Learning how to get into Queen’s University requires understanding Queen’s University admission requirements, which center on secondary diploma completion, prerequisite course requirements, and competitive grade averages. Domestic Ontario students need an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with six Grade 12 4U/4M courses, while competitive averages range from the low 80s to over 90%. Applications are processed centrally via the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre portal. This comprehensive admissions guide outlines entry pathways, program prerequisites, supplementary requirements, and application timelines for prospective domestic and international candidates.
About Queen's University
Queen’s University, located in Kingston, Ontario, is a prominent Canadian public research institution known for academic excellence and high student retention rates. Founded in 1841, the university operates its primary campus along the shores of Lake Ontario, housing world-class facilities and specialized academic faculties. Queen’s offers diverse undergraduate degrees across flagship faculties, including the Smith School of Business, the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Smith Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Computing, the Faculty of Arts and Science, and the School of Nursing. The university maintains a reputation for research intensity, small class environments, and rigorous academic standards. Programs such as Smith Commerce, Health Sciences, and Engineering receive thousands of applications annually, maintaining selective admissions standards that evaluate quantitative academic performance and qualitative supplementary applications.
Queen's University Admission Requirements at a Glance
To gain admission to Queen’s University, applicants must fulfill baseline academic standards established by the university’s Senate and individual faculties. Requirements vary according to applicant educational background, geographic origin, and target program.
| Requirement Category | Admission Requirement Detail | Source Attribution |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary Diploma Basis | Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses. | Queen’s Admissions Directory |
| Mandatory Core Prerequisite | Grade 12 University English (ENG4U) for all programs; EAE4U/FRA4U accepted for Francophone students. | Queen’s Ontario Admissions |
| Competitive Average Range | Overall average between the low 80s and 90%+, calculated on the top six 4U/4M courses, including prerequisites. | Queen’s Competitive Average Policy |
| Application Portals | OUAC 101 for current Ontario high school students; OUAC 105 for out-of-province, international, and transfer applicants. | OUAC Portal Guidelines |
| Supplementary Applications | Written and video assessments via Kira Talent for Commerce, Health Sciences, and Nursing; auditions for Music. | Queen’s Supplementary Application Page |
| English Language Standards | IELTS: 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT: 88 (subscores 20); Duolingo: 120; CAEL: 70; PTE Academic: 60. | Queen’s English Proficiency Page |
| Access & Inclusion Pathways | QBridge Language Pathway, First-Generation Student Pathway, Indigenous Student Admission Pathway. | Queen’s Inclusion & Access Directory |
How to Apply to Queen's University (Step by Step)
Applying to Queen’s University involves a structured process completed through central provincial application portals and institutional student portals. Prospective students must follow these sequential steps to submit a complete application.
- Select programs and confirm prerequisites. Review available programs and verify that all required Grade 12 4U/4M subject prerequisites will be successfully completed before enrolment.
- Submit the OUAC application. Complete the undergraduate application through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) portal. Current Ontario high school students apply through the OUAC 101 stream, while international, out-of-province, mature, and transfer applicants use the OUAC 105 stream.
- Activate your SOLUS Student Centre account. After you submit the application, Queen’s University will send login credentials for SOLUS. Log in to review your personalized “To-Do List,” track required documents, and monitor your application status.
- Complete all mandatory supplementary requirements. Applicants to Smith Commerce, Health Sciences, or Nursing must complete their online written and video responses through the Kira Talent platform before the mid-February deadline. Music or Musical Theatre applicants must schedule and complete the required auditions.
- Submit official transcripts and test scores. Ensure that high school transcripts showing completed and in-progress courses are submitted directly to Queen’s or through OUAC. International applicants must arrange for official English-language proficiency scores to be sent directly by the testing agencies.
- Monitor admission offers and accept through OUAC. Offers are issued on a rolling basis from winter through late spring. Successful applicants must accept their offer through the OUAC portal by the specified response deadline.
Admission Pathways
Queen’s University accommodates candidates from various educational backgrounds through dedicated admission pathways tailored to specific applicant categories.
Ontario Domestic Students
Ontario high school applicants must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with a minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses. Grade 12 University English (ENG4U) is required across all undergraduate faculties. Students enrolled in Francophone schools may fulfill the English prerequisite using EAE4U or FRA4U. Applicants apply through the OUAC 101 system, which automatically transmits academic grades from Ontario secondary schools to Queen’s University throughout the academic year.
International Students
International applicants must demonstrate equivalent academic qualifications from recognized global educational systems, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, General Certificate of Education (GCE) A-Levels, the French Baccalauréat, or national upper secondary diplomas. Queen’s University admission requirements for international students also require proof of English language proficiency if the applicant’s primary language is not English and they have completed less than three full consecutive years in an English-medium institution.
Queen’s accepts several standardized English proficiency tests, including IELTS Academic (minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT (minimum overall score of 88 with minimum subscores of 20 in Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening), Duolingo English Test (minimum score of 120), CAEL (minimum overall band of 70 with no band below 60), PTE Academic (minimum overall score of 60), Cambridge English (minimum score of 175), and LanguageCert Academic (minimum score of 70).
Academically qualified international candidates who do not meet minimum language test cut-offs may qualify for the QBridge Pathway program. QBridge Accelerated (QBA) is an intensive eight-week summer pathway for students meeting intermediate language scores (such as IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 95). The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) stream offers multi-term language preparation for Arts, Science, and Engineering applicants. International students admitted to Queen’s must apply for a Study Permit and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Mature Students
Applicants who have been out of formal full-time secondary or post-secondary education for an extended period can apply under mature student status. Candidates must demonstrate academic capability by completing specific Grade 12 prerequisites or equivalent post-secondary coursework. Admissions decisions for mature applicants consider non-traditional learning experiences, professional achievements, and recent academic upgrading completed through accredited secondary institutions.
Transfer Students
Post-secondary students applying to transfer from accredited colleges or universities are evaluated on high school prerequisite completion and cumulative GPA from all prior post-secondary coursework. Applicants must disclose all post-secondary history on their OUAC application to maintain academic integrity. Admitted transfer students receive course-by-course transfer credit assessments after accepting an offer. Queen’s limits secondary advanced standing credits (from AP, IB, or CEGEP) to a maximum of 18.0 units.
Out-of-Province Canadian Students
Canadian applicants residing outside Ontario are evaluated based on their provincial secondary school diploma requirements. Five academic Grade 12 courses are typically required from provinces such as Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. Equivalent provincial prerequisites are accepted, such as BC Pre-Calculus 12 for Ontario MHF4U or Alberta Mathematics 31 for Calculus. Quebec CEGEP applicants completing a two-year Pre-University DEC are eligible for first-year entry and may receive up to 18.0 transfer credits.
Program-Specific Requirements & Prerequisites
Prerequisites and competitive admission average ranges vary substantially across academic programs at Queen’s University. The table below outlines requirements for key undergraduate programs according to official admissions documentation.
| Program Name | OUAC Code | Required Grade 12 Prerequisite Courses | Competitive Admission Average Range | Supplementary Application Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arts | QA | ENG4U, plus five additional 4U/4M courses. | Low 80s | None. |
| Smith Commerce | QC | ENG4U (minimum 80%), MCV4U (minimum 80%), MHF4U (minimum 80%), plus three 4U/4M courses. | 90%+ | Mandatory written and video response via Kira Talent. |
| Computing | QD | ENG4U, MHF4U, MCV4U, plus three additional 4U/4M courses. | Mid-80s | None. |
| Smith Engineering | QE | ENG4U, MCV4U, MHF4U, SCH4U, SPH4U, plus one 4U/4M course. | Mid-80s to high 80s | None. |
| Health Sciences | QH | ENG4U (minimum 80%), SBI4U, SCH4U, MHF4U or MCV4U, plus two 4U/4M courses. | Low 90s | Mandatory written and video response via Kira Talent. |
| Kinesiology | QK | ENG4U, MCV4U, SBI4U, plus three additional 4U/4M courses. | Mid-80s | None. |
| Life Science & Biochemistry | QL | ENG4U, MCV4U, SBI4U, SCH4U, plus two additional 4U/4M courses. | Mid-80s | None. |
| Music | QM | ENG4U, plus five additional 4U/4M courses. | Low 80s | Mandatory personal audition and interview. |
| Nursing | QN | ENG4U (minimum 75%), SBI4U, SCH4U, any 4U Mathematics, plus two 4U/4M courses. | Low 90s | Mandatory written and video response via Kira Talent. |
| Science | QS | ENG4U, MCV4U, plus two of SBI4U, SCH4U, or SPH4U, plus two 4U/4M courses. | Low 80s | None. |
Admission Averages & Competitiveness
Calculating a competitive Queen’s University admission average involves determining the mean percentage grade across six Grade 12 4U/4M courses. This calculation must include all specific prerequisite courses designated by the academic faculty alongside the student’s highest-graded eligible elective courses.
The competitiveness of undergraduate programs at Queen’s University reflects applicant volume and fixed enrolment capacities. Programs fall into distinct selectivity tiers based on historical admission data:
- High Selectivity (90%+ Competitive Average): Programs such as Smith Commerce (QC), Health Sciences (QH), and Nursing (QN) require an average in the low 90s or higher. In addition to stellar grades, these programs mandate a qualitative supplementary application evaluated via Kira Talent.
- Moderate-High Selectivity (Mid to High 80s Competitive Average): Programs such as Smith Engineering (QE), Computing (QD), Kinesiology (QK), and Life Science & Biochemistry (QL) require competitive averages ranging from the mid to high 80s. Selection relies heavily on high performance in required mathematics and science prerequisites.
- Standard Academic Entry (Low 80s Competitive Average): Programs such as Bachelor of Arts (QA), Bachelor of Science (QS), and Bachelor of Music (QM) maintain competitive average thresholds in the low 80s. Admission consideration focuses on meeting course prerequisites and threshold grades.
Application Timeline Structure
Navigating the annual application cycle at Queen’s University requires adhering to a structured chronological sequence. Applicants should consult the official portal for specific calendar dates during their application year.
- Early Autumn: Application cycle opens through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).
- Late Autumn: Recommended target timeframe for submitting initial OUAC applications to allow sufficient processing time for SOLUS Student Centre access.
- Early Winter: Institutional deadline to complete major admission award applications on the SOLUS Student Centre.
- Early February: Primary OUAC application deadline for high-demand direct-entry programs, including Smith Commerce, Health Sciences, and Nursing.
- Mid-February: Mandatory submission deadline for online supplementary applications (Kira Talent) for Commerce, Health Sciences, and Nursing. Recommended deadline for submitting secondary school transcripts and second-semester registrations.
- Early March: Application closing deadline for all remaining undergraduate programs, including Arts, Science, Engineering, Computing, Kinesiology, and Music.
- Late March: Final deadline for submitting required documentation, including official transcripts and standardized English test scores.
- Late Spring: Final decisions communicated via SOLUS, and admitted applicants confirm acceptance on the OUAC portal before institutional deadlines.
How Canadian Virtual School Can Help You Qualify
Meeting the competitive academic criteria and prerequisite standards established by Queen’s University requires strategic course selection. Canadian Virtual School (CVS) is an Ontario Ministry of Education–inspected private online high school (BSID #882250) authorized to grant Ontario Secondary School Diploma credits since 2008. CVS provides accessible online secondary courses designed to help domestic and international students qualify for university entrance.
Prospective applicants targeting Queen’s University can utilize Canadian Virtual School courses in several key ways:
- Completing Missing Prerequisites: Students who lack required Grade 12 subjects—such as Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Physics (SPH4U), or Biology (SBI4U)—can complete individual online courses through CVS to satisfy Queen's admission criteria.
- Upgrading Course Marks: Applicants who achieved lower-than-desired marks in required subjects can register for CVS course upgrading to raise their overall top-six admission average.
- Flexible Scheduling and Continuous Intake: With year-round open enrollment available through CVS course registration, students can complete courses on their own timetable to meet Queen's document submission deadlines.
- Earning Recognized OSSD Credits: International and out-of-province students seeking an accredited Canadian diploma route can enroll in Canadian Virtual School online courses to earn valid OSSD credits accepted by Queen's admissions.
Students interested in evaluating their academic pathways can consult advisors via the CVS contact page or explore online learning through Canadian Virtual School. For additional local educational information, review the matching guide on Top Public and Private Schools in Kingston [INSERT WHEN PUBLISHED].
Student Experiences
Success Stories
Frequently Asked Questions
What average do you need to get into Queen’s University?
To get into Queen’s University, applicants generally need an admission average ranging from the low 80s to over 90%, depending on the program. Programs such as Arts and Science require averages in the low 80s, while Smith Commerce, Health Sciences, and Nursing require averages in the low 90s or higher calculated on six 4U/4M courses.
What are the English requirements for Queen’s University admission?
Queen’s University requires applicants whose primary language is not English to submit official language test scores. Accepted tests and minimum required scores include IELTS Academic (6.5 overall, no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT (88 overall, minimum subscores of 20), Duolingo English Test (120), CAEL (70 overall, no band below 60), and PTE Academic (60).
How do international students apply to Queen’s University?
International students apply to Queen’s University through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) using the OUAC 105 application form. Applicants must submit official secondary school transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, and complete any required supplementary applications via Kira Talent. Admitted students must secure a Study Permit and Provincial Attestation Letter through IRCC.
Can I upgrade a course to get into Queen’s University?
Yes, applicants can upgrade a course to raise their admission average for Queen’s University. Queen’s accepts upgraded 4U/4M course marks completed through Ministry-inspected secondary institutions. When calculating admission averages, Queen’s generally evaluates the highest grade achieved in the required prerequisite subject.
Does Queen’s University accept online high school credits?
Queen’s University accepts online high school credits, provided they are granted by an inspected secondary school registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education, such as Canadian Virtual School (BSID #882250). Online credits from inspected schools carry the same academic standing as credits earned in physical schools.
Which Queen’s University programs require a supplementary application?
Smith Commerce, Health Sciences (on-campus), and Nursing (4-year) require a mandatory supplementary application consisting of online written and video prompts submitted through Kira Talent. Bachelor of Music programs require a mandatory personal audition and interview instead of a written supplementary application.
What is the Queen’s QBridge Pathway program?
The QBridge Pathway is an English language program for academically competitive international applicants whose English proficiency scores fall slightly below standard admission requirements. Pathways include QBridge Accelerated, an intensive eight-week summer course, and English for Academic Purposes (EAP), preparing students for full-time degree studies.
How do transfer students apply to Queen’s University?
Transfer students apply to Queen’s University through the OUAC 105 application stream. Applicants are evaluated based on secondary prerequisite completion and post-secondary cumulative GPA. Transfer credits are assessed after an offer of admission is accepted, with secondary advanced standing capped at 18.0 units.
Conclusion
Securing admission to Queen’s University requires achieving strong grades in designated Grade 12 prerequisites, meeting competitive faculty averages, and completing mandatory supplementary assessments. By understanding admission pathways, preparing early for application deadlines, and taking advantage of Ministry-inspected course upgrading options through Canadian Virtual School, prospective applicants can successfully qualify for their chosen program at Queen’s.
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