Transfer to Queen's | Queen's University Faculty of Arts and Science

Why Transfer to Queen's?

We are the school with a small-town feel, but with a large-city appeal. Queen's ArtSci is rich in history, clad with awards and medals for academic excellence, a network that is unlike any other - just ask any grad, and to top it off we have students like you that make Queen's University one unique place to study.

Why Queen's

Why Kingston?

We are a student town. Described by students as both “quaint” and “eclectic,” Kingston is big enough to provide all the conveniences of modern life, and small enough for students, staff, and faculty to feel instantly comfortable and at home.

Queen’s is an integral part of the Kingston community, with the campus nestled in the core of the city, only a 10-minute walk to downtown where all the shopping, dining and recreational activities occur - it's a happening place.

Why Kingston?

What can I study?

A wide range of degree options are available for incoming transfer students. You may choose to study full-time or part-time, on campus or by distance (online). Some programs have limited spaces, and fill quickly, so apply today.

Degree Plan	Minimum GPA	Additional Prerequisites
Applied Economics	2.6
Art History	2.6
Astrophysics	2.7	6.0 units of first-year university-level Physics equivalent of PHYS 104 or 106 with a mark of a Queen's B.
Biology	2.6	6.0 units of first-year, university-level Biology equivalent to BIOL 102 AND 103, with a mark of C- in BIOL 103. If the student takes BIOL 102 AND 103 at Queen's (summer admission), they must pass BIOL 102 & earn a Queen's C- in BIOL 103.
Biology & Mathematics	2.6	6.0 units of first-year, university-level MATH equivalent to MATH 120/121/123 & 124 with a mark of Queen's C. AND 6.0 units of first-year, university-level Biology equivalent university-level BIOL courses equivalent to BIOL 102 AND 103 with a mark of Queen's C in BIOL 103. If the student takes BIOL 102 AND 103 at Queen's, (summer admission) they must pass BIOL 102 AND have a C in BIOL 103. If the student takes MATH at Queen's, (summer admission) they must pass the course. **Commerce courses do not transfer as Mathematics or Statistics courses.
Biochemistry	2.9	6.0 units of first-year, university-level Biology equivalent to BIOL 102 and 103, with a mark of Queen's C or better. AND 6.0 units of first-year university-level Chemistry, equivalent to CHEM 112 with a mark of Queen's C or better. AND Minimum of 27.0 units taken in 1st year.
Biomedical Computing	3.0	In addition to GPA requirement, applicants must have CISC 121/3.0 with a mark of a B. Internal GPA 2.8; External 3.0. Students without an equivalent to CISC 102/3.0 may require additional time to graduate.
Chemistry	3.2	6.0 units of first-year university-level Chemistry equivalent to CHEM 112 earning a mark of a Queen's B-. AND 6.0 units of first-year university-level Calculus equivalent to MATH 121/6.0.
Classical Studies	2.6
Classics (Specialization)	2.6	6.0 units of a university-level course in Greek with a Queen's B-. OR 6.0 units of a university-level course in Latin with a Queen's B-.
Cognitive Science	3.0	In addition to GPA requirement, applicants must have CISC 121/3.0 with a mark of a Queen's B. Students without an equivalent to CISC 102/3.0 may require additional time to graduate.
Computing and Mathematics	3.0	In addition to GPA requirement, applicants must have CISC 121/3.0 with a mark of a Queen's B. AND Students must have 6.0 units of university-level MATH/STAT equivalent to MATH 120, 121, 123 & 124 with a mark of Queen's C (Queen's passed). MATH 110/6.0 (or its equivalent), can be used for both MATH and CISC 102 requirements. *Students without an equivalent to CISC 102/3.0 may require additional time to graduate.
Computer Science	3.0	In addition to GPA requirement, applicants must have CISC 121/3.0 with a mark of a B. Internal GPA 2.8; External 3.0. Students without an equivalent to CISC 102/3.0 may require additional time to graduate.
Drama	2.6	Department to review applications to Yr. 3.
Economics	2.6
English	2.6	6.0 units of first-year, university-level English equivalent to ENGL 100 with a minimum grade of C-.
Film and Media	2.7	3.0 units of first-year, university-level FILM equivalent to FILM 111, FILM 112, FILM 113, or FILM 114 with a mark of a Queen's B-.
French Studies	2.6	Minimum C in FREN 150
Gender Studies	2.6
Geography (BAH, BSCH)	2.6
Geological Sciences	2.6
Global Development Studies	2.5
Health Studies	3.2	In addition to GPA requirement, applicants must have passed HLTH 101 (or approved equivalent) with a minimum grade of A.
Hispanic Studies	2.6
History	2.6	In addition to GPA requirement, applicants must have 3.0 units of first-year, university-level History course with a mark of Queen's B.
Indigenous Studies	1.9
Languages, Literatures and Cultures	1.9
Life Sciences	3.2	6.0 units of first-year, university-level Biology equivalent to BIOL 102 and 103, with a mark of Queen's C or better. AND 6.0 units of first-year university-level Chemistry, equivalent to CHEM 112 with a mark of Queen's C or better. AND Minimum of 27.0 units taken in 1st year.
Linguistics	2.6
Mathematics	2.6	6.0 units of first-year, university-level MATH equivalent to MATH 120/121/123 & 124 with a mark of a Queen's C. If the student takes MATH at Queen's, (summer admission) they must pass the course. *Commerce courses do not transfer as Mathematics or Statistics courses.
Mathematical Physics	2.7	6.0 units of first-year, university-level Physics equivalent to PHYS 104 or 106 with a mark of Queen's B. AND 6.0 units MATH equivalent to MATH 120/121/123 & 124 a minimum of Queen's B-.
Media and Performance Production	2.7	3.0 units of first-year, university-level FILM equivalent to FILM 111, FILM 112, FILM 113, or FILM114 with a mark of a Queen's B-.
Music (BMUS)	2.6	Students must complete and pass an audition. AND Students must have the equivalency to Conservatory Advanced Rudiments prior to admission.
Music	2.6	Students must pass an audition if they wish to take MUSC 124 AND Students must have the equivalent to Conservatory Advanced Rudiments prior to admission *Students with Conservatory Grade 3 harmony with Honors will be ranked higher then those without.
Musical Theatre	2.9	20 students may be admitted as part of joint program with St. Lawrence College-Brockville. Only students who have a Musical Theatre 3 year diploma from St. Lawrence College- Brockville can apply to transfer into the MUTH program .
Philosophy	2.6
Physics (Specialization)	2.7	6.0 units of first-year, university-level Physics equivalent to PHYS 104 or 106 with a mark of Queen's B. AND 6.0 units of first-year, university-level Calculus equivalent to MATH 120 or 121 with a mark of Queen's B.
Physics (Major)	2.6	6.0 units of first-year, university-level Physics equivalent to PHYS 104 or 106 with a mark of Queen's B. AND 6.0 units of first-year, university-level Calculus equivalent to MATH 120 or 121 with a mark of Queen's B.
Political Studies	2.6	3.0 units of first-year, university-level POLS courses with a mark of a Queen's B-.
Religion	2.6
Sociology	2.6	3.0 units of first-year, university-level SOCY courses with a mark of a Queen’s B-.
Software Design	3.0	In addition to GPA, applicants must have CISC 121/3.0 with a mark of a B. Students without an equivalent to CISC 102/3.0 may require additional time to graduate.
Statistics	2.6	6.0 units of first-year, university-level MATH equivalent to MATH 120/121/123 & 124 with a mark of a Queen's C. If the student takes MATH at Queen's, (summer admission) they must pass the course. *Commerce courses do not transfer as Mathematics or Statistics courses.

* Should a student be admitted to the summer term and need to take a prerequisite course for admission to a particular degree plan, they must earn the set mark in the course to progress onward in the specific degree plan.

Should they not earn the required mark, students may retake the required course(s) or contact the Faculty Office to inquire about changing to another degree plan that is accepting students (open degree plans) and for which they meet the admission requirements in their admission category.

All GPAs and marks are on a Queen’s 4.3 GPA scale.

Upper-Year Transfer Admission Requirements

The Faculty of Arts and Science invites applications for upper-year students in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Computing and the Bachelor of Science programs. To be considered for full-time admission, upper-year applicants must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.6 (high C+). Some departments may require a higher than 2.60 GPA and course requirements. Meeting admission requirements does not guarantee admission. Space is limited, we encourage students to apply early.

Definition of Upper-Year Students

Students who have attempted a minimum 24.0 units (or equivalent) at another accredited university or college with a university transfer program. 24.0 Queen's units are typically 4 full-year courses (one course taken over two terms) or 8 one-term only courses. Upper-year candidates have generally attended university for a minimum of 2 terms.
Ontario community college students who are in a three-year diploma program and will be graduating.
Graduates from three-year Ontario community college diploma programs.
CEGEP students who are in the final year of three-year professional/career programs who will be receiving their DEC.
graduates of a three-year CEGEP professional/career programs who have their DEC.

Learn more from the Undergraduate Admissions office about how to apply for upper-year transfer.

What credits and courses are eligible for credit transfer?

Queen's University may grant Transfer Credits to students coming from a number of different programs. Transfer credit assessment varies depending on the courses or curriculum that the student has completed, the student's scores / grades achieved in that program, the Queen's program that the student is entering, and the student's year of entry to Queen's.

Queen’s Arts & Science proudly adheres to the general policy on the transfer of course credits as adopted by the Council of Ontario Universities. We recognize that, while learning experiences may differ in a variety of ways, their substance may be essentially equivalent in terms of their content and rigor.

University transfers: We may transfer up to 57 units (out of the 120 required for a 4-year Honours degree) or up to 42 units (of the 90 required for a 3-year degree).

Three-year College Diplomas: We will transfer 30 units.

CEGEP (two year Diploma): We will transfer 18 units.

In all cases, we will endeavour to transfer those courses which provide you with the best headstart possible on your chosen Arts & Science degree.

Students with less than 24.0 units completed are considered first-year applicants.

Apply to Transfer

Steps to Transfer

Choose from the programs below to learn more about the requirements and restrictions.
Visit Ontario Universities Application Centre.
Complete the Application Form.
For all programs, upper-year transfer applicants will be able to apply between February 1 and June 1, with documents submitted by June 15 for a Fall start. As applications will be considered on an on-going basis, students are encouraged to apply early.

Learn more about how to apply for upper year transfer.

Accommodation & Housing

Thinking about where you are going to live next year? There are limited spaces available in residence for upper-years’ – applications will be accepted until February and will be selected by lottery. Visit the Residence website for more information.

Other resources to help you find a home:

FAQs about Transfers

What are the admission requirements to be admitted to Queen’s?

Admission requirements vary by degree program/plan. See above under 'What can I study?'

My marks aren’t as high as they would be normally due to some extenuating circumstances. Does the Faculty of Arts and Science consider any extenuating circumstances with my application? Do you consider volunteer or employment experience or letters of recommendation?

Extenuating circumstances, volunteer or employment experience and letters of recommendation are not considered with transfer applications to the Faculty of Arts and Science.

Can I appeal my admission decision?

Following Senate rules, admission decisions are not appealable.

I would like to know what courses that I have completed so far at my current school would transfer prior to my applying to Queen’s--- can you tell me what transfer credits I would receive?

Transfer credits are assessed after students have applied and accepted their offer of admission.

Students can view the ONTransfer website to gain an understanding of what courses could be transferred. Please note that this site is in development so it is not an exhaustive list.

How do I apply for transfer credits?

The Undergraduate Admission website provides directions for submitting courses for possible transfer credit.

I don’t see my transfer credits on SOLUS yet-who should I contact?

Transfer credits can take 2-3 weeks to process as they are sent to departments for their review. For questions about the processing of your transfer credits, please contact Undergraduate Admissions.

The degree plan I want to apply to isn’t listed on OUAC and it isn’t listed on the Faculty of Arts and Science transfer web page — is this an error?

Some of our degree plans are at capacity with our current students, so direct transfer to those degree plans is not possible.

Could I access one of the degree plans that is at capacity once I have transferred to Queen’s?

Yes, it is possible, but it isn’t guaranteed. To apply for entry to previously at capacity degree programs/plans students must have:

Completed 24.0 units after being admitted into the Faculty of Arts and Science for on-campus study;
Completed the necessary prerequisite course for entry to the degree program/plan (please note for some plans, such as Psychology, students must take the prerequisite course at Queen’s);
Earned the minimum required grade in the prerequisite course, and
Earned the minimum required cumulative GPA (Queen’s GPA only) for access to the degree program/plan.

Since admission is determined by gaining access to a prerequisite course, earning a set mark in the prerequisite course, and having a set GPA from Queen’s, we caution students that there is no guarantee that you will be accepted into the desired degree program/plan. (Please note that for some programs, such as Kinesiology, only a few spaces are available). Further, should a student meet the requirements listed above, and space be available, students must know it will take additional time to complete degree requirements.

We encourage students to carefully review their decision should they be applying to Queen’s with the hopes of gaining access to an at capacity program as we cannot guarantee admission.

Supporting YOUR Success

Students arrive at Queen’s very excited, ready for the adventure, ready to learn and ready to work. Changing universities is a big transition, and we recognize that.

At Queen’s you are never alone. We have many offices dedicated to helping you learn, discover, think and do.