UK University · Ranked #38
Queen's University Belfast: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
Queen's University Belfast is an accessible UK university in Belfast, Northern Ireland with an acceptance rate of roughly 75%, meaning most qualified applicants are admitted. Ranked #38 in the UK in our dataset, it is a strong choice for a likely or safety school: meeting the published academic minimums and applying before the deadline puts most students in good standing.
Queen's University Belfast is a Russell Group university and Northern Ireland's most research-intensive institution, with a distinguished academic heritage dating back to 1845.
This guide breaks down Queen's's admission requirements, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
Queen's University Belfast admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 75%
- Home fees
- $11,500
- International fees
- $23,750
- Enrollment
- 17,500
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Belfast, Northern Ireland
How hard is it to get into Queen's University Belfast?
An acceptance rate of 75% makes Queen's an accessible school where most qualified applicants are offered admission. For students who meet the published academic minimums, this functions as a likely or safety option. The priority is a complete, accurate, on-time application rather than a polished competitive narrative.
Queen's is a sensible likely or safety school. Confirm you meet the stated minimums, submit your application early in the cycle, and keep it clean and complete.
Academic profile of admitted students
As a UK university, Queen's does not use the SAT or US-style GPA. Admission is driven primarily by predicted and achieved grades in school-leaving qualifications (such as A-levels or the IB), subject-specific entry requirements for the chosen course, and — for many courses — an admissions test and/or interview. Applicants should research the exact grade requirements for their specific course rather than a single university-wide threshold.
Queen's University Belfastapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Regular Decision: Jan 25
Queen's operates on a single Regular Decision deadline of Jan 25, with no early round in our dataset. Without an early option, the practical advice is to treat Jan 25 as a hard target, finalize essays and recommendations well in advance, and submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal issues.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 25.
Notable programs at Queen's University Belfast
- Law — a strong pre-professional and graduate strength for this institution.
- Medicine — a clinical pathway with prerequisite coursework and, in some cases, separate admission.
- Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Pharmacy — a clinical pathway with prerequisite coursework and, in some cases, separate admission.
- Food Science — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
Queen's is particularly known for Law, Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy, and Food Science.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending Queen's University Belfast
Tuition at Queen's depends heavily on fee status. Home (UK) students pay around £11,500 per year, while international students pay approximately £23,750 — a difference of about £12,250 annually. International applicants should factor this gap, plus living costs in Belfast, into their planning, and verify the exact fee for their specific course since rates vary by subject.
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Queen's University Belfast: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at Queen's University Belfast?
- Queen's University Belfast has an acceptance rate of 75%, which makes it accessible. Queen's is a sensible likely or safety school. Confirm you meet the stated minimums, submit your application early in the cycle, and keep it clean and complete.
- What is the application deadline for Queen's University Belfast?
- Queen's University Belfast's application deadlines: Regular Decision is Jan 25. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is Queen's University Belfast affordable for international students?
- Queen's University Belfast is a UK university. Home (UK) students pay about £11,500 per year while international students pay roughly £23,750; budget for living costs in Belfast on top of tuition.
- How much does it cost to attend Queen's University Belfast?
- Tuition at Queen's depends heavily on fee status. Home (UK) students pay around £11,500 per year, while international students pay approximately £23,750 — a difference of about £12,250 annually. International applicants should factor this gap, plus living costs in Belfast, into their planning, and verify the exact fee for their specific course since rates vary by subject.