Located in Canada, Queen’s University is a publicly funded institute that is 26 years older than the country itself. Founded by the royal charter of Queen Victoria in 1841, the university has been attracting bright minds with ambitious spirits for decades. It is ranked one of the top 4 universities in Canada and is also highly honored for student satisfaction.
Admissions at Queen’s University follow a rolling policy while accepting applications for entrance to its numerous undergraduate and over 150 graduate courses. The curriculum provided is heavily regulated by the provincial governments and is one of the best in Canada. In fact, its undergraduate studies are highly considered at par with other Ivy League institutions. Queen’s is one of the highly coveted universities in Canada with an acceptance rate of just 10.4% to 19.3% for its undergraduate and graduate programs, respectively.
The university has its Smith School of Business listed as the best business school in Canada by Bloomberg Businessweek, with its equally popular programs in the field of engineering, nursing and concurrent education. Where every other Canadian University increased its enrolment number to meet the growing needs of the increasing population, Queen’s decided to not compromise on its academic standards and continues to be one of the most sought-after universities to date.
1. Top Courses at Queen’s University
Queen’s offers numerous undergraduate degree programs, over 125 graduate courses and more than 140 online courses in its 8 faculties and schools. The programs offered are available at degree, certificate and diploma levels.
| Type of program | Application Fee | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| M.Sc Computing Science | $14,619 | January 15 |
| M.B.A | $71,250 | September 1 |
| Executive M.B.A | $41,347 | September 1 |
| M.Eng Mechanical Materials Engineering | $14,619 | March 1 |
| M.Eng Civil Engineering | $14,619 | March 1 |
| M.Eng Computer Engineering | $14,619 | January 31 |
| Master of Finance | $52,125 | February 1 |
| M.Mgmt Analytics | $54,375 | Rolling |
| M.Sc Management- Business Economics | $9,695 | January 15 |
| M.Sc Psychology | $9,695 | December 1 |
| Bachelors in Software Design | $18,225 | August 1 |
| Bachelor of Computer Science | $18,225 | August 1 |
| B.Sc Mechanical Engineering | $18,225 | October 8 |
| B.Sc Civil Engineering | $18,225 | October 8 |
| B.Sc Psychology | $18,225 | August 1 |
Usually, its undergraduate always outweighs its graduate courses in the light of student choices. From music & films to commerce & engineering, its undergraduate department for sure never disappoints with its diverse list of courses to choose from. It also offers some unique and exceptional schools like geology and mining.
If you are someone who would be interested in exposing yourself to some cross-cultural experience, then Queen’s offers more than 100 exchange partnership programs in over 30 countries exactly for this purpose.
2. Queen’s University Admissions
2.1 Queens Acceptance Rate and Criteria
As per the enrolment reports of 2019, the university experienced an acceptance rate of 10.4% and 19.3% for its undergraduate and graduate programs, respectively.
The basic average marks of an undergraduate student entering the university in 2019 stood at 89.4%. Though a standard score of 80 to 90% can help you get entrance into a normal course, the highly competitive programs like business and engineering would require a higher score.
However, it must be noted that not even a 95% average guarantees you admission at Queen’s. The university expects a combination of great scores, extra-curricular achievements and a nice PSE (Personal Statement of Experience and a Supplementary Essay) and Supplementary essay (SE) from its desirable candidates.
2.2 Queen’s University Admission Process
While applying successfully to a school could be a nightmare for few students, Queen’s assures its aspirants with a simplified and easiest version of an admission process. The step-by-step procedure to be followed while applying to the university is as described below.
How to apply?
- Apply online at the OUAC.
- Add queensu.ca as a safe sender and keep refreshing your inbox for the latest admission updates.
- Activate Queen’s NetID and use it to access SOLUS Student Center for details related to documents and additional requirements.
- Submit PSE and SE (audition and portfolio might also be an admission condition for some programs).
- Provide English Language Proficiency proof in the form of TOEFL/ IELTS/ PTE or equivalent.
- Track application status via SOLUS account.
3. Queen’s University Accommodation Options
Queen’s provides its candidates with easy and affordable accommodation options, available both on and off campus. While Vancouver and Toronto do not have many pocket-friendly residence options, Kingston on the other hand is a student’s dream in this respect.
On-campus
The university houses over 4,500 students in its 17 residencies which are both economical and at a 20-minute walk from campus. First year students usually prefer to stay on-campus because its cheap, safe and easily accessible at all times.
Among its 17 residencies, “The Graduate Residence” and everything “east of campus” is preferred by students for it is lively, close to campus, market & civilization, and offers endless options to chill during weekends. But if you are one of the loners with a fond love for quiet and personal space, then Jean Royce Hall residence might be the place for you.
Off-campus
Kingston offers endless alternatives for students looking to stay off-campus in the form of rental units, shared and independent apartments, houses, among others. Queen’s Community Housing, Homestay Network Canada, Queen’s Facebook Housing Group and Housing Anywhere Search are some of the sources that you can consult for any accommodation-related queries.
The location of your house that fits your personality forms an integral part while finding your perfect home.
Some of the happening places with most bars and places to hangout includes “Student Ghetto” and downtown locations. While Student Ghetto is a favorite off-campus site for students looking for constant activity, some might also find it overpriced for the post-apocalyptic houses it offers.
“Princess Street” and “Ontario Street” are the other alternatives that can be considered in terms of cost, their close proximity to campus & market and other recreational activities.
However, if you are looking for a lavish upscale living option, then “east of campus” including “Sydenham Ward” and “Wellington Street” is surely the place for you.
4. Queen’s University Cost of Attendance
If you are committed to getting enrolled at the institute, then it is important to have a basic idea of the expenses and accounts required to survive studying a course in a foreign land. An estimated cost of attendance mandatory for a year at Queen’s is compiled as follows:
4.1 Tuition Fee
Varies for different courses available at the university. The fee for some of the popular courses are tabulated below:
Undergraduate programs:
| Name of Program | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Engineering & Applied Science | 36,770 |
| Commerce | 38,163 |
| Law | 47,586 |
| Medicine | 64,670 |
| Nursing | 36,058 |
Graduate Programs:
| Name of the Program | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Master of Engineering | 16,098 |
| Master in Public Administration | 25,502 |
| Master of Public Health | 19,541 |
| Master in Industrial Relations | 25,502 |
4.2 Cost of living
While tuition fees are the grounding rock, there are other survival needs to be considered as well before you apply to a program which has been mentioned as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | On-campus (8 months) | Off-campus (8 months) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 5,359 to 11,644 | 450 to 713 per month |
| Food | Including in accommodation | 1,266 to 1,620 |
| Books & Supplies | 825 to 2,681 | 825 to 2,681 |
| Personal Computer | 375 to 825 | 375 to 825 |
| Health Insurance | 468 | 468 |
| Others | 1,725 | 1, 725 |
| Total | 8,752 to 17,343 | 5,109 to 7,582 |
5. Queen’s University Scholarships/Financial Aid
The university is committed to financially help the excellent achievers of their respective fields, looking out for scholarships to study in Canada. Empathizing with the fact that studying abroad could actually be a burden on the pocket for many, the institute offers various awards, bursaries and studentships for its aspirants. Some of the scholarships available for international applicants are:
| Name of Scholarship | Amount (in USD) | No. of Awards | Duration | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principal’s Scholarship | 3,000 | Unlimited | 1 year | 95% and above |
| Excellence Scholarship | 1,125 | Unlimited | 1 year | 90.4 to 94.9 % |
| Queen’s University International Admission Scholarship | 6,750 | 10 | 1 year | – |
| Principal’s International Scholarship India | 15,000 | 5 | Renewable for 1 year with min GPA of 3.50 | Indian Citizens |
6. Georgraphy and Recreational Activities
The university is located in Kingston, a small town centrally situated at a 3-hour drive from the main cities of Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. It sees some beautiful summers and autumns, with maple leaves turning the whole place yellow and red. The winters, however, can be extremely chilly and windy.
With tons of great food and cafes, every basic amenity at walking distance, a number of parks and grassy spaces, and a breathtakingly gorgeous 166 acres of campus land, Kingston is a place that is equally brilliant in terms of its education and beauty.
Recreational options
Kingston with its distinctly European vibe is a unique and beautiful town to explore. A haven for food-lovers, the place offers some great places with a finger-licking variety of food. In fact, Kingston is believed to have the highest number of restaurants per capita in the whole of Canada.
With some beautiful neighborhoods, historic sites, old limestone buildings, and lots of coffee and tea shops to hang out at, the place is a close-knit community bustling with activity.
In the summer, it offers some picturesque views, parks and lakefront to picnic and unwind at. It also has a Screening Room which is an independent movie theater for cinema enthusiasts, Athletics and Recreation Center and timely concerts to help students loosen and relax.
7. Queen’s University Placements
Employment survey suggests that the university ranks 5th in Canada for its employment rate with 90% of its students being employed within 6 months of graduation. The major sectors where one can find a job post a degree from Queen’s include healthcare, education, government services, tourism, culture and industry.
The average salary of a Queen’s graduate ranges upto 52,500 USD, 5 years down the line, which is greater than the national average.
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