Queen's University climbed 12 places to #179 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, its fourth consecutive year of improvement, placing it 9th in Canada. Set in the historic lakeside city of Kingston, Ontario, Queen's is known for Smith School of Business, Smith Engineering and a close-knit, residential campus culture.
For Indian students weighing up studying in Canada, Queen's gives you something valuable: automatic international awards worth up to $25,000 a year, renewable for four years, without a separate application. This guide covers the official 2026-27 costs, what each program asks of Indian applicants, the Canadian visa rules now in force, and how to apply from Bangalore and Karnataka.
Why Queen's? The Facts That Matter
What Can You Study at Queen's?
1. Smith Commerce
The Bachelor of Commerce at the Smith School of Business is one of Queen's most competitive programs. Indian applicants need English and Mathematics at the Standard XII level with minimum grades of 80%, plus a mandatory supplementary application.
2. Smith Engineering and Computing
Smith Engineering requires English, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics at the Standard XII level, and first-year students go on to specialise in disciplines such as Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical or Mining Engineering. Computing (QD) requires English and Mathematics and is charged at a separate tuition rate from other Arts and Science degrees.
3. Arts and Science, Health Sciences and Kinesiology
Queen's Faculty of Arts and Science offers Arts, Science, Economics and Kinesiology. Most Arts programs require only English at Standard XII. Health Sciences shares the earlier 1 February deadline with Commerce and Nursing.
Popular with Indian students: Smith Commerce, Smith Engineering, Computing, Economics, Life Sciences and Health Sciences.
Tuition and Living Costs (Official 2026-27 Rates)
| Program (international) | Tuition (CAD) | Total with fees and UHIP (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Science (excluding Computing) | $44,809.80 | $47,324.31 |
| Computing | $54,808.20 | $57,366.58 |
| Smith Engineering (years 1 to 5) | $59,283.74 | $61,867.57 |
| Smith Commerce (years 1 to 2) | $60,839.46 | $63,424.42 |
These are Queen's published 2026-27 fall/winter rates for a normal full-time load, and they include the student activity levy, ancillary fees and UHIP (the university health insurance plan, $948) in the total column. For living costs, Queen's estimates $12,709 to $19,494 for eight months in residence, with food included. Once Fall 2027 rates are published, check the updated figures. Want a complete four-year budget, including Canada's proof-of-funds amount? Talk to us. Planning with families is exactly what our free counselling is for.
Entry Requirements for Indian Students
- Qualifications named by Queen's: The All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE) or the Indian School Certificate (CISCE).
- If you are still in school: Queen's uses your predicted final grades, interim Year 12 grades or pre-board exam results.
- If you have graduated: Queen's uses your final Class XII board exams.
- Verification: CBSE applicants provide their Roll Number, School Number and Admit Card ID. CISCE applicants provide their ISC UID Number and Index Number. Both give written consent for Queen's to access their final results online.
- Program prerequisites: Commerce needs English and Math, both at 80% or above, plus a supplementary application. Engineering needs English, Chemistry, Math and Physics. Computing needs English and Math. Arts needs English.
English Language Requirements
- IELTS Academic: 6.5, with no band below 6.0.
- TOEFL iBT: 4.5 overall with no skill below 4.0, or 88 with at least 20 per section for tests before January 2026.
- PTE Academic: 60. Duolingo: 120. Cambridge English: 175, with no component below 170. CAEL: 70, with no band below 60.
- Waiver: Available if you studied full-time at an English-medium institution for the most recent three years before university. Queen's may still ask for evidence.
- QBridge: If your scores are slightly below the requirement, Queen's automatically assesses you for its QBridge pathway programs.
Scholarships: Automatic Awards for International Students
- Arts and Science International Admission Award
- $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000 or $25,000 a year, renewable for four years. You are considered automatically.
- Commerce International Admission Award
- $15,000, $20,000 or $25,000 a year for Smith Commerce entrants, renewable for four years. You are considered automatically.
- Engineering International Admission Award
- $10,000 to $25,000 a year for Smith Engineering entrants, renewable for four years. You are considered automatically.
- Health Sciences International Admission Award
- $10,000 or $15,000 a year, renewable for four years. You are considered automatically, and Nursing students are not eligible.
Insider knowledge: You will see Queen's Major Admission Awards (with a December deadline) discussed widely, but they are only for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons. For Indian students, the automatic Dean's International Awards above are where the money is, and your academic average drives them. Every percentage point in Class XII counts toward both admission and funding.
Key Dates for Fall 2027
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open (OUAC) | 1 October 2026 |
| Smith Commerce, Health Sciences, Nursing applications | 1 February 2027 |
| Mandatory supplementary application (Commerce, Health Sciences, Nursing) | 15 February 2027 |
| All other first-year programs | 1 March 2027 |
| All documents, including English test scores | 31 March 2027 |
Your Canadian Study Permit: Current Rules
From Queen's offer to study permit
- 1
Accept your offer. Your Queen's letter of acceptance is the core document.
- 2
Get a PAL if you are an undergraduate. Since 1 January 2026, master's and doctoral students at a public institution are exempt. Ontario held the largest 2026 cap allocation, 104,780 applications.
- 3
Show proof of funds. For applications on or after 1 September 2026, IRCC requires CAD 23,448 for one year's living costs (single applicant outside Quebec), plus first-year tuition and travel. Six months of bank statements, a Canadian GIC or funds already in a Canadian account can all serve as proof.
- 4
Give biometrics (CAD 85) at a Canada visa application centre — for Bangalore applicants, the VFS Bengaluru centre.
- 5
Work rights: Up to 24 hours a week off campus during academic sessions, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
Co-op made simpler: Since 1 April 2026, post-secondary students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for a required placement that makes up 50% or less of their program, as long as Queen's confirms the requirement in a letter and your study permit allows on-campus work. There is no weekly hour limit on the placement.
After Graduation: PGWP
- Degrees are exempt from field-of-study rules: This covers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs.
- Language: CLB 7 in all four skills.
- Length: Up to three years for programs of two years or more, and up to three years for eligible master's programs of at least eight months.
Applying from Bangalore and Karnataka
- Karnataka PUC students, confirm first: Queen's India page names CBSE and CISCE only. II PUC is conducted by the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB), so email admission@queensu.ca early to confirm how your results will be assessed for your chosen program.
- CBSE and ICSE schools in Bangalore: Predicted grades, interim Year 12 grades or pre-board results can all support your application. Keep your Roll Number and Admit Card ID (CBSE) or UID and Index Number (ISC) ready for verification.
- English waiver: If your last three years were full-time in an English-medium school, you may not need a test, which saves you both time and money.
- Biometrics: Canada's visa application centre in Bangalore (VFS Bengaluru) takes biometrics, so you can give them without leaving the city.
- Travel: From Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), plan for at least one connection to reach Ontario. Compare routings via Indian, Gulf, European or Canadian hubs.
Falcon Nova's office is in Hebbal, North Bangalore (7th floor, Kirloskar Business Park). Book a free counselling session in person or online to plan your Queen's application and supplementary essays.
Is Queen's Right for You?
Queen's suits students who want a close-knit residential campus, a highly respected business or engineering school, and a real chance at automatic four-year funding. If you enjoy a traditional university town and want to graduate with a Smith name or a QUIP internship on your résumé, Queen's is a strong choice.
Aim for Smith, Queen's and Four-Year Funding
Queen's automatic international awards can reach $25,000 a year for four years, and Smith Commerce's 1 February 2027 deadline and 80% English and Math bar reward applicants who plan ahead. Falcon Nova Consultants has helped hundreds of Indian students plan applications like this. Book your free session at our Hebbal office or online, and we will shape your Queen's application around your board, your program and the awards you can realistically target.
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