School of Environmental Studies
Queen's UniversityApplication Information - International Applicants
Getting Started - A Couple Things to Keep in Mind
We accept 1 new international student into the MES program each year.
The academic year begins in September, so this is the normal date of admission each year. Admission in January or May is possible upon request. Supervisor/advisor support must be arranged for these alternate start dates.
Before applying, study the list of faculty and their research interests on our FACULTY/RESEARCH page.
You may apply at any time, however, internal fellowships and scholarhips are adjudicated on applications received by March 1st of each year.
Funding for International Students is detailed at http://www.queensu.ca/sgs/forstudents/InternationalStudents/financialaid.html
See the Senate website for the complete policy document. It may also be helpful to review Immigration requirements if you are planning to study in Canada from abroad.
Application Steps
Stage 1 - STATEMENT OF INTEREST
Please read The School of Graduate Studies admission requirements. While you may proceed directly to the Application it is recommended that you first send the Graduate Assistant an outline of your academic background and research interests. You can use the Statement of Interest Form (239 KB pdf) or include your information in a document or in the body of an email. There is no charge to complete a Statement of Interest. The information will be sent to faculty who will study it to see how you might fit into our program. You are of course always welcome to contact individual faculty directly. Candidates that meet the School of Graduate Studies' basic requirements and have an interested faculty member will be encouraged to fill out the complete application, which does have a fee.
Stage 2 - APPLICATION
To be considered for admission you are invited to go to the School of Graduate Studies' web site to complete an application for admission. You are required to pay the application fee upon final submission. Instructions about supporting documentation that is required to process your application are displayed on screen upon submission, and you can check online at any time to see if we have received it. You are responsible for ensuring that all required documentation is received by the School of Graduate Studies. Transcripts must be submitted in duplicate. The online application provides forms for referees. Hard copy references on letterhead are acceptable. Your application must be complete before an offer can be made.
All required supporting documents, letters of reference, transcripts and test scores (if applicable) should be mailed directly to the School of Graduate Studies at the following address:
School of Graduate Studies
Gordon Hall, Room 425,
Queen's University, Kingston,
Ontario Canada
K7L 3N6.
Applicants living in Canada or north-eastern U.S. are encouraged to visit Queen's to meet the faculty and current students. Our department will reimburse you for a part or even all your travel expenses. Please make arrangements with individual faculty members or the Graduate Chair, Dr. Heather Jamieson.
When you are ready to begin the online application to graduate studies please go to the website listed below:
Admission Requirements
The following are the minimum requirements for entry into our graduate degree programs:
ACADEMIC
Applicants for graduate studies in the School of Environmental Studies must have, or expect to have a four year Honours degree (or the equivalent) with a Second Class standing (B+ 75-79%, GPA 3.3/4), or with qualifications accepted as equivalent from a recognized university. The GRE is not required or used.
ENGLISH COMMUNICATION (if applicable)
Because English is the language of instruction and communication at Queen's University, proficiency in English is a prerequisite for admission to all graduate programs for all students whose native language is not English and for those who have NOT completed a university degree in English.
Graduate students who are required to submit satisfactory results in a written English language proficiency test (TOEFL or equivalent) for the purpose of admission to Queen's University, will be required to participate in the mandatory on-campus assessment of their oral proficiency in English before taking up TA duties that require verbal communication. See the Senate website for the complete policy document.
The following English Language Proficiency tests are acceptable, obtained within the last two years:
TOEFL score: 600 paper based / 250 computer based
TOEFL Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT):
Writing Test: 24 (out of 30);
Speaking Test 22 (out of 30);
Reading Test 22(out ot 30);
Listening Test: 20 (out of 30);
for an overall minimum score of 88 (out of 120).
Applicants must have the minimum score in each test, as well as the minimum overall score.
Institution code: 0949
IELTS: minimum 7.0
Any applicant who has recently studied for at least one complete year at a university where English is the official language of instruction may be exempt from the English Language Proficiency Test.
An applicant requesting a waiver of the test for this reason should do so in writing and submit it with the application to the Director, Admissions and Student Services of the School of Graduate Studies.