abroad in a Portuguese-speaking country, typically at the University of Coimbra, Portugal's oldest university, to study archaeology with local partner institutions. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in commercial archaeology, heritage management, and related sectors, both within and beyond the heritage field.

Queen's University Belfast · United Kingdom

Architecture (Practice-Based) PhD

This practice-based PhD in Architecture is designed for professionals actively engaged in design practice who wish to explore and articulate the underlying motivations and potentials within their work. The program is ideal for those seeking to expand the boundaries of contemporary design practice, whether at an early, middle, or late stage of their careers. Candidates should demonstrate a significant body of peer-reviewed work or a notable creative trajectory in academic or speculative outputs. The research inherently involves tacit knowledge and requires candidates to remain in practice throughout their part-time enrolment, which typically lasts between four and six years. The evolution of the candidate's practice and outputs forms a crucial component of the research, emphasizing how their practice is modified through the PhD process. Key themes include public behaviour, community of practice, and the specific techniques used in design production. The research methodologies often prioritize non-textual media, reflecting the nature of practice-based enquiry.

Scholarships

for United Kingdom

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Wellcome Trust

Wellcome Discovery Awards

Open to established researchers and research teams with a proven record of research delivery who are based at, or will be hosted by, an eligible not-for-profit organisation in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible low- or middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China). Projects must propose bold, transformative research aligned with Wellcome's mission to improve health. The award does not cover the lead applicant's own salary, and a researcher may lead only one active Discovery Award submission.

The Alan Turing Institute

Open Source AI Fellowship (UK)

Open to AI professionals and researchers who are legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship, have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (a security check is required), are employed by a UK-based organisation willing to support a 12-month secondment, and hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in AI or a related discipline.

Skoll Foundation / University of Oxford Saïd Business School

Skoll Scholarship for the Oxford MBA

Open to applicants of any nationality admitted to the full-time one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School who can demonstrate a track record of entrepreneurial action creating positive social or environmental impact, and for whom the cost of the programme is a significant financial burden.

Rhodes Scholarship

For talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies; applications are made in your home country or constituency, each with its own age and eligibility rules.

Gates Cambridge Trust

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's) at the University of Cambridge. Selection weighs academic excellence, a strong fit with the chosen Cambridge course, a clear commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships at the University of Oxford

Open to West African nationals (for example from Nigeria and Ghana) seeking to study the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45, hold a strong undergraduate degree (typically second-class upper or above), demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector, and intend to apply their learning in their home country's public service.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at Queen's University Belfast?

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International undergraduate tuition fees typically range from GBP 17,000 to 26,000 per year. Postgraduate taught programmes are generally between GBP 16,000 and 28,000 per year, with medicine and dentistry carrying higher costs.

What are the living costs for students in Belfast?

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Belfast is considered one of the UK's most affordable cities. Students usually budget between GBP 8,000 and 12,000 per year to cover accommodation, food, transport, and leisure.

What academic qualifications are required for admission?

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For undergraduate study, typical offers range from BBB to A*AA for A-levels, or 30-38 points for the International Baccalaureate, depending on the program. Postgraduate taught programmes generally require a minimum of a 2:2 degree.

Does Queen's University Belfast offer scholarships for international students?

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Yes, QUB offers several scholarships for international students, including the International Scholarship and the Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship, providing tuition reductions.

What English language proficiency tests are accepted?

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Queen's University Belfast accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic. Minimum scores vary by programme, with IELTS Academic typically requiring an overall score of 6.0–7.0, and Medicine requiring 7.5.

Queen's University Belfast

Why study here

Student life

For international students

Programs