Queen's University Canada: Rankings, Admissions, Tuition & Scholarships Guide for International Students

Queen's University is a public research university in Kingston, Ontario, on the shore of Lake Ontario, roughly midway between Toronto and Montreal. It was established on 16 October 1841 by a royal charter from Queen Victoria and is one of Canada's oldest universities. A note on the name: this guide covers Queen's University at Kingston, Canada, not Queen's University Belfast in Northern Ireland or Queens College in New York, which are separate institutions. It covers exactly what Queen's University Canada international students need to know: QS rankings, admission requirements, tuition costs, scholarships, campus life, and Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Quick facts snapshot

• Established: 1841, by royal charter
• Location: Kingston, Ontario, Canada, on Lake Ontario
• Setting: A historic limestone campus in a mid-sized waterfront city
• Total enrollment: about 33,800 students (2022 figures), including roughly 26,000 undergraduates and 5,700 postgraduates
• International share: reported figures range widely, from about 7% to about 24% depending on source and definition, so ask the university for current numbers
• Acceptance rate: third-party estimates range from about 42% to 64% depending on program
• Primary intake: September
• QS World University Ranking 2027: #179 globally

Rankings and global reputation

Queen's ranks #179 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, placing it inside the global top 200 and among Canada's leading research universities, though behind Toronto, McGill, UBC, Alberta, and a few others in the QS table. It is best known for the Smith School of Business, engineering and applied science, law, and health sciences, and for a close-knit residential student culture that many alumni describe as central to its identity. Applicants comparing Queen's University tuition fees and ranking with larger Canadian universities should weigh the smaller-city, high-engagement environment alongside the ranking.

Academics and signature programs

Queen's teaches across arts and science, engineering and applied science, commerce, law, medicine, nursing, and education. The Stephen J.R. Smith School of Business, based in Goodes Hall on the Kingston campus, is among the best-known business schools in Canada, with undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs delivered in Kingston and Toronto and in hybrid and online formats. Class sizes are generally smaller than at Toronto's largest universities, and the teaching culture emphasises discussion and group work. All teaching is in English.

Admissions and international eligibility

Third-party sources estimate the Queen's acceptance rate at somewhere between about 42% and 64%, but the range reflects different programs, with commerce, engineering, and health programs far more competitive than the average. Admission is based mainly on grades in relevant subjects, and many programs also require a supplementary application or personal statement.

English language requirements

• IELTS Academic: minimum overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0
• Other recognised tests such as TOEFL and PTE are accepted at published equivalents
• Some programs and graduate departments set higher requirements
• Confirm your program's exact requirement and any waiver rules before booking a test

Application checklist

Applicants submit certified transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and, for many programs, a supplementary application, and then apply for a Canadian study permit. Prepare supplementary essays early because they are weighed alongside grades. SAT and ACT scores are not generally required.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

Third-party sources put international undergraduate tuition at roughly CAD 42,900 to CAD 63,300 per year depending on the program, with graduate program fees ranging widely from about CAD 12,900 to CAD 109,900 for a total program, since costs differ enormously between research master's and professional programs. The estimated cost of living in Kingston is roughly CAD 18,000 to CAD 27,000 per year on top of tuition. These are not official figures, so confirm the fee for your program on Queen's website.

Estimated living costs in Kingston

• Kingston is generally cheaper than Toronto, though housing near campus is competitive
• Study permit applicants must show funds for tuition and living costs
• Many first-year students live in residence, and the campus is walkable from much of the student area
• Winters are cold and snowy, so budget for suitable clothing
• Kingston's compact size means most students walk or cycle, with local buses covering the rest

Scholarships for international students

Reported awards for international students include the Dean's International Admission Award, the Principal's International Scholarship for India, and the International Admission Scholarship. Some awards are considered automatically on admission, while others need a separate application. I could not confirm amounts, so ask Queen's for the current value and whether awards are renewable.

Campus life and student support

Queen's campus is built largely of local limestone, sits close to Lake Ontario and downtown Kingston, and has a strong tradition of residence life, orientation events, and student clubs. The university offers international student advisers, orientation, and support with permits. Kingston is a safe, walkable city with a lively waterfront, though it is much smaller and quieter than Toronto or Montreal.

A note on international enrollment

Reported international shares at Queen's vary widely between sources, from about 7% of full-time students to around 24% of the student body, which probably reflects different definitions and years. Canadian caps on study permits have also reduced international numbers at some universities, and news coverage has reported a decline at Queen's. If a large international community matters to you, ask the university for current, definition-specific figures.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

The Smith School of Business and Queen's engineering programs have strong recruitment links with employers in Toronto, Ottawa, and beyond, and the university's alumni network is known for its loyalty. Kingston's own job market is smaller, so many graduates move to larger cities.

Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit

International graduates of an eligible program at a designated learning institution can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, allowing them to gain Canadian work experience after graduation. Permit length generally matches program length up to a maximum of three years, applicants must apply within 180 days of receiving their final transcript, and most applicants must demonstrate a Canadian Language Benchmark score of a specified level. Each person can receive only one such permit, and field-of-study rules have changed for some programs, so confirm current conditions with the Canadian government.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

International students in Ontario generally need health insurance for the duration of their studies, often through a mandatory university plan. Budget for the study permit and biometrics fees, flights, and initial accommodation, and plan for processing times that vary by country. Queen's offers pre-arrival guidance and orientation.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, residence life, and enrolment, and students adjust to Canadian teaching styles with regular assignments and participation. Kingston's cold winters are a real adjustment for students from warm climates, so a proper coat and boots are early purchases, and the city's compact size makes it easy to get involved in clubs.

A realistic four-year budget

At the third-party range of CAD 42,900 to CAD 63,300 per year, tuition for a four-year degree comes to about CAD 171,600 to CAD 253,200 before scholarships. Living costs of roughly CAD 18,000 to CAD 27,000 per year add about CAD 72,000 to CAD 108,000 over four years, so the total can approach CAD 240,000 to CAD 360,000 before any award. Ask for a written scholarship package.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What is the exact tuition for my program and the expected increase each year?
• Which admission awards apply to me, how much are they, and are they renewable?
• Does my program require a supplementary application, and what is the deadline?
• What language benchmark will I need for a Post-Graduation Work Permit?
• What residence options exist for international first-year students?
• How many international students are in my program, and how does the university support them?

Who Queen's suits best

Queen's suits students who want a strong business, engineering, or professional program in a close-knit, residential university town, and who like a smaller city. It may suit less well students who want a large international campus, a big-city setting, or a warmer climate.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your program and check any supplementary application requirements.
2. Confirm the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply online with certified transcripts and any supplementary materials.
4. Accept your offer and pay any required deposit.
5. Apply for a Canadian study permit and arrange health insurance.
6. Book residence and attend orientation before September.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified transcripts, English test results, your passport, and proof of funds several months before your intake, and prepare any supplementary essay early. Study permit processing can take longer than expected, so start early and keep copies of every submission.

Weighing Queen's against larger Canadian universities

Queen's ranks below Toronto, McGill, and UBC in QS, but offers a smaller, more residential and close-knit environment, a nationally recognised business school, and a lower cost of living than Toronto or Vancouver. The trade-off is a smaller local job market and, in some years, a smaller international community. Students who value engagement and community often prefer Queen's, while those who want a big-city network may prefer larger universities.

Frequently asked questions