Queen’s University Belfast, in the capital of Northern Ireland, is a Russell Group university known for subjects such as medicine, law, engineering, computer science and business. Belfast is a friendly, affordable city, and Queen’s welcomes students from many countries.
For most Queen’s courses starting in September 2027, the UCAS equal consideration deadline is 13 January 2027. Here are 10 things you can do to give yourself the best chance, based on Queen’s University Belfast’s own guidance. If you’re applying for a master’s or PhD instead, see the section near the end.
1. Choose your course
Queen’s course pages give the entry requirements, English requirement, fees and deadlines for 2027 entry. Some subjects can be studied as a major with a minor subject, such as Economics with Finance.
2. Meet the entry requirements
For example, for 2027 entry, Economics BSc asks for ABB at A level plus GCSE Mathematics at grade A or 7, or 33 points in the IB including 6, 5, 5 at Higher Level. Queen’s Economics BSc.
3. Check for tests and interviews
Most Queen’s courses don’t use admissions tests, but medicine, dentistry and some health courses have extra selection steps, such as the UCAT and interviews. If you’re hoping to study medicine or dentistry, note that the UCAS deadline for 2027 entry was 15 October 2026, and you’d also have needed to sit the UCAT, so you’d now be planning for 2028 entry.
4. Write a strong personal statement
The UCAS personal statement asks three questions: why you want to study your chosen course, how your education has prepared you, and what other experiences have prepared you. You have 4,000 characters in total, and each answer must be at least 350 characters. Explain why the course interests you and what you’d like to do with it in future. Admissions tutors want evidence of real interest in the subject, so explain what you’ve done and what you learned from it.
5. Show your interests and experiences
Mention activities that connect to your subject, such as reading, projects, work experience, competitions or volunteering, and explain what you learned. Keep it specific and honest.
6. Get a strong reference
Your teacher’s reference helps Queen’s understand your achievements in context. It should give your predicted grades and describe your strengths in the subject you’re applying for. Ask early, especially if your school isn’t used to UCAS applications, and give your referee plenty of time before the January deadline.
7. Know the deadlines
The equal consideration deadline for 2027 entry is 6pm on 13 January 2027. For international and EU students outside the UK and Ireland, Queen’s normally considers applications for many courses until 30 June 2027, and later applications go into Clearing. But don’t leave it too late: popular courses can fill up, and you’ll need time for your visa.
8. Meet the English requirement
For Economics BSc, Queen’s asks for IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each part, or an equivalent qualification. Check your course page for its requirement. Practise with our free IELTS, TOEFL and PTE practice tests.
9. Plan your budget
For 2027–28, Queen’s lists an international fee of £24,600 a year for Economics BSc, lower than at many other Russell Group universities. International fees are based on your first year of registration. Belfast is also one of the most affordable UK cities for students. Check Queen’s international scholarships before you apply.
10. Get ready for your Student visa
Most students from outside the UK and Ireland need a Student visa. You can apply once you have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from Queen’s, which it issues after you’ve accepted your offer and met the conditions. You’ll need to show you have enough money for your fees and living costs. After you graduate, the Graduate Route usually lets you work in the UK, but it’s due to be shortened from two years to 18 months for applications made from 1 January 2027. Check GOV.UK for the current rules.
Applying for a master’s or PhD at Queen’s?
Queen’s offers a range of one-year master’s degrees and PhDs, including programmes at Queen’s Business School and in computer science, engineering and law. You apply directly to the university, not through UCAS. Most programmes ask for a good first degree (often a UK upper second-class degree or the equivalent), a personal statement, references and, for international applicants, an English test. See our 50 sample SOPs, free GRE and GMAT practice tests, and our guide to the best AI master’s degrees in the UK.
Be ambitious, but apply to a balanced list
Queen’s turns down many strong applicants every year, because there are more excellent students than places. Use your five UCAS choices wisely: apply to Queen’s if it’s right for you, and include universities where your chances are good. Read our guides to other Russell Group universities, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Cardiff. Our guide to studying in the UK explains how UK universities work, and our free study abroad assessment can help you build a shortlist.
Information was taken from Queen’s University Belfast’s official course and international fees pages, and checked in October 2026. Entry requirements, deadlines, tests, fees and visa rules can change, so always confirm the details on Queen’s University Belfast’s undergraduate website before you apply. StudyAbroadMarket is not affiliated with Queen’s University Belfast.