Queen’s University Graduate PhD Funding 2027 in Canada | Fully Funded — Queen's University
Even visa holders have a specific, if limited, path to the provincial Ontario Graduate Scholarship, a detail that distinguishes Queen’s funding ecosystem from provincial awards that exclude international students entirely.
About the Fellowship
Queen’s University offers research-based master’s and PhD students structured funding through a combination of university awards, teaching assistantships, and supervisor support, with overall research graduate funding frequently exceeding $21,000 to $25,000 CAD per year or more depending on the specific program and supervisor arrangement. This layered funding model means a student’s total package often combines several distinct sources rather than a single flat scholarship figure.
Specifically regarding the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, eligible international students can compete for this award, worth $15,000 CAD, though the program notes that a small number of Ontario Graduate Scholarship awards may be made to student visa holders specifically, with a current value of $5,000 CAD per term for two or three consecutive terms. This limited but real pathway distinguishes Queen’s from provincial funding programs that exclude international students entirely.
Because Queen’s combines university awards, teaching assistantships, and supervisor support into an overall funding package, prospective international PhD applicants should discuss specific funding expectations directly with their intended supervisor and department, since the exact combination and total value can vary considerably based on individual circumstances.
As a historic public research university located in Kingston, Ontario, Queen’s University offers international graduate students strong programs in engineering, policy studies, and the sciences, within a close-knit academic community combined with a particularly strong school spirit tradition.
Fellowship Benefits
- Research graduate funding frequently exceeding $21,000 to $25,000 CAD per year
- A combination of university awards, teaching assistantships, and supervisor support
- Limited eligibility for international student visa holders to compete for the $15,000 Ontario Graduate Scholarship
- Access to Queen’s strong engineering, policy studies, and science programs
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be admitted to a research-based master’s or PhD program at Queen’s University
- International students are eligible for the layered funding structure combining university awards, assistantships, and supervisor support
- A limited number of international student visa holders may specifically compete for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship
- You must meet Queen’s University’s standard graduate admission requirements for your program
Fields of Study Covered
The funding structure applies broadly across Queen’s University’s research-based graduate programs, with particular strength in engineering, policy studies, and the sciences.
Required Documents
- A completed Queen’s University graduate program application
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose or research proposal, as required by your specific program
- Standardized test scores, if required by your department
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply for admission to your chosen research-based graduate program at Queen’s University
- Discuss specific funding expectations directly with your intended supervisor before or during the application process
- Submit all required application materials, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and your statement of purpose
- Confirm your eligibility for Ontario Graduate Scholarship consideration as an international visa holder, if applicable
- Review your combined funding package details once you receive an admission offer
Selection Process
Individual departments and supervisors at Queen’s University evaluate graduate applicants based on academic record, research fit, and funding availability, with the overall package combining university awards, teaching assistantships, and supervisor support according to departmental practices.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Discuss funding expectations directly with your intended supervisor early in the application process, since packages are often individually negotiated
- Submit a strong statement of purpose that clearly aligns with specific faculty research interests
- Confirm your eligibility for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship as an international visa holder, given its limited availability for this population
- Compare this against other Ontario university graduate funding like the McMaster University Graduate Scholarship when evaluating multiple program offers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students compete for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship?
A small number of awards may be made to student visa holders specifically, worth $5,000 per term for two or three consecutive terms.
What is the overall research graduate funding range?
Frequently exceeding $21,000 to $25,000 CAD per year, depending on the specific program and supervisor arrangement.
Is the funding package a single scholarship or multiple sources?
It typically combines university awards, teaching assistantships, and supervisor support into one overall package.
Do I need to apply separately for each funding component?
Confirm your specific department’s process directly, since practices vary across Queen’s graduate programs.
What is Queen’s University known for academically?
Strong programs in engineering, policy studies, and the sciences.
Where is Queen’s University located?
Kingston, Ontario.
Should I contact a potential supervisor before applying?
Yes, discussing funding expectations directly with your intended supervisor is recommended, since packages are often individually negotiated.
Can I combine this funding with external scholarship sources?
Check Queen’s University’s current policy on combining institutional funding with external scholarship sources.