Queen’s and Kingston are happy to welcome graduate students from around the world. International graduate students come from over 70 countries, bringing a wealth of diverse experiences and cultures to the community. While most of your application requirements will be the same as domestic students, international students have different considerations. Visit the How to Apply page to get started, and be sure to check the Academic Calendar to keep up-to-date on funding deadlines and other dates of interest.

Resources for International Students

The University offers significant support and programming geared specifically towards international students, recognizing their valuable contribution to the institution.

Our International Student Guidebook guides you through topics of interest including immigration, housing, and health insurance.

The Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) provides educational and training activities, promoting culturally sensitive programming for students, faculty, and staff.

Student Academic Success Services (SASS) offers language workshops for those whose first language is not English as well as other helpful resources, including dissertation boot camps and writing labs.

The Ban Righ Centre, dedicated to assisting women of all ages find community at Queen’s, encourages mutuality and equality, respecting all women identified students.

If you want to speak to a current Queen's graduate student about life as an international student on campus, you can chat with one of our Graduate Inclusivity Fellows (GIFs).

Canadian Academic Skills, English and Sustainability Program (CASES)

If you have been made an offer and accepted to come to Queen’s to do your graduate work, you may wish to consider the CASES program. This program is a purposefully-designed 3-week program offered by Queen’s School of English (QSoE) to help ease new international students into the Kingston community and Canadian academic context before starting their Master’s or PhD studies in September. 

The program will focus on developing language skills used in Canadian academic contents and introduce concepts related to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, which are fundamental to the Queen’s academic environment. CASES emphasizes the knowledge, skills and strategies needed for academic success in graduate studies. Students will actively engage in the Kingston and Queen’s community and immerse themselves in the language and culture of the city and University to ensure the smoothest possible start to their graduate careers.

For more details on this program please visit the CASES webpage. Any additional questions can be directed to QSoE at: qsoe@queensu.ca

Funding

See our Funding pages for information on funding packages as well as Queen's entrance scholarships, fellowships and bursaries. You are also encouraged to search for funding through your home country as there are often sources available for studying abroad.

Financial Considerations

Tuition and Fees - The Registrar’s Office provides an overview of information on tuition and fees for the program that you are interested in, or that you are enrolled in, including information for visiting researchers.

NB: Incoming international PhD students will, from September 2021 onwards, pay the same tuition fees as domestic students.

Health Insurance - University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)

Health insurance is mandatory for international students as well as their dependents. UHIP provides basic coverage for hospitals, doctors, and some diagnostic fees. You and your dependents must enroll within 30 days of your arrival to Canada to avoid a $500 (plus retroactive premiums) penalty.

Visit the Queen’s University International Centre after arriving to apply for UHIP. Questions about the UHIP process should be directed to QUIC by emailing the UHIP advisor or calling at 613-533-2604 (extension 32604).

Supplementary Health Care - Supplemental health care may be available through the Society of Graduate & Professional Students (SGPS).

Budgeting Guidance - The Registrar’s Office provides useful budgeting guidance for students, including estimated living and educational expenses and specific information for international master's or doctoral students. Budgeting is especially significant when bringing dependents to Canada, which makes these online resources all the more helpful.  Alternatively our Grad Student Funding Guide (pages 23 – 34)  provides examples of budgeting for graduate students with or without dependents.

English Language Requirements

Proficiency in English is a prerequisite for admission. Those applicants whose native languages do not include English will be required to obtain satisfactory standing in an English Language Proficiency Test before acceptance is granted. See Step 4 on the “How to apply page” for more information on English Language Proficiency Test requirements.

International Study Permits

International students participating in programs longer than six months must obtain a study permit issued by the Canadian government. Additionally, citizens of some countries require a temporary resident (entry) visa for entry into Canada. The Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) offers information about applying for these documents, as well as additional support for mandatory health insurance, housing, and more.