In order to ensure a successful exchange, there are a number of steps you need to take, in addition to those that your home university may require.
To avoid any issues your passport should not expire while you are in Canada, and many students choose to have 3-6 months left on their passport from the date they leave Canada. If you do not have a passport, or need to renew it, make sure that you start the application process early enough that you will have your passport back before you travel.
Investigate whether you need a study permit or not by visiting the Government of Canada website. This website also provides information about working in Canada while on exchange. International Student Advisers at the Queen's University International Centre (QUIC) are registered immigration advisers. They can provide advice around immigration and visas. As immigration advising is a regulated activity unfortunately IPO staff are unable to provide this service. QUIC also has useful information about immigration on its website.
If you are renewing or applying for a passport, while you are waiting to receive it you can check the immigration requirements and use that time to collect any other documents you may need.
Upon acceptance to Queen's, the IPO Exchange Coordinator will contact students to provide additional information about course offerings. Using this information, students should also consult the individual department websites to find out about available course offerings.
Please be aware that not all courses are offered each year. While every effort is made to place students in the courses requested, we cannot always fulfill all requests. There may be limited availability particularly in Psychology, Computing, and Kinesiology.
Consequently, we encourage you to explore all options in the Social Sciences, Creative Arts, Languages, Natural and Physical Sciences, and the Humanities. We also encourage you to select several alternates in case your top choices are unavailable.
If you require any specific courses for your degree plan, please email ipo@queensu.ca. We cannot guarantee course selections but we will do our best to help you.
All exchange students must enroll in UHIP (the University Health Insurance Plan). UHIP currently costs $252 a term (price from 2021-22 academic year). Please be aware of what is covered under UHIP and what is not covered. You should arrange additional health insurance suitable to your needs. Your home university may be able to provide advice.
The International Programs Office (IPO) will prompt all incoming exchange students to review course offerings on the SOLUS timetable, typically in July. Students will be asked to electronically submit their course selections through an online form. Instructions and further details will be communicated via Queen’s email.
Before arrival at Queen's University, incoming students will be sent an update on their course approvals. Some students may be required to meet with the academic department. This is to provide additional information about their degree program and prerequisite courses to gain entry into the courses. The academic program at Queen's can be rigorous and the departmental advisers want to make sure that students have a good foundation in the discipline. Students are advised to bring a copy of their most recent academic transcript to show to advisers in the departments.
On-Campus
A limited number of spaces in Jean Royce Hall may be available for exchange students. Jean Royce Hall has single private rooms with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Students can choose to cook or participate in an optional meal plan. The optional residence internet service is known as ResNet. See what is provided by Residence in their packing list.
All residence allocations are made through a lottery system and housing in residence cannot be guaranteed. See Queen's University Residences for more details including relevant deadlines and application details. (You will require your Queen’s student ID (number) to apply. This will be provided to you after you have successfully applied to Queen's.)
Off-Campus
Many exchange students elect to live off-campus. The Queen's University International Centre (QUIC) provides resources to assist students in locating housing. See QUIC's "Finding Housing" website for more details.
Finding living arrangements in Kingston can be a challenge – especially in the Fall term. We recommend students who choose to live off-campus should come to Kingston at least one week in advance to find adequate accommodation if they have not secured accommodation prior to travelling. Student Community Relations provides an Off-Campus Living Guide to help you navigate the Kingston community, living with housemates, and public health guidelines.
We recommend that you do not purchase your flight until you have received confirmation that you have been accepted to Queen's.
Make sure that you have all required documentation - see the latest updates on the QUIC website. We encourage you to download the iCent travel app and submit any required information to help us help in your transition to life in Kingston and at Queen's.
Find out more about getting to Queen's from Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa airports on the QUIC website.
See our Arriving at Queen's page for details about Orientation and your first few days at Queen's!
Resources
Useful websites to help plan your pre-departure and academics