History
Queen's University was established on October 16, 1841 in a Royal Charter issued by Queen Victoria. The document was granted after years of effort by the Presbyterians of Upper Canada to found a college for the education of ministers in the growing colony, and to instruct youth in the "various branches in Science and Literature."
Education
- Top students from across Canada and more than 90 countries worldwide come to Queen’s to carve their own unique academic paths. Continually challenged by their peers and internationally acclaimed professors, they acquire the knowledge, skills and life experience that will lead to future success.
- Whether you are Canadian or one of our more than 3,400 international students, you will find enriching academic and cultural opportunities from which to choose. Opt for a degree in music or astrophysics, commerce or engineering. Spend a term at our castle in the United Kingdom. Consider an internship, Queen’s Innovation Centre Summer Initiative, or a dual degree to round out your studies. The choices are endless!
Research
Queen’s is a full-spectrum, research-intensive university that conducts leading-edge research in a variety of areas, including:
- computational science and engineering
- globalization studies
- mental health
- basic and clinical biomedical sciences
- healthy environments and sustainable energy systems
- social issues such as surveillance, poverty and bullying
Career
Career Services is here to help undergraduate students, graduate students and recent alumni from all disciplines. We offer a comprehensive range of accessible services to support and empower you in making informed decisions about your career, further education and employment next steps.
University Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2025
193 16
2024
209 37
2023
246
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2024
201
2023
201
2022
201
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
301 -50
2024
251
2023
251
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
359 70
2023
429
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Student services
Whether you’re planning your arrival or settling in for a long stay here, or planning to study abroad, the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) will help you find the information you need to make the right decisions. QUIC also provides valuable resources for students who wish to deepen their international engagement by participating in campus activities that expose them to a global perspective.
Housing services
- Queen's 17 residences, home to more than 4,500 graduate and undergraduate students, are more than just a place to stay while attending university. Here, you’ll meet incredible people from around the world – students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, values and interests. You’ll also be invited to participate in a variety of social activities, cultural events and educational programs.
- Most residences on main campus are within a 10-minute walk to classes, libraries, the Athletics & Recreation Centre (ARC), and our many dining facilities.
Library services
Queen's University Library is committed to an inclusive community with accessible goods, services, and facilities that respect the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities. The Library offers services, technology and accessible spaces for students, faculty and staff with disabilities.
Medical services
Queen's Student Wellness Services (formerly "Health, Counselling, and Disability Services" or "HCDS") supports the personal, academic, and social development of students at Queen's University by providing a range of programs and services. Our mission is to provide a welcoming, confidential, and integrated service that is responsive to the needs of students.
Campus life
- Queen's is located in the city of Kingston, Ontario, Canada, half-way between Montreal and Toronto, two of Canada's largest cities. Kingston is situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, near the entrance to the St. Lawrence River and Thousand Islands, and the Rideau Canal.
- The best way to get to know Queen’s is by coming to visit. Explore our historic buildings, attend cultural events, and spend some time in our distinguished museums, archives, and galleries.
Sports facilities
- Take a break from your studies and unwind with fitness classes, organize a pick-up game with friends, or work out with a personal trainer in our state-of-the-art fitness facility. If you are interested in competitive or high performance sport, why not try out for one of Queen's varsity teams or clubs?
- Whatever you do to get active and stay healthy, and no matter your skill level, Queen's has an athletic option to help you get at the recommended 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week.
Student clubs
Queen's students don't limit their learning to the classroom. They join clubs, run for student government, try out for sports teams, and test their skills in academic competitions. The Student Experience at Queen's is about exploring all your capabilities — academic and otherwise — while learning the values of teamwork, and extending this knowledge to topics and causes that interest you beyond your major.
- Aesculapian Society (Medicine)
- Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS)
- Commerce Society
- Computing Students' Association
- Concurrent Education Students' Association
- Education Graduate Student Society (EGSS)
- Engineering Society
- Law Students' Society
- Physical Health Education & Kinesiology Student Association
Accreditation
Queens University of Charlotte is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelors and masters degrees.