African students planning to study in Canada in 2027 can receive substantial undergraduate scholarships at Queen’s University, including automatic international awards worth as much as CAD 25,000 per year.
Because some Queen’s international admission awards renew for four years, an eligible student could receive up to:
CAD 100,000 over a four-year undergraduate degree.
Even better, international students do not need to submit a separate application for the main Dean’s International Award Program. Queen’s automatically considers eligible international fee-paying students after they apply for admission.
According to Queen’s official international student awards information, the programme currently provides renewable scholarships for students entering Arts and Science, Engineering, Commerce and Health Sciences, with annual awards ranging from CAD 5,000 to CAD 25,000 depending on the faculty and award level.
Students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and other African countries can qualify if they meet Queen’s admission and scholarship requirements.
Applications for Fall 2027 opened on October 1, 2026.
Students applying for Commerce, Health Sciences or Nursing must submit their admission application by February 1, 2027, while applications for most other first-year programmes close on March 1, 2027. All required transcripts, documents and English-language results must normally reach Queen’s by March 31, 2027.
Queen’s University Scholarships 2027 at a Glance
University: Queen’s University
Location: Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Study Level: Undergraduate
African Students: Eligible
Main International Scholarship Program: Dean’s International Award Program
Arts and Science Award: CAD 5,000 to CAD 25,000 per year
Engineering Award: CAD 10,000 to CAD 25,000 per year
Commerce Award: CAD 15,000 to CAD 25,000 per year
Health Sciences Award: CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000 per year
Maximum Potential International Award: Up to CAD 100,000 over four years
Separate Application for Dean’s International Awards: No
Principal’s Scholarship: CAD 7,000
Applications Opened: October 1, 2026
Commerce, Health Sciences and Nursing Deadline: February 1, 2027
Most Other Undergraduate Programmes: March 1, 2027
Documents and English Test Deadline: March 31, 2027
Study Begins: September 2027
Last Updated: October 2026
Dean’s International Award Program
The Dean’s International Award Program is one of the most important Queen’s University scholarship opportunities for African students.
Queen’s automatically considers international students entering eligible first-year undergraduate programmes.
You do not need to write a separate scholarship essay.
You do not need school nomination.
You do not need to complete a scholarship form.
Instead, the university uses your academic record to determine whether you qualify.
The awards renew for up to three additional years as long as the student remains enrolled full time in the original faculty and satisfies the renewal conditions.
Queen’s lists the full programme on its international student financial aid page.
Queen’s Arts and Science International Admission Award
International students entering the Faculty of Arts and Science can automatically receive consideration for renewable scholarships worth:
CAD 5,000 per year
CAD 10,000 per year
CAD 15,000 per year
CAD 20,000 per year
or
CAD 25,000 per year.
Because these scholarships can renew for four years, the highest award could potentially provide:
CAD 25,000 × 4 = CAD 100,000.
The scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement.
There is no separate application.
The student must continue full-time study within the Faculty of Arts and Science to remain eligible for renewal.
What Can You Study in Arts and Science?
Queen’s Faculty of Arts and Science contains a wide range of programmes.
Depending on your academic background and admission requirements, you may find programmes related to:
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
- Political Studies
- Global Development
- Environmental Studies
- History
- Languages
- Sociology
- Philosophy
and several other areas.
African students interested in Computing should pay particular attention to their mathematics requirements before applying.
Queen’s Engineering International Admission Award
Students entering the Stephen J.R. Smith School of Engineering and Applied Science can receive automatic consideration for international entrance awards worth:
CAD 10,000 per year
CAD 15,000 per year
CAD 20,000 per year
or
CAD 25,000 per year.
At the highest level, this could again provide:
CAD 100,000 over four years.
No separate scholarship application is required.
Queen’s awards the scholarship based on academic achievement to international students paying international tuition fees.
What Engineering Programmes Can African Students Study?
Queen’s offers Engineering programmes in areas including:
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Mechatronics and Robotics
- Engineering Physics
depending on current programme availability.
For Nigerian and other WASSCE applicants, Engineering currently requires senior-level:
- English
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Physics
Queen’s publishes the requirements through its official WASSCE admission page.
Queen’s Commerce International Admission Award
African students interested in Business should look closely at the Smith School of Business Bachelor of Commerce.
International Commerce students can automatically receive awards worth:
CAD 15,000 per year
CAD 20,000 per year
or
CAD 25,000 per year.
A student receiving the highest renewable award throughout a four-year programme could therefore receive:
CAD 100,000.
Again, no separate scholarship application is required for the Commerce International Admission Award.
Smith Commerce Admission Requirements for WASSCE Students
For students using WASSCE, Queen’s currently requires senior-level:
- English
- Mathematics
Applicants need at least:
B2 in English
and
B2 in Mathematics.
Commerce applicants must also complete a mandatory supplementary application.
Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Smith Commerce is competitive, so applicants should aim for the strongest possible academic results.
Queen’s Health Sciences International Admission Award
International students entering the Bachelor of Health Sciences can receive automatic scholarships worth:
CAD 10,000 per year
or
CAD 15,000 per year.
The award can renew for four years, potentially providing up to:
CAD 60,000.
Students in the Bachelor of Nursing programme are not eligible for this particular Dean’s International Award.
Health Sciences Requirements for WASSCE Students
Queen’s currently requires WASSCE Health Sciences applicants to present senior-level:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English Literature
- Mathematics
Students need a minimum senior-level English grade of:
B2.
Health Sciences also requires a mandatory supplementary application.
Principal’s Scholarship
Queen’s also offers an automatic Principal’s Scholarship.
The award is worth:
CAD 7,000.
Queen’s selects recipients from students who rank in approximately the top 3% of the competitive admission average for their first-entry undergraduate programme.
There is no separate application.
Eligible international students can receive automatic consideration.
Queen’s explains the current award on its automatic admission awards page.
Is the Principal’s Scholarship Renewable?
No.
The CAD 7,000 Principal’s Scholarship is a one-year entrance award.
However, Queen’s also offers renewable international awards through the Dean’s International Award Program.
Students should remember that Queen’s generally does not allow recipients to receive more than one merit-based admission award at the same time.
If the university considers you for several merit scholarships, it may apply the higher-value award according to its scholarship rules.
Principal Wallace Freedom of Opportunity Award
Queen’s also maintains an automatic award that can be particularly relevant to international students from developing countries.
The Principal Wallace Freedom of Opportunity Award considers academic achievement and gives preference to a refugee student.
If Queen’s does not identify an eligible refugee recipient, the university can award the funding to international students from developing countries who demonstrate significant financial need.
Students receive automatic consideration according to the award conditions.
If granted upon admission, the award can renew for three additional years provided the student remains in good academic standing and studies full time.
Can African Students Apply for Queen’s University Scholarships?
Yes.
Queen’s international admission awards are open to eligible international students.
To qualify for most Queen’s international admission scholarships, you need to:
- Be an international student
- Enter first-year post-secondary study for the first time
- Pay international student tuition fees
- Meet the admission requirements for your chosen programme.
Therefore, students can apply from countries such as:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Uganda
- South Africa
- Rwanda
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Cameroon
- Ethiopia
- Sierra Leone
- Liberia
- Botswana
- Namibia
- Senegal
- The Gambia
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Benin
- Togo
- Morocco
- Egypt
- Algeria
and other African countries.
Can Nigerian Students Apply?
Yes.
Queen’s has specific undergraduate admission guidance for students from Nigeria.
The university accepts the:
WASSCE — West African Senior School Certificate.
Queen’s states that the grades needed for competitive admission vary by programme and year.
For Nigerian WASSCE applicants, the university currently says a combination of:
B2 and B3
normally places students within the minimum competitive range, although individual programmes may require stronger grades or specific subjects.
Can Ghanaian Students Apply?
Yes.
Ghanaian students using WASSCE can also apply.
Queen’s provides common WASSCE admission guidance covering the senior secondary qualification used across West Africa.
Eligible Ghanaian students can also receive automatic consideration for Queen’s international scholarships.
Can Kenyan Students Apply?
Yes.
Kenyan international students can apply for Queen’s undergraduate programmes and scholarships.
Applicants should check the current country-specific admission page for the academic qualifications and prerequisites associated with their chosen programme.
Can Ugandan Students Apply?
Yes.
Eligible Ugandan students can apply for first-year undergraduate admission and receive consideration for Queen’s international scholarships.
Can South African Students Apply?
Yes.
South African applicants paying international tuition can qualify for Queen’s international awards if they satisfy the university’s academic requirements.
Can Rwandan and Tanzanian Students Apply?
Yes.
Eligible students from Rwanda, Tanzania and other African countries can compete.
How Does Queen’s Calculate Scholarship Grades for African Students?
Queen’s does not force every international grading system into one universal Canadian percentage before reviewing the application.
For students studying in education systems outside Canada, Queen’s calculates the scholarship average in a way that remains consistent with the academic assessment and criteria it uses for admission.
Therefore, do not try to convert your WASSCE, A-Level, KCSE or other qualification into a Canadian percentage using an unofficial online calculator.
Submit your actual grades.
Queen’s will assess them.
Do You Need a Separate Scholarship Application?
Not for the main Dean’s International Awards.
You receive automatic consideration after applying to Queen’s.
You also receive automatic consideration for awards such as the Principal’s Scholarship.
This makes Queen’s particularly attractive to African students who do not want to depend on a separate school nomination or lengthy scholarship essay process.
Important Warning About Queen’s Major Admission Awards
Queen’s also advertises major competitive scholarships such as the Chancellor’s Scholarship and other Major Admission Awards.
However, African international students should read the eligibility criteria carefully.
Queen’s currently states that its Major Admission Awards are available to:
- Canadian citizens
- Permanent residents of Canada
- Protected persons in Canada
Therefore, an African applicant studying on an international study permit generally cannot apply for these Major Admission Awards unless they also hold one of the required Canadian statuses.
Do not confuse Queen’s automatic international admission awards with the domestic Major Admission Awards competition.
Queen’s University Admission Deadlines 2027
Applications for Fall 2027 opened on:
October 1, 2026.
Queen’s uses different admission deadlines depending on the programme.
Commerce, Health Sciences and Nursing
Applications close:
February 1, 2027.
The mandatory supplementary application deadline is:
February 15, 2027.
Most Other First-Year Programmes
Applications close:
March 1, 2027.
This includes many programmes in areas such as Arts, Science, Computing and Engineering.
Document Deadline
Queen’s must normally receive:
- Transcripts
- Supporting documents
- English-language test results where required
by:
March 31, 2027.
Why African Scholarship Applicants Should Apply Early
Queen’s main international scholarships are automatic.
However, automatic does not mean you should wait until the final application day.
Early application gives you more time to:
- Activate SOLUS
- Submit transcripts
- Resolve missing document issues
- Complete supplementary applications
- Submit English-language evidence
- Correct mistakes
- Prepare a Canadian study permit application after admission
International students also need enough time for immigration processing after receiving an offer.
Nigerian WASSCE Requirements at Queen’s
Queen’s publishes detailed programme requirements for Nigerian students.
The minimum competitive WASSCE profile generally uses a combination of:
B2 and B3 grades.
However, programme prerequisites vary.
Computing
Queen’s Computing currently requires:
- Senior-level English
- Mathematics.
Engineering
Engineering requires:
- English
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Physics.
Commerce
Commerce requires:
- English
- Mathematics
with at least:
B2 in both subjects.
Health Sciences
Health Sciences requires:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English Literature
- Mathematics
with at least:
B2 in senior-level English.
Nursing
Nursing requires:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English Literature
- Mathematics
with at least:
B3 in senior-level English.
Science
Science applicants need:
- English
- Mathematics
- Two of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Does Queen’s Accept WAEC Results?
Yes.
Queen’s accepts WASSCE results for students from countries including Nigeria and Ghana.
For Nigerian applicants, the university can verify WAEC results electronically.
Students need to provide information including:
- Examination number
- Examination year
- Examination type
- WAEC PIN
- Serial number
- Written permission allowing Queen’s to verify the results
Queen’s explains the process through its official WASSCE verification guidance.
Do African Students Need IELTS?
Not necessarily.
Queen’s provides several routes to satisfy its English Language Proficiency requirement.
You do not generally need an English-language test if you:
- Completed a qualifying IB Diploma; or
- Lived in a country where English is recognised as the primary language for the most recent three years before university; or
- Attended a full-time educational institution where English was the medium of instruction for the most recent three years.
Therefore, some African applicants can potentially enter Queen’s without IELTS.
Can Nigerian Students Apply Without IELTS?
Potentially, yes.
A Nigerian student who attended an English-medium school full time for the required three-year period may qualify for an English requirement waiver.
However, Queen’s reserves the right to request an English-language test from any applicant.
If Queen’s requests a test and you believe your education qualifies for a waiver, you can contact the university and provide official evidence from your school confirming that English was the sole medium of instruction.
Queen’s explains the waiver procedure on its English proficiency requirements page.
What IELTS Score Does Queen’s Require?
If you use IELTS Academic, Queen’s currently requires:
6.5 overall
with:
No individual band below 6.0.
Students should submit test results well before the March 31 document deadline because testing organisations can take time to deliver official scores.
Does Queen’s Accept TOEFL?
Yes.
Queen’s currently accepts TOEFL as an English-language option.
For tests taken under the scoring system used before January 2026, the university lists:
88 overall
with at least:
20 in Writing
20 in Speaking
20 in Reading
20 in Listening.
Students taking TOEFL under newer scoring structures should follow the current conversion shown by Queen’s at the time they apply.
Does Queen’s Have an English Pathway?
Yes.
Students who are academically competitive but do not meet the normal English-language requirement can receive consideration for QBridge.
Queen’s offers:
- QBridge Accelerated
- QBridge English for Academic Purposes
QBridge Accelerated is an intensive summer programme and is available as a pathway into all first-year undergraduate programmes.
Students can find the current language thresholds through Queen’s QBridge admission information.
Can Final-Year Secondary School Students Apply?
Yes.
African students do not need to wait until after receiving every final examination result.
You can apply while completing secondary school.
Queen’s reviews available grades and can request current-year or final results later.
Check your SOLUS To-Do List after applying because Queen’s uses it to tell you exactly which documents are still needed.
Can Gap-Year Students Receive Queen’s Scholarships?
Potentially, yes.
Most Queen’s admission scholarships require students to enter post-secondary education for the first time.
Therefore, a recent secondary school graduate taking a gap year can remain eligible if they have not already started post-secondary study.
Can Current University Students Receive These Scholarships?
Generally, no.
Students with previous post-secondary education are normally not eligible for Queen’s standard first-year admission awards.
Transfer students should search for funding specifically available to their admission category.
Are Queen’s University Scholarships Fully Funded?
Most Queen’s international entrance scholarships are not full-ride scholarships in the traditional sense.
However, the Dean’s International Award Program can provide substantial funding.
For example, eligible students in Arts and Science, Engineering or Commerce can receive as much as:
CAD 25,000 per year
or:
CAD 100,000 over four years.
The scholarship does not automatically promise separate payment for:
- International flights
- Residence
- Meals
- Study permit fees
- Personal expenses
Therefore, students should calculate their remaining costs after receiving an award.
Does the Queen’s Scholarship Cover Accommodation?
The Dean’s International Award is a financial scholarship.
Queen’s does not describe it as a separate free residence package.
Students need to use their overall financial resources to pay for accommodation.
Does Queen’s Pay for Flights?
International airfare is not listed as a standard benefit of the main Dean’s International Awards.
Students should therefore budget separately for travel to and from Canada.
How to Apply for Queen’s University Scholarships From Africa
Step 1: Choose Your Programme
Start by choosing what you genuinely want to study.
Queen’s offers programmes in areas including:
- Computing
- Engineering
- Business
- Economics
- Health Sciences
- Nursing
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Political Studies
- Psychology
- Global Development
- Arts
Check the prerequisites before applying.
Step 2: Apply to Queen’s
Fall 2027 applications opened on October 1, 2026.
Students normally apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre.
Step 3: Watch for Your SOLUS Login
After Queen’s receives your application, you receive access to the SOLUS Student Centre.
Use SOLUS to monitor:
- Required documents
- Admission status
- Awards
- Financial aid
- Supplementary application requirements
Step 4: Submit Your Academic Records
Follow your country-specific requirements.
Nigerian and Ghanaian WASSCE applicants should also prepare their WAEC verification details where requested.
Step 5: Complete Supplementary Applications
Commerce, Health Sciences and Nursing require additional supplementary applications.
The 2027 deadline is:
February 15, 2027.
Step 6: Meet the English Requirement
If Queen’s requests an English-language test, submit an accepted result.
If you believe you qualify for an English-medium education waiver, provide the requested documentation.
Step 7: Wait for Automatic Scholarship Assessment
For the main international admission scholarships, you do not need a separate scholarship form.
Queen’s automatically considers eligible students after reviewing their admission application.
How to Strengthen Your Queen’s Scholarship Chances
Focus on Academic Results
The Dean’s International Awards primarily use academic achievement.
Therefore, your grades matter heavily.
A strong extracurricular profile cannot completely replace weak academic results for these automatic merit awards.
Take Programme Prerequisites Seriously
Your overall results may look excellent, but missing a required subject can prevent admission.
Engineering students need strong mathematics and science preparation.
Commerce students need strong English and Mathematics.
Health Sciences requires Biology, Chemistry, English Literature and Mathematics for WASSCE applicants.
Submit Updated Grades
Queen’s can make scholarship decisions using grades available when it makes your admission offer.
Therefore, send updated academic results as required.
Do not assume your early grades are the only marks the university will review.
Queen’s University vs Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years.
Pearson is therefore more comprehensive than Queen’s standard international entrance awards.
However, Pearson selects only about 37 students worldwide and requires school nomination.
Queen’s Dean’s International Awards provide automatic consideration and can reach CAD 100,000 over four years.
African students can compare both opportunities in our Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027 for African Students guide.
Queen’s University vs UBC International Scholars Program
The UBC International Scholars Program focuses strongly on students with exceptional academics, leadership and significant financial need.
Queen’s international admission awards mainly focus on academic achievement and do not require the same detailed financial assessment.
Students requiring substantial need-based support can compare both through our UBC International Scholars Program 2027 for African Students guide.
Queen’s University vs York University Scholarships
York University’s President’s International Scholarship of Excellence can provide:
CAD 180,000 over four years.
Queen’s Dean’s International Awards can provide up to:
CAD 100,000 over four years.
However, York’s largest scholarship requires school nomination and a competitive scholarship application.
Queen’s Dean’s International Awards require no separate application.
Students can compare York in our York University Scholarships 2027 for African Students guide.
Queen’s University vs University of Ottawa Scholarships
The University of Ottawa currently offers eligible international students studying in English automatic scholarship support worth up to CAD 60,000, with an additional CAD 10,000 available to selected high achievers.
Queen’s automatic international awards can reach CAD 100,000 over four years depending on the faculty and scholarship level.
Read our University of Ottawa Scholarships 2027 for African Students guide to compare both universities.
Queen’s University vs McGill University Scholarships
McGill’s centrally administered international major scholarships can provide up to CAD 10,000 per year for most international students, while its CAD 3,000 one-year entrance scholarship requires no separate application.
Queen’s offers significantly larger automatic faculty-specific awards for selected international students.
Students comparing Ontario and Quebec can also read our McGill University Scholarships 2027 for African Students guide.
Common Queen’s University Scholarship Mistakes
Assuming You Need to Apply Separately
The main Dean’s International Awards are automatic.
Apply for admission and submit your documents correctly.
Applying for the Wrong Major Admission Awards
Queen’s Major Admission Awards generally require Canadian citizenship, permanent residence or protected-person status.
International study-permit applicants should focus on international awards.
Waiting Until March for Commerce or Health Sciences
Commerce, Health Sciences and Nursing close on February 1.
Do not use the March 1 deadline for these programmes.
Forgetting Supplementary Applications
Commerce, Health Sciences and Nursing require additional application components.
Ignoring English Waiver Options
Students with three years of qualifying English-medium education may not need IELTS.
Check before paying for a test.
Assuming CAD 100,000 Means Full Ride
The award may substantially reduce tuition, but it does not automatically cover every living, housing and travel expense.
Frequently Asked Questions About Queen’s University Scholarships 2027
Are Queen’s University Scholarships available for 2027?
Yes.
Applications for Fall 2027 opened on October 1, 2026.
How much can international students receive?
Eligible international students in some faculties can receive renewable awards worth up to:
CAD 25,000 per year
or:
CAD 100,000 over four years.
Do I need to apply separately?
No.
The Dean’s International Award Program uses automatic consideration.
Can African students apply?
Yes.
Eligible international fee-paying students from African countries can qualify.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes.
Queen’s accepts WASSCE and publishes specific Nigerian admission requirements.
Can Ghanaian students apply?
Yes.
WASSCE applicants from Ghana can also apply.
Can Kenyan students apply?
Yes.
Can Ugandan students apply?
Yes.
Can South African students apply?
Yes.
Can Rwandan students apply?
Yes.
What is the Queen’s Commerce deadline?
February 1, 2027.
What is the Health Sciences deadline?
February 1, 2027.
What is the Nursing deadline?
February 1, 2027.
What is the deadline for most other programmes?
March 1, 2027.
When are documents due?
March 31, 2027.
Does Queen’s accept WAEC?
Yes.
Queen’s accepts WASSCE and has an online WAEC verification process for Nigeria and Ghana.
What IELTS score does Queen’s require?
6.5 overall
with no band below:
6.0.
Can Nigerian students apply without IELTS?
Potentially, yes.
Students who completed the required three years at an English-medium institution can potentially qualify for a waiver.
Does Queen’s have an English pathway programme?
Yes.
QBridge provides a pathway for academically competitive students who do not yet meet the full English proficiency requirement.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
Most Queen’s international entrance scholarships are substantial partial awards rather than guaranteed full-ride scholarships.
Does Queen’s pay for accommodation?
The main Dean’s International Awards do not separately guarantee free residence.
Does Queen’s cover flights?
International airfare is not listed as a standard benefit of the main international admission awards.
Final Advice for African Students
Queen’s University Scholarships 2027 should be on the Canadian university list of African students with strong secondary school results.
The main reason is simple:
You can receive substantial scholarship consideration without submitting a separate scholarship application.
Eligible international students in Arts and Science can receive as much as:
CAD 25,000 per year.
Engineering students can receive up to:
CAD 25,000 per year.
Commerce students can receive up to:
CAD 25,000 per year.
That creates a potential maximum of:
CAD 100,000 over four years.
Health Sciences students can receive up to CAD 15,000 annually through the current international admission award structure.
The scholarship process begins with admission.
Applications are already open.
If you want Commerce, Health Sciences or Nursing, submit your application by:
February 1, 2027.
For most other first-year undergraduate programmes, apply by:
March 1, 2027.
Then make sure Queen’s receives all required documents and English-language results by:
March 31, 2027.
Nigerian and Ghanaian students can apply with WASSCE, and Queen’s provides an established process for verifying WAEC results.
Applicants who completed the previous three years in a qualifying English-medium educational environment may also be able to avoid an additional IELTS test, subject to Queen’s approval.
Most importantly, focus on your grades.
Unlike scholarships that depend heavily on essays, leadership or financial need, Queen’s main Dean’s International Awards are based on academic achievement.
For African students with excellent secondary school results, Queen’s offers one of the more straightforward routes to a renewable Canadian university scholarship.