International Applicants

We regret to say that given limits on available funding, Cultural Studies anticipates accepting only 1 or 2 highly qualified international students in 2024-2025. All international applicants (MA and PhD) must secure funding through their supervisor and/or from external sources before submitting an application. (Please note that admission is contingent upon having a confirmed supervisor.) To avoid paying an unnecessary application fee, we strongly encourage international applicants to contact custgrad@queensu.ca before submitting an application. 

International PhD tuition is the same as domestic PhD tuition, but international PhD students pay extra for mandatory health insurance. Students offered admission will also be offered funding; however, please note that graduate student funding can only be expected to cover tuition and to help offset costs of living. 

International MA tuition is much higher than domestic MA tuition. MA students are not guaranteed funding. 

Proficiency in English is a prerequisite for application to admission. Those applicants whose native languages do not include English will be required to obtain satisfactory standing in an English Language Proficiency test as part of the application process, and before final acceptance is granted.

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. The Director, Admissions and Student Services of the School of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the department, will make determinations in these cases.

View full information the MA and PhD application process 

View more information and resources for international students at Queen's