Apply to Graduate School | Queen's University Faculty of Arts and Science

Applying to graduate studies is an exciting step toward advancing your academic interests, developing specialized expertise, and preparing for future career opportunities. Whether you're looking to pursue groundbreaking research, enhance your professional skills, or build on your undergraduate education, graduate studies offer the opportunity to expand your knowledge, challenge your thinking, and make meaningful contributions to your field.

The Faculty of Arts and Science at Queen's University offers numerous graduate and professional programs across over 50 departments and research centres, providing opportunities to explore a wide range of disciplines in a collaborative and supportive academic environment. You'll learn alongside accomplished faculty and fellow students who are passionate about discovery, innovation, and creating positive change.

Whether you are pursuing research-intensive study, professional development, or a pathway to further academic achievement, we encourage you to explore your options and take the next step toward joining a vibrant community of scholars, researchers, and professionals at Queen's.

Considerations Before Applying

Step 1: Apply early for any government awards

If you meet the eligibility requirements, apply for funding from Canada's three major research granting agencies in the fall before you plan to attend graduate school.

Visit the agency websites for instructions: NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR.

Step 2: Explore the degrees available at Queen's

Find a degree program that matches with your interests - there are over 100 programs to choose from.

Step 3: Check the minimums

Make sure you have the minimum academic requirements listed by the graduate program that interests you. Most candidates for admission to a doctoral program possess a Master's Degree. Direct entry to some programs is possible for those with exceptional academic standing.

For a master's program, candidates for admission hold second-class standing in one of the following degrees awarded by a recognized university

an Honours Bachelor Degree in Arts or Science
a Bachelor Degree in Applied Science or Law
a Degree of Doctor of Medicine
or equivalent

To check the minimums go to the individual program pages.

Please note that if you are considering the Master's programs in Education, refer to the program website for the admission qualifications.

The School of Business administers their MBA program of study and the School of Medicine administers all postgraduate training programs for Doctors of Medicine.

Step 4: Find out if you need a supervisor

Research (thesis-based) graduate programs require that you have a supervisor and some programs ask that you contact potential supervisors before applying. Some graduate programs, primarily professional Master's programs do not require students to have a supervisor. Consult the program's website to find out what is required.

If you need to identify a supervisor on your application, visit the program website to learn about faculty members' research. When you find a faculty member with similar research interests to yours, contact him/her and tell them about your interest in graduate work, area of research interest and related experience.

Step 5: Find out about tuition, student fees & living expenses

The Office of the University Registrar handles Tuition & Fees. There is some important information for graduate students about fees, payment of fees, and how changes in your academic status may affect your fees.

UHIP medical insurance is mandatory for all international students, you will be required to purchase a UHIP plan in order to register for your program of study. The Queen's University International Centre's Health Insurance and Care will assist you in attaining this.

If you are bringing your family, health coverage must also be purchased for each accompanying dependant.

Step 6: Check financial packages available to graduate students

Link to our new Graduate Program Descriptions.

Step 7: You are now ready to apply!

Begin the Application Process when you are ready to apply. International applicants please note that attaining a visa can take time, so it is important that you begin the process as early as possible.

Meet a Graduate Student Mentor

Do you have questions about grad school life at Queen's?

Get advice and guidance around applying to grad school, transitioning from your undergraduate degree, and insider knowledge of what your potential grad department and supervisor is like!

The Grad Mentor Program is a peer advisor program that supports you navigating Queen's resources, answering your questions, and sharing student support services and opportunities. Through this program, you as a future student can benefit to know more about Queen's graduate school through the voice of its own graduate students.

Apply

Graduate school may seem like part of a distant future, but it’s never too early to start planning. As you look forward to earning your undergraduate degree, think about your next step; a step that could include a master’s or doctoral degree.

You are on the brink of an exciting future. Queen’s School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs can help you get there.

Apply Today

How to Apply