About Queen’s University

Undergraduates need to apply to Queen’s University directly or through a OUAC application and specify a program in their application. There are also different admission requirements depending on where you attended high school.

Need to know:

• Applications for the fall semester open on October 1st and close on December 1st of the previous year.
• The minimum admission average is 75%.
• Program length is typically 4 or 5 years.
• Tuition and ancillary fees for domestic students is $7226.02, and $52,824.52 for international students. You can find more about tuition fees here.
• You can find specific application timelines and how to apply here.
• You can investigate the admission requirements for your chosen faculty based on your high school experience here.

Nitty-gritty:

• The departments of Physics, Engineering Physics, and Astronomy, Chemistry, and Geology are all a part of the Science (QS) programs.
• The department of Engineering is a part of the Engineering and Applied Science (QE) programs.
• If you live in an area where English is not the primary language, you may need to submit English Language Proficiency (ELP) scores.
• Degree specific information can be found here.
• In general, you will need to have completed the following (or an equivalent):
  • Grade 12 English
  • Grade 12 Math
  • Calculus and Vectors
  • Grade 12 Chemistry and Physics
• The Queen’s undergraduate degree structure is flexible to what you want to accomplish. They offer combining two majors (Joint honours), a major and a minor, a specialization in one area of study, or one major with lots of room for electives. There is also the option of doing an Honours degree (with a thesis) or a General degree. Check out all of the Queen’s degree options here.
• Undergraduate students are represented by the Alma Matter Society (AMS).

Graduate students need to apply to the Queen’s University School of Graduate Studies and specify a program in their application. We encourage you to reach out to our faculty before applying. Programs have different requirements and application deadlines.

Need to know:

• Applications can be submitted at any time, and are reviewed in December or February for the following fall.
• Program length is typically 1-2 years for a MSc. or MASc. and 4 years for a PhD.
• Minimum net funding for physics graduate students is $17,701.68 for MSc and $19, 901.68 for PhD, after tuition and fees.
• You can find tuition fee information here.
• You can find information about how to apply here.
• You can find the list of programs and specific entrance requirements here.
• You are encouraged to apply for external funding such as NSERC and OGS

Nitty-gritty:

All graduate programs require previously completed degrees to have a minimum academic standing of B+, 75-79%, or 3.3 GPA. Graduate students are represented by the Society of Graduate and Professional Students, and the
Public Service Alliance of Canada 901.

Astronomy & Astrophysics:

• Annual Base funding: $24,250-$25,450
• Deadlines: Open until filled
• Requirements: BSc. Hons (MSc.), MSc. or M.A.Sc (Ph.D)

Chemistry:

• Annual Base funding: $26,000 – $27,060
• Deadlines: February 1 (international), flexible (domestic)
• Requirements: BSc. in a related field.

Engineering Physics:

• Annual Base funding: $24,250 – $25,450
• Deadlines: Open until filled
• Requirements: B.Eng. or B.A.Sc (M.A.Sc), M.A.Sc (Ph.D)

Geology:

• Annual Base funding: $21,000 – $23,000
• Deadlines: February 1
• Requirements: BSc. in a related field.

Physics:

• Annual Base funding: $24,715 – $25,915
• Deadlines: December 15
• Requirements: BSc. Hons or B.Eng (MSc.), MSc. or M.A.Sc (Ph.D)

Potential postdoctoral fellows applying to Queen’s University apply directly to a research group and supervisor. Queen’s offers a supportive Office of Postdoctoral Training to help you find the resources you need and get the most out of your fellowship.

Need to know:

• Apply directly to a faculty member, not through a central office.
• You are encouraged to apply for external funding regardless of the internal funding arranged in your contract.
• Postdoctoral Fellows are considered employees, and have specific Human Resources policies to follow.
• Postdoctoral Fellows are represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada 901.

Nitty-gritty:

• Position length is typically 2-3 years, but more than one fellowship may be held consecutively with the same supervisor.
• There is not a standardized salary for postdoctoral fellows at Queen’s, as your base annual salary is set by the supervisor. A minimum base annual salary for Queen’s is $46,000 – $47,000, and for the physics department is $55,000.

The range of employment options at Queen’s University covers engineers, technicians, research support staff, and administrative staff. All positions can be found and must be applied for through the CareerQ web portal unless otherwise specified.

Need to know:

• Critical policies and tools are available through the Human Resources page.
• A position may be listed on a department or faculty website as well as on the CareerQ web portal.
• Positions are categorized as Confidential & Research, USW Local 2010, or Queen’s Managerial and Professional Group (QMPG).
• Staff are usually represented by CUPE Local 254 (Queen’s University Technicians) or USW Local 2010 (United Steel Workers).

Nitty-gritty:

• The category of a position dictates the compensation and other contract information. The Queen’s benefits package is available to all staff.
• All positions are designated a Grade (2-9 for Confidential & Research and USW Local 2010, 10-14 for QMPG). Step is determined by experience, seniority, and/or length of time in that position. Every position will increase 1 step every year on July 1.