At Queen's University English is the language of instruction and communication. Proficiency in English is, therefore, a prerequisite for admission.

Applicants whose first language is not English or who have not recently studied for at least one complete year at a post-secondary institution where English is the official language of instruction, will be required to obtain satisfactory results in an English language proficiency test, as part of the application process. Those tests recognized by the School of Graduate Studies and Research are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB).  Both of these tests are offered widely around the world. International students applying to Queen's should arrange to take one of these tests in sufficient time for the results to be available at the time of application. As a general rule, the minimum TOEFL score that is accepted is 550 and the minimum MELAB score is 80. However, individual departments may require a higher score as a standard for admission.  It is the applicant's responsibility to consult the department, and the Application Procedures documentation, for more details. (See also  Application for Admission for details.)

While the application procedures for international students are no different than those for Canadian applicants, generally more time is required to receive the necessary documentation and to evaluate the academic record. Two letters of reference are required from professors under whom the applicant has studied. Official transcripts for all undergraduate programs and subsequent graduate work must also accompany the application. Given that many international students who apply to Queen's do so from a great distance, it is recommended that sufficient time be allowed for these materials to be received. January to March are heavy months for processing applications for admission in September. It is suggested that the application process begin as early as September of the year preceding the year in which you wish to enter the program. (Refer to Application for Admission for further details.)

International applicants who have been finally accepted into the School of Graduate Studies and Research must obtain a Study Permit (formerly called Student Authorization) for study in Canada from the local Canadian consulate or embassy. As the time for approval of this Visa varies, successful applicants are encouraged to begin this process as soon as they have received a final letter of acceptance. Visa requirements for spouses and families of international students must also be arranged with the local Canadian authority.

International student tuition fees appear in the Fees section of the Calendar.

All full-time students and their dependents must have insurance to cover medical and hospital costs in order to protect their interests and the interests of the University community. Students shall be required, at Registration, to produce evidence of hospital and medical insurance effective in Ontario. Queen's has negotiated a health insurance plan for international students. Please contact the International Centre (613 533-2604) for details.

The School of Graduate Studies and Research attempts to ensure that as many international graduate students as possible who require tuition assistance to cover the incremental fee associated with visa status receive one of several types of tuition bursaries.

Students should inquire of the department about their eligibility and needs for tuition bursaries.

In addition to the General Information outlined in the following section of the calendar, there are several services and facilities which have been established specifically for international students studying at Queen's.

The International Centre has been working to promote cross-cultural understanding for more than 30 years through a wide range of services and programs. The Centre's history dates back to 1961, when the International Club was established at Queen's to help international students adjust to life at Queen's and in Kingston.

The Centre provides support for international students and their families throughout their stay at Queen's. The International Student Advisor will provide guidance to students on issues including immigration, travel, housing, finances, academic and personal matters.

During the academic year, services and programs offered include on-site orientation programs for the fall and winter terms, a host-family program, and practical information sessions on topics of interest to all students. Recent topics have included communication and writing skills and income tax concerns. The Centre is located in the John Deutsch University Centre. Telephone 533-2604.