Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment FAQs
Welcome to the Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment FAQs page
As an applicant to Queen’s, we know that you have questions about the application process, program requirements and so much more. This page will help to answer your questions and guide you to the resources that are available online. Please continue to monitor this page- we will continue to make updates as we get more questions; if you don't see your question currently reflected here, please email us at admission@queensu.ca
NOTE: Queen’s University administrators are actively monitoring reports on the evolving outbreak of coronavirus COVID-19. We continue to monitor the impact of the pandemic on schools and testing centres and will work with school officials and examination boards to minimize associated impacts to the application process and requirements.
We understand the current situation is causing stress, disruption, and uncertainty. We are here to answer your questions!
As the pandemic continues to evolve, please visit our Safe Return to Campus site for the most up-to-date information.
Click here to review our 2023 Viewbook!
Are you a Guidance Counsellor looking for information? Check out our Guidance Counsellor Resource page.
Admission Updates
Admission Updates
Admission Updates
Queen's has two new programs!
Life Sciences and Biochemistry
Queen’s is now accepting direct entry into the Life Sciences and Biochemistry BScH programs as one cohort. The first year of the joint programs provides the vital foundation in sciences. Following first year students will then split into either the Life Sciences or Biochemistry plans during plan selection that takes place in Spring (student’s will be able to choose between either program). Some spots are also available for general sciences students following first year.
More information about the Life Science and Biochemistry program can be found here.
Mechatronics and Robotics
Our 2nd new and exciting program is our direct-entry Mechatronics & Robotics program in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. A unique synthesis of mechatronics and robotics; students will push the boundaries of intelligent autonomous systems and world-changing technologies. Mechatronics and Robotics will not be available through the usual discipline selection process to students who enter through common Engineering first year. The prerequisite courses required to apply to this program are the same as those for the Engineering program. More information about the Mechatronics & Robotics program can be found here.
Updated Ontario Academic Requirements for Engineering
The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science has updated the Ontario required program prerequisites for admission consideration. The required courses from Ontario now include ENG4U (minimum 70%), MCV4U, MHF4U, SCH4U and SPH4U.
Change to SAT/ACT Requirement
Queen’s has permanently moved to a Test Optional model, meaning applicants who have studied in the US will no longer be required to submit an SAT or ACT score. You may continue to submit your scores if you feel they will support your application.
QuARMS Eligibility
In order to reduce barriers to medical education, the Faculty of Health Sciences and the School of Medicine have updated the eligibility requirements for the QuARMS pathway. This educational initiative selects up to 10 high school students who are Indigenous or who self-identify as Black African, Black Caribbean, Black North American or multi-racial students who have and identify with their Black ancestry.
The application process will remain the same as last year. Applicants no longer require a school nomination to be considered, however, the deadline to apply now falls in line with our February 1 application deadline for all programs. Applicants who are interested in QuARMS must apply to Arts, Science, Life Science, Computing, or Health Science and indicate QUARMS as their “Subject of Major Interest” in the drop-down menu at OUAC when applying. Click here for more information about the pathway and these changes.
Admission FAQs
Admission FAQs
Admission FAQs
When do applications open and where do I apply?
Applications for First Year programs will open in early October! Everything you need to know about applying to Queen’s can be found here.
I’m applying via OUAC, how do I determine what kind of applicant I am at OUAC?
You will either be a 101 applicant or a 105 applicant. OUAC has tools on their website to help you confirm which kind of applicant you are.
As an applicant to Queen’s, we also want you to remember our additional admission pathways that you may be eligible for- the First Generation Admission Pathway and the Indigenous Admission Pathway.
What is the Equity Self ID Form, and should I complete it?
In August 2020, Queen’s University pledged immediate actions to confront systemic racism at the University. In the Declaration of Commitment, Queen’s pledges to identify and eliminate barriers within university policies, procedures, and practices related to the recruitment and admission of Black, Indigenous and other racialized students, and enhance efforts and initiatives to diversify the student population. More information about the Equity Self ID Form can be found here. Applicants are invited to complete the optional form if they identify as:
- An Indigenous person
- A member of a racialized/visible minority group
- A person with a disability
- A person who identifies as LGBTQ2S+
Are there important deadlines that I need to remember?
For a list of the important deadlines click here
Does Queen’s make alternate offers of admission?
We do not make alternate offers of admission- you must apply to every program you wish to be considered for, up to a maximum of 3 programs. It is possible to hold more than one offer of admission to the university, but you will only be able to accept one offer by the acceptance deadline.
What are the admission requirements for Queen’s undergraduate programs?
Click here to confirm the admission requirements for the program(s) you are interested in applying to, depending on the curriculum that you are studying.
This year, my school is operating on a quadmester/octomester model. What does this mean for the timing of offers of admission?
Applications for admission to Queen’s are reviewed on a rolling basis and we make conditional offers of admission based on available grade information. This can include using grade 11 marks, when grade 12 marks are not yet available. This type of assessment depends upon students being registered in all required grade 12 courses. Therefore, it remains essential that you send Queen’s all course information, regardless of the semester model.
Where courses are not available or scheduling conflicts arise, you should seek guidance and advice from your counselling/guidance office on an appropriate alternative.
If you are an Ontario student be sure that your school has sent the OUAC all currently registered and projected course enrollments for the entire school year, regardless of the semester model.
If you are a student outside the province of Ontario be sure that you have your high school send Queen’s all completed grade 11 coursework, currently registered and projected course enrollments for the entire grade 12 school year, regardless of the semester model. Transcripts can be sent electronically to: admission@queensu.ca
How do I know if I need to submit an English language proficiency test?
If you need to submit an English language test, we will include this item on your To-Do List. Click here to determine if you will be required to write an English language proficiency test and to confirm the language tests and scores that we accept for admission.
Does Queen’s require any supplementary documents or information to support my application?
High school grades are just one piece of information we use when making an admission decision. Each applicant to Queen’s has a unique To-Do List, detailing exactly what we need to round out your application. Applicants can see their To-Do List (and the due dates) on their SOLUS Student Centre once they have applied. We review and update our supplementary requirements on a regular basis to ensure applicants have a meaningful platform to share additional information not available through their grades. Learn more about Supplementary Information.
What if I am not able to submit official documents?
Whenever possible, we expect students will submit official documents in support of their application. However, if you are unable to submit official documents due to extenuating or exceptional circumstances (such as COVID-19 related school closures) we will consider unofficial documents. For more information, please review our guidelines on unofficial documents.
After I apply to Queen’s, what are my next steps?
Information about your next steps can be found here.
How do I send Queen’s my transcript and other required documents?
Click here to find out about how you submit your documents. Please note transcripts received directly from students are considered unofficial.
I am studying the British Columbia high school curriculum – how do I arrange for my transcript(s) to be sent to Queen’s?
Queen’s now requires BC curriculum applicants to arrange for their grades to be electronically submitted via the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). You will need to include your Personal Education Number (PEN) as part of your OUAC application and also select Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) when placing the request on the BC Ministry of Education’s Student Transcript Services (STS) system. This will establish the necessary connection for your grades to be electronically submitted to Queen’s using the OUAC’s Post-Secondary Information (PSI) system and the STS system.
My A Level Exams have been cancelled due to COVID-19. How will this affect my Queen’s application?
As many regions around the world continue to be affected by COVID-19, we understand you may be worried about how this will affect your application. We want to assure you that if your final A Level exams are cancelled, we will use the adjusted assessment methods provided by your Exam Board. Please continue to check this page for possible updates.
International Students FAQs
International Students FAQs
What if the curriculum I’m studying changes their assessment method, final exams are cancelled or postponed etc. and I can’t meet my offer conditions?
As many regions around the world continue to be affected by COVID-19, we understand you may be worried about how this will affect your application. Please review our Conditional Offers of Admission website for more detailed information about your curriculum queensu.ca/admission/conditional-offers-admission.
What are the English language requirements?
Click here for a list of English language requirements and the English language proficiency test scores that we accept.
What if I don’t meet the English language requirements?
QBridge is an English language pathway to Queen’s University for students who are academically competitive for admission to a Queen’s undergraduate degree program, but who do not meet the required admission standard for English language proficiency. The QBridge programs ensure that students are linguistically, academically, and culturally prepared to complete their Queen’s undergraduate degree studies. Click here for more information about the QBridge program.
Do I need a Study Permit?
If you’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and plan to study in Canada for more than six months you will have to apply for a study permit. You should apply for your study permit online as soon as you get your letter of acceptance.
How do I apply for a Study Permit?
Please visit the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) website at https://quic.queensu.ca/common-questions-answered/ for detailed information, and upcoming virtual events.
What support programs and services are available?
For a complete list of the academic, support programs and services, please refer to The International Student Guidebook.
Fall 2022 Study Permit Delays
Are orientation fees refundable if I'm not able to attend?
Students should contact their faculty orientation group and explain the situation to request a refund.
Are tuition fees refundable if I start remotely but my study permit is rejected?
See refund schedule. Requests submitted after September 19 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis..
If I miss orientation, will there be other opportunities for me to get ready for first-year and connect with the community?
Yes! The Student Experience Office’s First-Year Foundation (FYF) program offers students a variety of ways to prepare for their first year and connect with the community. Students are encouraged to review the content in the FYF 100 course and to connect with their peers on Raftr, our exclusive first-year app. Many faculty orientation groups are offering virtual events in addition to in-person orientation events. Learn more about faculty orientation plans.
Will you hold my spot in residence and for how long?
Yes, provided you have a late arrival plan in place with your faculty/school and subject to regular fees.
Will I receive a refund for residence if I am unable to attend this year?
Yes – in accordance with the Residence withdrawal policy.
When is the latest date I can arrive on campus to start my classes?
This may vary depending on your program. Please contact your faculty’s international advisor for more information..
Can I start virtually and come to campus when I get my study permit?
This may vary depending on your program. Please contact your faculty’s international advisor for more information..
Tours & Events FAQs
Tours & Events FAQs
Can I come take a tour of campus?
We are very excited to offer in-person, on-campus tours again! Tours are available by registration only (see below). Tour offerings will be limited and tour groups will be small. At this time we are unable to facilitate a waitlist for those dates which are "sold out". We are working hard to ensure the safety of our visitors and tour guides, along with the Queen’s and Kingston communities, by following Public Health guidelines and we appreciate your patience.
For more information on how to book a campus tour please click here.
Information on current public health guidelines can be found at here.
Information about Covid-19 and the Queen’s Community can be found on Queen's Covid-19 Information site.
Information about visiting Kingston can be found on the Visit Kingston website.
A campus map can be found here. It’s an interactive map, and as you click on each building – you can see images of the inside, as well as a brief history of that building (located on the left-hand side of the page).
I am planning to come to campus, can I meet with a tour guide or someone from your admission team?
Should you wish to speak with a current student from our tour guide program, or an Admission Coordinator via Zoom, please email tours@queensu.ca, and a member of our team will connect with you.
Are you offering any online presentations or events to help me learn more about Queen’s?
We will be hosting several online events this fall. These include webinars, Instagram lives and other Q&As, from a variety of resources. To find details about these online events, please go to our Online Events page.
If I am not able to attend a webinar, will I be able to watch it at a later date?
We understand that you are busy, and you may not be able to make all of our online events. You can find recordings for a variety of admission, financial aid, and program-related webinars here! Our team is always working to bring new and informative webinars to applicants, so be sure to check back often for updated content.
Transfer to Queen's Online/On Campus FAQs
Transfer to Queen's Online/On Campus FAQs
Can I apply to transfer to summer term?
The Faculty of Arts and Science does allow transfers in the summer term via webapp.queensu.ca/admission/apply/. This application will close on March 30th. Summer admission is not available for students currently in their first year of university either at Queen’s or externally. Engineering and Commerce are accepting transfer applications via OUAC for fall term only.
How can I submit documents to support my transfer application?
Information can be found here queensu.ca/admission/about-applying/documents
When are transfer credits assessed?
We begin our assessment as soon as you accept your offer and submit your course descriptions. More details can be found at queensu.ca/admission/about-applying/transfer-credits
When are transfer decisions made?
We make rolling offers of admission to most programs. We encourage students to apply early as space in some programs will fill quickly. Commerce decisions are not rolling and will be made at the end of June.
What if the program I would like to apply for is not available at OUAC?
All available programs are open at OUAC. Some programs do not have the capacity to accept transfer student and will remain closed.
What if I have additional questions about transferring?
Please contact us at transfer@queensu.ca for assistance.
Transfer Credit FAQs
Transfer Credit FAQs
Will I still be able to receive AP, IB and A-Level Exam Credit?
Queen’s AP, IB and A Level exam credit policies can be found here.
Queen's Online FAQs
Queen's Online FAQs
What programs does Queen’s offer online?
We have several courses, certificates and degree programs available online! More details can be found here.
Bader College FAQs
Bader College FAQs
Bader College Prospective First-Year Students
What are the plans for the 2022-2023 academic year at Bader College?
After a year of remote learning, the Bader College team is excited to once again offer Queen's students the opportunity to spend their first year of university studies at Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, England. The health and safety of students, staff, and faculty is still our primary concern, and decisions regarding public health measures taken at the Bader College will be made in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada and UK public health authorities. For more information on plans for the fall, please take a look at the Bader College COVID-19 Readiness page.
What are the measures Queen’s is taking regarding the Castle and travel?
Decisions regarding the continuation or suspension of international activities are informed by updates we receive from Global Affairs Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada and information regarding the status of operations at our international partner institutions. The most up-to-date and correct information from the Bader College is available on the COVID-19 section of our website. This is a rapidly evolving situation. Information and directives concerning university-sponsored travel are subject to sudden change.
What are the public health measures Bader College is taking?
The health and safety of our students, staff, and faculty is our primary concern. As the public health situation develops, the Bader College team will also continue to develop COVID-19 Readiness plans with Global Affairs Canada and UK public health authorities to ensure students, staff, and faculty have a safe and enriching experience for the 2021-2022 academic year. For more information on the BISC's plans for the Fall, please visit our COVID-19 Readiness page.
Will I be expected to be vaccinated prior to arriving at Bader College?
Queen’s University, including tBader College, requires all individuals (including but not limited to students, staff, faculty, visitors, and volunteers) to be fully vaccinated against COIVD-19 prior to participating in any in-person university activities. Please visit Queen’s University’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy page for further information.
When can I apply for Bader Hall residence?
Bader Hall residence will be open and residence is guaranteed for all students accepted to a program at Bader College. The Bader College Student Services Team will provide further information on residence and the application process after the May 1 acceptance deadline. Please visit the Bader College COVID-19 Readiness page for further information on the public health measures in place for the Fall 2022 and Winter 2023 terms.
Will I need a visa to study at the Bader College?
Unless holding a UK or Irish passport, all students who attend the Bader College for the First Year Program are required to obtain a student visa. Information regarding visas will be sent to students after the May 1 acceptance deadline leading up to their academic start in September. In the meantime, please visit the Bader College Immigration for more information.
What other options are available for me at Bader College?
Students that are still interested in attending Bader College should explore the Bader College website to determine what program best fits within their current degree plan. A full list of Bader College upper year, fall, winter, and summer study abroad programs can be found at www.queensu.ca/bisc/
Students can also choose to enrol in Bader College flagship courses BISC 100/3.0 Thinking Locally (fall) and BISC 101/3.0 Acting Globally (winter) which are available online for and make perfect additions to many degrees. You can find more information on our online courses here.
Bader College Upper-Year Students
What Upper Year options are available for me at Bader College?
Bader College offers a variety of upper year study abroad programs during the fall, winter, and summer terms. Students that are interested in attending Bader College's upper year programs should explore the Bader College website to determine what program best fits within their current degree plan. A full list of upper-year fall, winter, and summer study abroad programs can be found at www.queensu.ca/bisc/.
Students can also choose to enroll in the Bader College flagship courses BISC 100/3.0 Thinking Locally (Fall) and BISC 101/3.0 Acting Globally (Winter), which are available online and make perfect additions to many degrees. More information on our online courses can be found here.
Residences
Information about Queen’s Residences can be found here.