In short
Queen's University, a distinguished Canadian research institution founded in 1841, offers a wide range of programs to approximately 25,000 students. Located in historic Kingston, Ontario, it provides a strong academic environment with high graduate employment rates and a vibrant campus community.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1841
- Students
- 13,500
- International students
- 4,500
- Acceptance rate
- 44%
- Tuition (intl)
- €4–8k/yr
- Languages
- EN, FR
- Location
- Kingston, Canada
Queen's University at Kingston, founded in 1841 by royal charter, is one of Canada's oldest and most distinguished research universities. It is a member of the U15 group of leading Canadian research universities and is consistently ranked among the top ten universities in Canada. The university offers programs across arts, science, engineering, law, medicine, and business to approximately 25,000 students, including a significant international cohort. Its scenic lakeside campus blends historic sandstone buildings with modern research facilities.
Why study here
- Consistently ranked in the top 10 Canadian universities, with a QS World ranking in the top 250.
- Outstanding graduate outcomes: over 95% of graduates are employed or in further study within 6 months.
- One of Canada's highest undergraduate graduation rates (89%) and strong student retention.
- Access to 43 Canada Research Chairs and a vibrant, well-funded research ecosystem.
- Affordable student city of Kingston, with lower living costs than major Canadian metros.
Student life
Life at Queen's is shaped by a remarkably strong sense of community and tradition. The Alma Mater Society (AMS) runs a wide range of student services, clubs, and events on campus. Students can access the Queen's Centre recreation complex, the Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts, and numerous dining options. Kingston's compact, walkable downtown amplifies the campus atmosphere. The university also supports women students through the Queen's Women's Association, and extensive career services help students connect with employers across Canada and internationally.
Fees
InternationalInternational undergraduate tuition ranges from CAD 35,000 to 55,000 per year depending on faculty. Graduate tuition varies by program.
HomeCanadian domestic tuition is approximately CAD 6,500–14,000 per year depending on program.
LivingEstimated living costs in Kingston are approximately CAD 12,000–15,000 per year for housing, food, and personal expenses — lower than Toronto or Vancouver.
Tuition is assessed per term for most Master's and Doctoral programs. Specific fees vary by program; consult the university's fees page for up-to-date figures.
Admissions
UndergraduateSecondary school transcripts with strong academic standing; specific grade requirements vary by program.
Graduate (M.Sc.)Honours Bachelor's degree with second-class standing or higher; international applicants require minimum 'A' standing.
Graduate (PhD)Master's degree with minimum 'A' standing.
TOEFL88 iBT (minimum)
IELTS6.5 overall, 6.0 per band
Duolingo115
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025246
Maclean's Canadian University RankingsTop 10
Times Higher Education Impact Rankings6th globally for sustainable development
University scholarships
Queen's University International Student AwardUp to CAD 10,000/year
Principal's ScholarshipCAD 36,000 over 4 years
Accreditation
Accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities; member of Universities Canada.
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Programs
a selectionQueen's University · Canada
Arts and Science
Queen's University offers a broad Faculty of Arts and Science, providing students with a wide range of disciplines to explore. This faculty encourages students to discover endless possibilities within their academic journey. The university is recognized globally, ranking 4th in the world for impact and remaining a top institution in Canada. Research within the faculty covers diverse areas, from climate change in the Arctic to astroparticle physics and crop science. Students are encouraged to engage with their studies and the wider university community.
Bachelor's
Level
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Tuition
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Duration
Queen's University · Canada
Doctoral (PhD) Program
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Queen's University · Canada
FREN Niveau 300
Bachelor's
Level
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Tuition
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Duration
Queen's University · Canada
FREN Niveau 400
Bachelor's
Level
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Tuition
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Duration
Queen's University · Canada
French Studies
Queen's University's Faculty of Arts and Science offers a range of courses in French Studies. Please note that as of January 2024, new admissions to fully online degree and certificate programs in French Studies are no longer being accepted by Arts and Science Online (ASO). A limited selection of French courses will be offered in the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years. These courses are not designed for advanced or bilingual French speakers and cannot be used as credit towards any FREN Plan. For specific inquiries, please contact francais@queensu.ca.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Queen's University · Canada
French Studies Undergraduate Courses
The Department of French Studies at Queen's University offers a variety of undergraduate courses in French language, literature, and culture. These courses are categorized under the course codes FREN and FRST. FREN courses are exclusively taught in French, while FRST courses can be delivered in either French or English, with assignments potentially graded in either language.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Queen's University?
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International undergraduate tuition at Queen's University ranges from CAD 35,000 to 55,000 per year, depending on the faculty. Graduate tuition fees vary by program.
How do the living costs in Kingston compare to other Canadian cities?
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Estimated living costs in Kingston are approximately CAD 12,000–15,000 per year for housing, food, and personal expenses. These costs are noted as being lower than in Toronto or Vancouver.
What is Queen's University known for academically?
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Queen's University is recognized as one of Canada's oldest and most distinguished research universities and is a member of the U15 group. It is consistently ranked among the top ten universities in Canada and has a QS World ranking in the top 250.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
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International applicants can demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL with a minimum of 88 iBT, IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 (with 6.0 in each band), or Duolingo with a score of 115.
What is the academic profile for graduate admissions?
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For a Master of Science, applicants typically need an Honours Bachelor's degree with second-class standing or higher, with international applicants requiring a minimum 'A' standing. For a PhD, a Master's degree with a minimum 'A' standing is generally required.
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