1. Tuition & Fees
  2. Expenses & Budgets

Expenses & Budgets

The information below provides guidelines for the costs you may incur during your studies at Queen’s University and how to prepare a budget. This may include tuition, fees, basic living expenses, books, and supplies. Individual costs may vary based on your personal circumstances.

The Student Awards Office provides financial advising free of charge to students who need help budgeting or wish to learn more about financial aid options.

If you are trying to determine the cost of attendance for U.S. Student Loans, please visit the U.S. Student Loans section.

Estimated Living and Educational Expenses

Below are estimated costs for books and supplies (e.g. lab kit, specialty software) associated with most programs. Costs may vary depending on course enrolment.

The cost of a computer is not included. Depending on your program, you may need to have access to a personal computer. If purchasing a computer, you should budget approximately $500–$1,000.

Program Approximate Cost
Arts and Science (Including Concurrent Education Programs) $1,600
Art History $1,830
Commerce $2,162–$2,643
Computing $1,616
Education $4,261
Engineering & Applied Science $1,920– $2,200
Faculty of Law $2,330–$2,372
Film Studies $1,944–$2,194
Fine Art $2,150–$3,100
Kinesiology $2,116–$2,466
Music $1,744–$2,909
Nursing Science $2,095–$2,858
School of Medicine $3,670–$6,321

 

Below are estimated living expenses for a typical single student. Costs may vary depending on a student's personal situation.

Expense

In Residence

(1 Person, 8 Months)

Off Campus

(1 Person, 8 Months)
Residence Costs/Rent and Utilities

$9,529–$17,539

Refer to 2022-23 Residence Fee Schedule

 $625–$1,009 per month (Typically a 12-month lease)
Food Included in your residence fees $2,320
Miscellaneous (Cell Phone, Clothing/Laundry, Recreation, Other Personal Expenses, etc.) $2,480 $2,480
Transportation Variable Variable
UHIP (International Students Only) $504 $504
Total $12,009–$20,523+ $10,064–$13,376+

 

Sole-Support or Married Parents

  • For sole-support or married parents, rent costs will likely be closer to $1,589– $2,110 per month
  • For sole-support or married parents, food costs will likely be closer to $742–$1,204 per month, or $5,936 - $16,880 for 8 months

Budgeting and Financial Planner

Financial planning is one way to avoid the stress caused by a lack of funds in the middle of the year. It is important to prepare a budget before classes begin, we are here to help!

A budget tells you where your money goes, what it does for you, and keeps you up-to-date on how much money you have left.

It is your responsibility to cover the costs to attend university through savings, parental contributions, government student aid (e.g. OSAP), scholarships, and bursaries. If, after you’ve completed your budget, you realize that you won’t have sufficient resources to cover your costs for the year, please bring your budget with you to campus in September and set up an appointment with an Awards Officer to discuss your situation.

Get Started on Your Budget

Student Financial Planner (PDF, 300 KB)

  • Plan your budget before the start of your academic year. If you find that you will need to apply for financial aid (e.g. government student aid, such as OSAP), you will still have lots of time to do so before classes begin
  • Be realistic! If you don’t think you can live by the budget you’ve made, you won’t! Try to figure out a realistic spending allowance and stick with it
  • Keep track of your spending habits (at least for one month) and keep an accurate record of your savings and chequing accounts. If you have credit card balances, don’t forget to keep track of your monthly payments
  • Review your budget regularly and adjust for changes in your circumstances
  • Avoid using your credit card(s) on a regular basis. If you find you’re turning to credit cards regularly then it is time to review your budget and either decrease spending or try to increase your income

Sample Budgets

Guidelines for the approximate costs you may incur, including tuition and fees, education, and basic living expenses. The amount it costs to attend Queen's will depend somewhat on the choices you make.

Expense

In Residence on Campus

(September to April – 8 Months)

Off Campus

(September to April – 8 Months)
Tuition and Fees $7,423 $7,423
Books and Supplies

$2,330 (Includes cost of Computer - $500)

 $2,330 (Includes cost of Computer – $500)
Residence Costs/Rent and Utilities $9,529–$17,539

Refer to 2022-23 Residence Fee Schedule

 $643 per month (Typically a 12 month lease)
Food $720 (Additional meals) $2,320
Transportation (Bus trip home) $736 (This amount can vary greatly depending on destination) $736 (This amount can vary greatly depending on destination)
Miscellaneous (Cell Phone, Clothing/Laundry, Recreation, Other Personal Expenses, etc.): $2,480 $2,480
Total (Approximate) $23,218–$31,228 $23,005

(September to April – 8 Months)

Expense Approximate Cost
Tuition and Fees $55,567
Books and Supplies $2,100 (Includes cost of Computer – $500)
Residence Costs

$9,529–$17,539

Refer to 2022-23 Residence Fee Schedule
Additional Meals $720
Transportation (Return flight home) $2,000 (This amount can vary greatly depending on destination)
Miscellaneous $2,480
UHIP $504
Total (Approximate) $72,900–$80,910

(September to August – 12 Months)

Expense Approximate Cost
Tuition and Fees $7,942 - $15,096
Books and Supplies $1,565 - $2,350 (Includes cost of computer - $500)
Rent and Utilities $12,444
Food $3,480
Transportation $1,284
Miscellaneous $3,720
UHIP $756
Total (Approximate) $31,191–$39,130

(September to August – 12 Months)

Expense Approximate Cost
Tuition and Fees $7,942 - $15,096
Books and Supplies $1,565–$2,350 (Includes cost of computer – $500)
Rent and Utilities $22,008
Food $11,736
Transportation $5,076
Miscellaneous $9,600
UHIP $1,512
Total (Approximate) $59,439–$67,378