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Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario runs exchange programs in two directions. Students from partner universities around the world can come to Queen’s for a term or a year. Queen’s own students can study abroad at partner universities. Applications for 2027-28 Queen’s outgoing exchange open on 1 December 2026, with the deadline on the second Friday in January. This guide covers both routes, with deadlines, eligibility and costs.
Key facts: Queen’s University exchange program 2027-28
- Coming to Queen’s: you must be nominated by your home university, which needs an exchange agreement with Queen’s
- Incoming deadlines: fall or full year: nomination 1 April, application 30 April. Winter: nomination 1 September, application 30 September
- Going abroad from Queen’s: applications open 1 December 2026; deadline is the second Friday in January 2027
- Fees for Queen’s students: $50 application fee and $250 placement fee; you keep paying Queen’s tuition
- Language of teaching at Queen’s: English
- Office: Queen’s International Programs Office (IPO), ipo@queensu.ca
Last checked: November 2026.
How the Queen’s exchange program works
An exchange is a swap between two universities that have an agreement. Students pay tuition to their home university and study at the partner university for a term or a full year. The credits then count towards their home degree. Queen’s International Programs Office (IPO) manages exchanges for most faculties. The Smith School of Business, Faculty of Law and Smith Engineering also run their own exchange options.
Coming to Queen’s as an exchange student
If you study at a university that has an exchange agreement with Queen’s, your home university’s exchange office nominates you. Queen’s then emails you, at your university email address, a link to the online application.
| Term at Queen’s | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall term or full year | 1 April | 30 April |
| Winter term (early) | 1 April | 30 April |
| Winter term (final) | 1 September | 30 September |
What to expect at Queen’s:
- Courses: mainly undergraduate courses in the Faculty of Arts and Science, with some courses in Law, Smith School of Business, Smith Engineering and Health Sciences.
- Course load: 12 to 15 units per term is recommended.
- English: all classes are in English, and you may need to show proof of English proficiency.
- Housing: on-campus residence is not available for exchange students, so plan to rent off campus. The Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) has housing resources.
- Health insurance: all exchange students are enrolled in the mandatory University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP).
If your university is not a Queen’s partner, you cannot come on exchange, but you may be able to apply as a visiting or full-degree student instead.
Going abroad: Queen’s outgoing exchange programs
The IPO offers five outgoing exchange programs for undergraduates in Arts and Science, Health Sciences and Smith Engineering, including the Bilateral Exchange Program, TASSEP, the St Andrews Exchange and the Killam Fellowships Program. You can apply to more than one.
- Eligibility: for the Bilateral program you must be in an Honours (four-year) program. Partner universities set their own minimum GPA, often between 2.6 and 3.2.
- Timing: you cannot go on exchange in the final term of your degree.
- Languages: some partners teach in other languages and require proof of proficiency.
- Costs: a $50 application fee and a $250 placement fee, plus your normal Queen’s tuition.
- Funding: domestic and international students can apply for the Exchange Bursary through Queen’s Financial Aid and Awards.
Queen’s says its outgoing selection process is being reviewed for 2027-28, so check the IPO website for the latest steps before you apply.
How to apply for a Queen’s outgoing exchange
- Research partner universities on the IPO website and check their GPA and language requirements.
- Attend an IPO information session or advising appointment.
- Apply online between 1 December 2026 and the second Friday in January 2027, and pay the $50 application fee.
- Accept your placement and pay the $250 placement fee if you are nominated.
- Apply to the host university, which is the final step before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply to the Queen’s University exchange program as an international student?
Ask your home university’s exchange office whether it has an agreement with Queen’s. If it does, they nominate you, and Queen’s sends you the application link.
What is the Queen’s exchange deadline?
For incoming students, 30 April for fall or full-year exchanges and 30 September for winter. For Queen’s students going abroad, the second Friday in January.
Do exchange students pay Queen’s tuition?
Exchange students pay tuition to their home university, not the host. Queen’s students on exchange keep paying Queen’s tuition.
Is there a Queen’s law exchange?
Yes. The Faculty of Law runs its own exchange options. Check the Queen’s Law website for partners and deadlines.
Related guides
- University of Ottawa Exchange Program
- Exchange Programs in Canada
- Ways to Study in Canada for Free
- Guide to Study in Canada
Sources: Queen’s IPO, Thinking about exchange; Queen’s IPO, Bilateral Exchange Program; Queen’s IPO, exchange fees; Queen’s Arts and Science exchange fact sheet for partner universities.