Queen's University : International Students

Queen's University

School of Graduate Studies
2012-2013 Academic Year

Admission & Registration

Awards & Financial Assistance

Courses of Instruction

General Regulations

Programs of Study

Essential Values

History of Graduate Work

Sessional Dates

International Students

Language Requirements

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, and before their application will be considered complete. Those tests recognized by the School of Graduate Studies 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 Internet-Based TOEFL (IBT)score that is accepted is 88 and the minimum MELAB score is 80. However, individual departments/programs may require a higher score as a standard for admission. It is the applicant's responsibility to consult the department/programs, and the Application Procedures documentation, for more details.

Any applicant whose first language is not English, but who has recently studied for at least one complete year at a post-secondary institution where English is the official language of instruction, may submit with their application a request to be exempted from the English language proficiency test requirement. The School of Graduate Studies will review the request. The applicant will be informed of the results of the review.

If a final grade of A- (A minus) or more in ESLA 140 or ESLA 150 from Queen’s University’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program is achieved at the time of application, an English language test score may not be required. See Queen’s University School of English for details.

Students may be required to take a remedial course in English and may be required to fulfill additional requirements if accepted into a graduate program.

Application Procedures

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 recently 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. See also Application for Admission for details.

Immigration International applicants who have been unconditionally accepted into the School of Graduate Studies 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.

Fees

For complete information about international student tuition fees and ancillary fees information, please review the information on the website of the Office of the University Registrar, here: Graduate Tuition Fees, International.

Health Insurance

All 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. For information, please contact the Queen's University International Centre (QUIC).
Telephone: 613-533-2604
Fax: 613-533-3159
Email:uhip@queensu.ca

Website for health insurance information:

http://quic.queensu.ca/incoming/uhip.asp

Details are also available from Office of the University Registrar's website, in the health insurance section.

Student Support The School of Graduate Studies attempts to ensure that as many international graduate students as possible who require tuition assistance receive one of several types of tuition awards. International students should inquire of the department/program about their eligibility and needs for tuition awards.

International Centre

The Queen's University International Centre (QUIC) is a support service for all members of the Queen's community and through its activities promotes an internationally informed and cross-culturally sensitive learning environment.

The QUIC 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 QUIC 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 QUIC is located in the John Deutsch University Centre.

Telephone: 613-533-2604
Fax: 613-533-3159
Website:http://quic.queensu.ca/

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