History

Queen’s University is one of Canada’s most historic and respected universities. Established in 1841, it has developed from a nineteenth-century institution into a globally recognised research-intensive university. Its long history has helped shape a distinctive identity built on academic excellence, public service, and strong community traditions.

Notable Alumni

Queen’s University has a broad and influential alumni tradition across politics, business, science, public service, medicine, and the arts. Its active global alumni network spans more than 150,000 graduates in over 100 countries, reflecting the university’s long-standing national and international impact.

Strong Subjects

Queen’s is especially well known for arts and science, engineering, business, health sciences, law, and education. It combines strong breadth in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences with professionally respected programs such as Smith Engineering, Smith School of Business, and Health Sciences.

Academic Structure

Queen’s University is organised through a number of major faculties and schools, including the Faculty of Arts and Science, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Law, Smith School of Business, and Smith Engineering. This structure gives the university both disciplinary depth and broad academic coverage.

Distinctive Features

One of Queen’s defining features is the way it combines historic prestige with a strong student community and a highly recognisable campus identity in Kingston, Ontario. It is especially known for school spirit, strong alumni engagement, and a balance between traditional academic strengths and professionally oriented programs.

Admissions

Undergraduate admission to Queen’s is competitive and primarily academic. Applicants must meet program-specific admission requirements, and official admissions pages explain that self-reported or unofficial grades may be used for assessment, with final official documents required later. For some competitive programs, including Commerce, Health Sciences, and Nursing, applicants must also complete a Supplementary Application.

Summary

Queen’s University is a historic, research-led Canadian university with strong academic breadth, highly respected professional programs, and a distinctive student culture. It is especially attractive to students seeking academic ambition, strong campus identity, and the reputation of one of Canada’s best-known universities.

What are Queen's University looking for?

Queen’s University is looking for applicants with strong academic ability, solid preparation for their chosen program, and clear evidence that they are ready to succeed in university study.

First, Queen’s places major importance on academic performance. Applicants are assessed against program-specific admission requirements, and grades remain the foundation of most admission decisions.

Second, Queen’s is also looking for students who are a strong fit for their chosen program. For competitive programs such as Commerce, Health Sciences, and Nursing, the university requires a Supplementary Application in addition to the standard application materials.

Third, the university values full and accurate application materials. Official admissions guidance makes clear that applicants may be assessed using unofficial or self-reported grades initially, but final official documents must later confirm eligibility.

Fourth, Queen’s is looking for students who can contribute to a strong academic and campus community. Its long-standing emphasis on school spirit, professional development, and student engagement suggests that the university values applicants who are both academically capable and ready to participate actively in university life.

In summary, Queen’s University is looking for students who are academically strong, well prepared for their chosen field, and able to demonstrate their readiness through both academic achievement and, where required, supplementary application materials.

Admissions Statistics

ADMISSION INFORMATION

APPLICATION DATES & DEADLINES

Additional essay questions of the application.