Queen’s University Scholarships for International Students 2026 | Fully Funded

Dreaming of studying in Canada? Queen’s University offers a wealth of opportunities for international students seeking to pursue higher education. With a commitment to academic excellence and a vibrant campus life, Queen’s attracts bright minds from around the globe.

Securing funding can be a significant step in making this dream a reality. Fortunately, Queen’s University provides various scholarships and funding packages designed to support international students across undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs. This article will guide you through the key scholarship opportunities available, their benefits, eligibility, and how to apply.

Understanding the different scholarship options and their requirements is crucial for a successful application. We will break down the Dean’s International Award Program, the Principal’s Scholarship, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, and Queen’s University’s PhD funding to help you navigate your path to studying at this prestigious Canadian institution.

What are Queen’s University Scholarships?

Queen’s University offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to attract and support talented international students. These awards aim to reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and recognize academic merit and potential. The scholarships cater to different levels of study, from undergraduate to doctoral programs, ensuring a broad spectrum of students can benefit.

The primary goal of these scholarships is to make Queen’s University accessible to a diverse international student body. By providing financial assistance, the university encourages students to focus on their academic pursuits and personal growth without undue financial stress.

Key Scholarship Programs at Queen’s University

Queen’s University has several notable scholarship programs for international students:

• Dean’s International Award Program: This is the main undergraduate scholarship for international students, automatically assessed based on academic achievement. It offers substantial renewable awards across various faculties.
• Principal’s Scholarship: A merit-based scholarship awarded automatically to exceptionally high-achieving undergraduate applicants.
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): Available to both domestic and international master’s and doctoral students studying in Ontario, this scholarship recognizes academic excellence.
• Queen’s University PhD Funding: The university provides guaranteed minimum funding packages for eligible full-time doctoral students, often supplemented by teaching assistantships and research funding.

These programs are designed to support students in different academic stages and fields of study.

Benefits and Coverage of Queen’s University Scholarships

The scholarships at Queen’s University offer significant financial support, varying by program and faculty. Understanding the coverage is key to appreciating the value of these awards.

Undergraduate Scholarship Coverage

For undergraduate international students, the Dean’s International Award Program provides substantial financial aid. The amount varies by faculty:

• Arts and Science: Awards range from CAD 10,000 to CAD 25,000 per year, renewable for four years, totaling up to CAD 100,000.
• Engineering: Similar to Arts and Science, students can receive CAD 10,000 to CAD 25,000 annually for four years, with a maximum potential of CAD 100,000.
• Commerce (Smith School of Business): Awards range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 25,000 per year, renewable for four years, offering a total of CAD 60,000 to CAD 100,000.
• Health Sciences: Students in this faculty can receive CAD 10,000 or CAD 15,000 per year for four years, totaling CAD 40,000 to CAD 60,000. (Note: Bachelor of Nursing students are not eligible for this specific award).

The Principal’s Scholarship offers a one-time award of CAD 7,000 for one academic year to students in the top 3% of their program’s admission average.

Graduate Scholarship and PhD Funding Coverage

At the graduate level, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) provides CAD 15,000 for one academic year. This scholarship is merit-based and can be applied for by eligible international students holding a valid study permit.

For PhD students, Queen’s University guarantees a minimum funding package of CAD 25,000 per year for the first four years of study. This package can include various sources like Queen’s Graduate Awards, internal and external scholarships, teaching assistantships, and research funding. Some departments, like the Smith School of Business, offer higher base funding packages, such as CAD 30,600. It’s important to note that this funding typically covers living expenses and tuition, but students should verify the exact breakdown with their department’s offer.

Eligibility Criteria for Queen’s University Scholarships

Meeting the specific eligibility requirements is the first step toward securing any scholarship. Queen’s University has distinct criteria for its undergraduate and graduate programs.

Undergraduate Eligibility

To be considered for undergraduate scholarships like the Dean’s International Award Program or the Principal’s Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be an international student: This means paying international student tuition fees. Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those eligible for domestic tuition are not eligible for these specific international awards.
• Be entering post-secondary education for the first time: The awards are generally for first-entry undergraduate programs.
• Demonstrate strong academic achievement: This is a primary factor for automatic consideration.
• Be enrolled full-time: Maintaining full-time registration is usually required for scholarship renewal.
• Remain in their original faculty: For renewable awards, students must continue their studies within the faculty they were admitted to.

The Principal’s Scholarship specifically targets students with exceptional academic standing, typically within the top 3% of their program’s admission average.

Graduate and PhD Eligibility

Eligibility for graduate scholarships and PhD funding often depends on program admission and academic merit:

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): Applicants must hold a valid Canadian study permit, be enrolled or applying to an eligible Queen’s graduate program, and study full-time. A first-class average equivalent to A- at Queen’s in the last two completed years of study is generally required for new graduate students.
• Queen’s University PhD Funding: Students must be registered full-time in an eligible PhD program and be within the funding-eligible years of study. Maintaining good academic standing is essential. Crucially, applicants must indicate their need for financial support in their doctoral admission application to be considered for the guaranteed funding package. They may also be required to apply for specific internal and external scholarships.

English-Language Proficiency Requirements

International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency. Accepted tests and minimum scores vary for undergraduate and graduate levels.

• Undergraduate: Common requirements include IELTS Academic (6.5 overall, no band below 6.0), TOEFL (specific score based on revised system, no skill below 4.0), or Duolingo (120). Exemptions may apply based on previous education.
• Graduate: Higher scores are typically needed, such as IELTS Academic (7.0 overall) or TOEFL (specific score based on revised system). Individual graduate programs may have even stricter requirements.

Required Documents for Application

Gathering the correct documents is a critical part of the scholarship application process. The requirements differ for undergraduate and graduate applicants.

Undergraduate Application Documents

For undergraduate admission and automatic scholarship consideration, applicants generally need to prepare:

• Undergraduate Admission Application: Submitted through the appropriate online portal.
• Secondary School Transcripts: Official academic records from your high school.
• National Examination Results: If applicable in your country.
• English-Language Proficiency Proof: Test scores like IELTS or TOEFL, if required.
• Certified Translations: If your documents are not in English or French.
• Programme-Specific Supplementary Information: Some programs may ask for additional materials.

It is important to note that for the Dean’s International Awards and Principal’s Scholarship, no separate scholarship application or additional documents are required beyond the admission application. Queen’s assesses applicants automatically based on their academic records.

Graduate Application Documents

Graduate applications typically require a more extensive set of documents:

• Online Graduate Application: Completed through Queen’s graduate admissions portal.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
• Degree Certificates: Where applicable.
• Academic Recommendation Letters: Usually two for research programs.
• English-Language Proficiency Results: If needed.
• Statement of Purpose: Explaining your academic goals and research interests.
• Academic CV: A summary of your academic and research experience.
• Research Proposal: For research-based programs.
• Writing Sample: If requested by the program.
• GRE or Other Test Scores: If program-specific.
• Certified Translations: For non-English documents.

For the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, applicants will create a separate OGS application account and submit required academic and scholarship information. For PhD funding, indicating the need for financial support in the main admission application is essential.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Queen’s University Scholarships

Navigating the application process can seem daunting, but breaking it down into steps makes it manageable. The process varies slightly for undergraduate and graduate levels.

Applying for Undergraduate Scholarships

1. Choose an Eligible Program: Select an undergraduate program at Queen’s University that aligns with your academic interests and is eligible for international awards (e.g., Arts and Science, Engineering, Commerce, Health Sciences).
2. Submit Your Admission Application: Complete and submit your Queen’s University admission application through the official online system by the program’s deadline.
3. Provide Academic Records and English Proficiency: Upload or send all required academic documents and English-language test results as requested through your applicant account.
4. Automatic Scholarship Consideration: For the Dean’s International Awards and Principal’s Scholarship, no separate application is needed. Queen’s automatically assesses eligible international applicants based on their admission application and academic merit.
5. Receive Scholarship Notification: If you are selected for an award, scholarship information will be included in your admission offer or financial aid package. For renewable awards, ensure you meet the ongoing requirements.

Applying for Graduate Scholarships and PhD Funding

1. Identify a Program and Supervisor (if applicable): Research graduate programs at Queen’s that match your academic background. For research-based programs, identify potential supervisors whose work aligns with your interests and contact them as per program guidelines.
2. Prepare Your Graduate Application: Gather all necessary documents, including transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, CV, and any program-specific requirements.
3. Indicate Financial Need for PhD Funding: If applying for a PhD, make sure to clearly indicate that you require financial support in your doctoral admission application. This is crucial for consideration for the guaranteed funding package.
4. Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your graduate program application by the department’s deadline.
5. Apply for OGS (if applicable): If you are applying for a master’s or PhD program and wish to be considered for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, create an OGS application account through Queen’s when the competition opens and submit the required information.
6. Review Funding Offers: If you receive an admission offer with funding, carefully review the details of your package, including the annual guaranteed funding, duration, and any assistantship requirements.

Application Deadlines for Queen’s University Scholarships

Meeting deadlines is critical for any scholarship application. Queen’s University has different timelines for undergraduate and graduate programs.

Undergraduate Deadlines

Undergraduate applications for admission typically open around October each year. The application periods generally extend into the following winter or early spring. Importantly, for the Dean’s International Awards and the Principal’s Scholarship, there are no separate scholarship deadlines because eligible students are automatically considered as part of their admission application. Therefore, the admission application deadline is the key date to remember.

Graduate Deadlines

Graduate program application deadlines are set by individual departments and can vary significantly. Applications generally open in September or October, with most deadlines falling in the early months of the following year. International students must check the specific deadline for their chosen program on the Queen’s University graduate admissions website.

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship also follows program-specific application periods, usually within the broader graduate scholarship cycle. Students should refer to the Queen’s OGS application system for their department’s exact deadline.

Tips for a Strong Scholarship Application

To maximize your chances of success, a well-prepared and compelling application is essential. Here are some tips to help you stand out:

• Academic Excellence: Focus on maintaining a strong academic record. Scholarships are highly competitive, and excellent grades are often the primary selection criterion.
• Tailor Your Application: For graduate programs, ensure your statement of purpose and research proposal clearly articulate your research interests and how they align with the faculty’s expertise.
• Strong Recommendation Letters: Choose referees who know you well academically and can speak to your strengths, potential, and suitability for the program and scholarship. Provide them with your CV, statement of purpose, and information about the scholarship.
• Proofread Everything: Carefully review all parts of your application for any grammatical errors or typos. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail.
• Understand the Scholarship: Thoroughly read the scholarship details, eligibility criteria, and what the award aims to achieve. Tailor your application to highlight how you meet these requirements and align with the scholarship’s goals.
• Apply Early: While deadlines are important, submitting your application well before the final date allows time for any unforeseen issues and ensures it receives full consideration.
• Highlight Extracurriculars and Experience: For undergraduate applications, relevant extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or leadership roles can strengthen your profile. For graduate studies, research experience, publications, or conference presentations are highly valued.
• Follow Instructions Precisely: Ensure you submit all required documents in the correct format and by the specified deadlines. Missing information can lead to disqualification.

By following these tips and thoroughly understanding the scholarship requirements, you can significantly improve your application for Queen’s University scholarships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of scholarships does Queen’s University offer to international students?

Queen’s University offers several scholarships for international students, including the Dean’s International Award Program and Principal’s Scholarship for undergraduates, and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and guaranteed PhD funding for graduate students.

How much funding can I expect from Queen’s University scholarships?

Undergraduate awards can range from CAD 10,000 to CAD 25,000 annually. Graduate students may receive CAD 15,000 for OGS, and PhD students are guaranteed a minimum of CAD 25,000 per year for four years.

Do I need to apply separately for Queen’s undergraduate scholarships?

No, for the Dean’s International Award Program and Principal’s Scholarship, international students are automatically assessed based on their admission application and academic merit. No separate scholarship application is required.

What are the general eligibility requirements for Queen’s University scholarships?

Eligibility typically requires being an international student, demonstrating strong academic achievement, and meeting program-specific requirements. Graduate students must also meet English-language proficiency and academic standing criteria.