Queen's University Belfast is one of the oldest universities in the United Kingdom, housing a top-ranking medical school and engineering faculty, and is renowned as a public research institution on the international stage. The university is committed to nurturing outstanding talent, actively promoting innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration, while providing students with a wealth of learning resources. GROVE Education will guide students in gaining an in-depth understanding of Queen's University Belfast's QS rankings and application essentials, offering a comprehensive analysis of this esteemed European institution.
Background of Queen's University Belfast
Queen's University Belfast (QUB), located in the capital of Northern Ireland, was established in 1845 and is a member of the prestigious Russell Group, enjoying a distinguished reputation across Europe. Currently, the university hosts over 3,800 international students from 112 countries and regions [1], fostering a multicultural learning environment. Furthermore, the campus is equipped with modern teaching facilities, state-of-the-art research equipment, and extensive library collections, providing robust academic support while actively promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge innovation [2].
QS Rankings and Notable Disciplines
In the latest QS World University Rankings for 2026, Queen's University Belfast is ranked 199th globally. It also performs excellently in The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, placing 79th worldwide, and has been awarded 24th in the Complete University Guide for the UK in 2026 [3]. In terms of specific disciplines, according to the latest data, four academic series at Queen's University Belfast rank in the global top 100, including Pharmacy, Nursing, Performing Arts, and Social Policy and Administration [4]. Notably, the Pharmacy department stands out with a global ranking of 19th [5], highlighting the university's exceptional strength and international influence in medical-related fields.
Source: Queen’s University Belfast
Application Essentials and Process
As a venerable and prestigious institution in the UK, applicants to Queen's University Belfast are required to possess excellent academic qualifications. Students aspiring to apply should have a clear understanding of the key application points and processes to enhance their chances of admission. Below are the essential application details [6]:
Application Requirements
Additionally, Queen's University Belfast does not have a standardised entry requirement but instead determines admission criteria based on the specific department and course. Different programmes have varying grade requirements. For applicants with different diploma backgrounds, the university provides the following score conversion table [7][8]:
| A-Level | IB Diploma Total and Higher Level Subjects (HL) | HKDSE (Three Electives) | HKDSE (Two Electives + Core Subject) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA | 36 分（HL 6,6,6） | 555 或 5*5*4 | Not applicable |
| AAB | 34 分（HL 6,6,5） | 554 | Two electives at 5, core subjects (English, Math) at 5 and 4 |
| ABB | 33 分（HL 6,5,5） | 544 | Two electives at 5, core subjects (English, Math) at 4 |
| BBB | 32 分（HL 6,5,5） | 444 | Two electives at 4, core subjects (English, Math) at 5 and 4 |
| BBC | 30 分（HL 5,5,5） | 444（*special note ） | Two electives at 4, core subjects (English, Math) at 4 and 4 |
| BCC | 29 分（HL 5,5,5） | 444 | Two electives at 4, core subjects (English, Math) at 4 and 3 |
If the chosen programme has specific subject requirements, these subjects must be among the HKDSE electives. Although Queen's University Belfast does not explicitly set a minimum score requirement for the IB Diploma, general entry scores range from 29 to 36 points, with Higher Level (HL) scores approximately between 6,6,6 and 5,5,5.
*Note: If the A-Level requirement is BBC and the course specifies Mathematics as an entry requirement, applicants must:
- Simultaneously take both the compulsory and extended parts of HKDSE Mathematics (M1 or M2), and this score may replace one of the elective subjects.
- If the course requires A-Level Mathematics at Grade A, the applicant must achieve a score of 5 in both the compulsory and extended parts of HKDSE Mathematics; if the course requires A-Level Mathematics at Grade B, the applicant must achieve a score of 4 in both parts.
- Should the applicant excel in Mathematics, Queen's University Belfast may consider discretionary treatment of their scores in other elective subjects.
English Language Proficiency
As Queen's University Belfast conducts its courses in English, applicants must meet the English language proficiency entry requirements, with the basic score standards as follows [9]:
- IELTS: Overall score must be 6.5, with no individual component lower than 5.5.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score must be 90, with minimum scores of 17 for Listening, 18 for Reading, 20 for Speaking, and 17 for Writing.
- C2 Proficiency: Overall score must be 176, with no individual component lower than 162.
- C1 Advanced: Overall score must be 176, with no individual component lower than 162.
- GCSE: Must achieve Grade C/4 standard.
It is important to note that some programmes have higher English language requirements; for instance, the Medical School requires an overall IELTS score of 7.5, with Speaking and Listening at 7.0 and Reading and Writing at 6.5 [10]. It is advisable for interested applicants to check the latest English language requirements on the Queen's University Belfast website during the application phase [11].
Application Process
The following outlines the standard application process for Queen's University Belfast [6]:
- Course Selection: Browse the course pages to understand the entry requirements, tuition fees, and teaching arrangements for the desired discipline.
- Prepare Application Documents: International students must prepare proof of qualifications, secondary school transcripts, English language proficiency evidence, and other relevant documents.
- Submit Application through UCAS: Undergraduate applications must be submitted via the UCAS system, following the instructions to upload personal information.
- Monitor Application Status: If an offer is received, applicants must complete any remaining conditions and respond to the offer confirmation in a timely manner.
- Accommodation Application: International students must complete their accommodation application by the end of June [12].
- Freshers Registration: Based on historical data, the registration date for new students is typically in September each year [13]
Source: Queen’s University Belfast
Overview of Tuition Fees at Queen's University Belfast
As a public university ranked among the top in Europe by QS, Queen's University Belfast attracts students from around the globe. The university's tuition fee structure primarily depends on the student's residency and nationality, categorising students into local (UK and Ireland) and international students. When applying to Queen's University Belfast, it is crucial to accurately understand the fee differences between these two categories and their respective application requirements.
Tuition Fees for Local Students (UK and Ireland)
Tuition fees for public universities in the UK are not set uniformly by the central government but are managed and determined by local governments (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). Therefore, the tuition fee structure at Queen's University Belfast varies according to local government policies and the residency and status of the student. Below is an overview of tuition fees for 2025 to 2026 [14]:
| Student Residency | Annual Tuition Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | £4,855 | Students who have long-term residency in Northern Ireland receive lower tuition fees funded by the Northern Ireland government |
| Republic of Ireland | £4,855 | Students holding ROI nationality and residing in Ireland enjoy the same funding policy as Northern Irish students under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement |
| England, Scotland & Wales | £9,535 | Students residing in other parts of the UK do not receive funding from the Northern Ireland government, resulting in relatively higher tuition fees |
| Islands | £9,535 | Students residing in other parts of the UK do not receive funding from the Northern Ireland government, resulting in relatively higher tuition fees |
Tuition Fees for International Students
As international students are not covered by Northern Ireland's government tuition funding policies, the costs differ. Queen's University Belfast charges varying tuition fees (Fee Rate) based on the type of course:
| Fee Rate Level | Category | Tuition Fee | Applicable Examples |
| Fee Rate 1 | Classroom-based | £20,800 | Mainly programs that are classroom-based, such as Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences |
| Fee Rate 2 | Laboratory-based | £25,300 | Includes courses with practical labs or workshops, such as Engineering, Physical Sciences, Medicine, and Health & Life Sciences |
| Fee Rate 3 | Pre-clinical | £38,400 | Applicable to the foundational medical training phase of medical programs |
| Fee Rate 4 | Clinical | £46,000 | Applicable to the clinical training phase of medical programs |
Additionally, the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS Dentistry) programme calculates tuition fees based on a composite fee for the five-year duration, charging a fixed rate each year.
Tuition Fee Adjustments for 2026 to 2027
It is important to note that Queen's University Belfast will adjust its tuition fees for international students for the 2026 to 2027 academic year to the following [15]:
- Fee Rate 1: Tuition fees range from £20,800 to £22,400
- Fee Rate 2: Tuition fees range from £25,300 to £26,600
- Fee Rate 3: Tuition fees range from £38,400 to £39,200
- Fee Rate 4: Tuition fees range from £46,000 to £47,000
Source: Queen’s University Belfast
Admission into Leading European Institutions - Contact GROVE Education
Having reviewed the background and QS ranking of Queen's University Belfast, students should now have a clearer understanding of their academic pathways. If you are planning to apply to Queen's University Belfast, it is advisable to gather information in advance, organise your time effectively, and pay attention to the various application details. For personalised interview guidance and educational consulting services, please contact GROVE Education. Our professional advisors are here to assist you in gaining admission to your desired university.
Reference：
1. Queen’s University Belfast - International students
2. Queen’s University Belfast - State-of-the-art facilities
3. Queen’s University Belfast - Queen’s recognised as leading institution in global rankings
4. Queen’s University Belfast - OUR RANKINGS AND REPUTATION
5. QS Top Universities - Queen’s University Belfast
6. Queen’s University Belfast - How to apply (Undergraduate)
7. Queen’s University Belfast - International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma entry requirements
8. Queen’s University Belfast - Hong Kong
9. Queen’s University Belfast - English language requirements
10. Queen’s University Belfast - Medicine
11. Queen’s University Belfast - Courses
12. Queen’s University Belfast - Moving In
13. Queen’s University Belfast - Enrolment and Registration
14. Queen’s University Belfast - Tuition Fee and Related Charges Schedule 2025–26
15. Queen’s University Belfast - Tuition Fees (International Students)