Queen's University Masters Review 2026: Rankings, Fees & Admission
- qaiserahmadcs
- 19 hours ago
- 5 min read
Introduction
If you want the "Ivy League" experience in Canada—historic limestone buildings, a tight-knit community, and a powerful alumni network—Queen's University is your destination. Ranked #193 globally (QS 2026) and consistently in Canada’s Top 10, Queen's offers a premium education in the city of Kingston, Ontario.
For Indian students, Queen's is most famous for the Smith School of Business, whose MBA and Master of Management programs are among the most sought-after credentials in the corporate world. But Queen's is also a leader in Mining Engineering, Physics, and Health Sciences.
For the 2026 intake, a Queen's University Masters is a prestigious choice. You are Exempt from the International Student Cap, and graduates are guaranteed a 3-Year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Living in Kingston also offers a quieter, student-focused lifestyle compared to the hustle of Toronto, while still being just 2.5 hours away from the financial capital.
In this guide, we break down the elite Smith School admission, the research environment, and why Queen's has the highest graduation rate in Canada.
Highlights: Queen's University at a Glance
Point | Details |
University Name | Queen's University (Official Grad Site) |
QS World Rank (2026) | #193 (Global) |
Location | Kingston, Ontario (The "Limestone City") |
Primary Intake | September (Fall) |
Average Tuition Fee | CAD 14,000 – CAD 110,000 (Massive range) |
Acceptance Rate | ~42% (Overall) |
Application Fee | CAD 110 (General) |
Top PG Courses | MBA (Smith), M.Fin, Mining Engineering, Computing |
Why Choose a Queen's University Masters?
The Smith Brand: A degree from the Smith School of Business is a golden ticket in Canada. Their "Team-Based Learning" approach is famous, and 98% of MBA grads receive job offers within 3 months.
Highest Completion Rate: Queen's has the highest student retention and graduation rate in Canada. The support systems for international students are exceptional, ensuring you don't just start your degree, but finish it successfully.
Kingston Lifestyle: Kingston is a student town. It is safe, walkable, and filled with restaurants and cafes. Rent is generally lower than Toronto, with student housing often available near the beautiful waterfront campus.
Important Dates (September 2026 Intake)
Deadlines vary significantly between Research and Business programs.
Course Type | Applications Open | Application Deadline |
Research/Thesis Masters | Sept 2025 | January 15 – March 1, 2026 |
Master of Computing | Sept 2025 | January 15, 2026 (Strict) |
Smith MBA (Full-Time) | Sept 2025 | January 31, 2026 (Round 3 - International Cutoff) |
Master of Management (MMA/MFin) | Rolling | Apply by December 2025 for scholarship priority |
Pro Tip: For Computing and Psychology, applications close very early (Jan 15). Do not wait until March.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
Queen's maintains high academic standards, especially for its competitive programs.
1. Academic Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree: A 4-year Bachelor's degree (B.E./B.Tech/B.Com Hons) is required.
Percentage: Minimum 75-77% (B+ Average) in the last two years is the standard base requirement. For Smith Business programs, you need 80%+.
3-Year Degrees: Generally NOT accepted for direct entry into research masters. However, some professional programs might consider exceptional candidates with extensive work experience (very rare).
GRE/GMAT:
Smith School (MBA/MFin): GMAT is mandatory. A score of 600+ is required, but 650+ is recommended for Indian applicants.
Science/Engineering: GRE is optional for most programs but can strengthen a lower GPA profile.
2. English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
IELTS Academic: Minimum 7.0 Overall (No band less than 6.0) is common for Law, Business, and English.
General Science/Engineering: Minimum 6.5 Overall.
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 88 (Writing 24, Speaking/Reading 22).
(Struggling with IELTS? Check our Study Abroad Resources for prep tips.)
Admission Process: Business vs. Research
The application path depends entirely on your faculty.
Feature | Smith School of Business (MBA, MFin, MMA) | School of Graduate Studies (MSc, MASc) |
Focus | Career Acceleration, Networking | Research, Academia, Technical Skills |
Portal | Smith Online Application Portal | Queen's School of Graduate Studies Portal |
Video Essay | Mandatory. (Kira Talent Assessment) | Not usually required. |
Fees | Premium. CAD 80k - 110k. | Standard. CAD 14k - 25k. |
Step-by-Step Application:
Select Program: Decide if you are applying to Smith or General Grad Studies.
Contact Supervisor: (For Thesis streams). Essential for funding and acceptance.
Apply Online: Submit the form and pay the fee (CAD 110-150).
Video Interview: Complete the video assessment link (for Business).
Referees: 2 academic or professional references.
Fees & Funding
Queen's has one of the widest gaps between "Professional" and "Research" fees.
Queen's University Masters Program | Annual Tuition (CAD) | Annual Tuition (INR approx) |
MSc Computing (Thesis) | ~$14,000 | ₹8.5L (Very Affordable) |
MASc Engineering (Thesis) | ~$22,000 | ₹13.5L |
Smith MBA (1 Year) | ~$110,000 (Total) | ₹67L (Premium Investment) |
Master of Fin. Tech (MFIN) | ~$85,000 | ₹52L |
Master of Management Analytics | ~$85,000 | ₹52L |
Cost of Living: Kingston is cheaper than Toronto. Budget CAD 16,000 – 19,000 (₹10-12 Lakhs) per year.
Scholarships for Indian Students
Queen’s Graduate Award (QGA): Merit-based funding for research students, often included in the offer letter.
International Tuition Award: Reduces tuition fees for eligible international research students to domestic levels (department specific).
Smith Scholarships: Entrance awards ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 for high-performing MBA/MFin applicants.
Explore more funding options on our Scholarships Page.
Documents Required
Official Transcripts: Scanned copies from all post-secondary institutions.
Cover Letter: Crucial for Smith School applications (Why you? Why Queen's?).
Resume: Maximum 2 pages, professional format.
References: 2 referees.
GMAT/GRE Score: Official report required before the deadline.
FAQs
Q1. Is Queen's University good for Post Graduation?
Ans: Yes, but primarily for Masters Degrees. Queen's does not offer many generic PG Diplomas. A Masters from Queen's (especially from Smith) is a top-tier credential that guarantees the 3-Year Work Visa and commands respect from employers.
Q2. Is Kingston too small for jobs?
Ans: Kingston itself has a smaller job market, but it is located perfectly between Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. Most students secure jobs in Toronto but enjoy the lower cost of living and high quality of life in Kingston during their studies.
Q3. How hard is it to get into the Smith MBA?
Ans: Very hard. It is a boutique program with small class sizes. They look for leadership potential, strong communication skills (video essay matters!), and a solid GMAT score (650+).
Q4. Does Queen's accept backlogs?
Ans: They are strict. A history of multiple backlogs (more than 4-5) will negatively impact your application unless you have a very strong explanation and recent high performance.
Q5. Is the application fee refundable?
Ans: No. The CAD 110-150 fee is non-refundable.
Conclusion
Queen's University offers a blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you are aiming for the corporate boardroom via the Smith School or the research lab in a historic setting, Queen's provides an "Elite" Canadian experience. It is the perfect choice for students who value community, prestige, and a focused academic environment.
Ready for the Royal Treatment?
Applying to Smith or a Thesis program requires a polished profile.
Visit College Simplified for more updates!
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