How to Apply to Computer Science at Queen’s University: Direct Entry to Computing (QD), Choosing a Plan After First Year, and Requirements and Timeline for Chinese, Canadian High School and Transfer Students

Queen’s University is in Kingston, Ontario. Computer science is taught by the School of Computing in the Faculty of Arts and Science. High school students apply directly to Computing, OUAC code QD, and graduate with a Bachelor of Computing (Honours) (BCmpH). The School notes that this degree is equivalent to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science; it is called “Computing” because courses also draw on engineering, mathematics, psychology and other sciences. Here is what you need to know for September 2027 entry, based on Queen’s official information, for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver), and transfer students.

1. Program structure

• Two configurations: a Computing Major with a Sub-Plan, or a Specialization. The sub-plan or specialization appears on the diploma.
• Major sub-plans: Artificial Intelligence, Fundamental Computation and Security.
• Specializations: Cognitive Science; Computing and the Creative Arts (which leads to a BAH); Computing, Mathematics and Analytics; and Software Design.
• Minors: students in other Arts and Science programs can add a Computing minor (Science or Arts).
• Paid internships (QUIP): Bachelor of Computing (Honours) students can register in a Professional Internship version of their plan and take a paid placement while remaining Queen’s students; the degree then reads “with Professional Internship”. Queen’s advises starting the search a semester or two ahead, and notes that students who have completed key third-year courses tend to be more successful in technical placements.

2. How admission works

• Grades only: Computing has no supplementary application; decisions are based on high school grades, including prerequisites.
• Competitive average: the minimum average for admission consideration published for last year’s September entry was the mid 80s for Computing, and it changes each year.

3. Students at high schools in China

• Prerequisite: Senior III Level Mathematics.
• Documents: the High School Graduation Certificate. Current high school students submit their Huikao/Xuekao results; graduates must submit Gaokao results. Both must be verified by CHESICC.
• IB: the full IB Diploma with passes in six subjects, three at Higher Level, no mark below 3 and at least 28 points (excluding bonus points). Computing requires English and Mathematics, and Mathematics Applications and Interpretation SL is not acceptable.
• A-Levels and AP: the admission pages reviewed do not list Computing-specific A-Level or AP requirements; check with Undergraduate Admission.
• English: see section 5.

4. Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver)

• BC general requirements: the Provincial High School Diploma with four academic courses, including English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12.
• Computing prerequisites: English Studies 12, Pre-Calculus 12 and two additional academic Grade 12 courses; Calculus 12 is recommended.
• Ontario students: see the Queen’s Ontario requirements page.
• Major Admission Awards (MAA): for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons; due December 8, and Queen’s recommends applying on OUAC by November 20.

5. English requirements

• IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0;
• TOEFL iBT: 4.5 overall on the new scale with no section below 4.0; for tests before January 2026, 88 overall with at least 20 in each section;
• PTE Academic 60; Duolingo 120; Cambridge 175 (170 in each skill); CAEL 70 (60 in each band).
• QBridge: academically admissible applicants who fall short on English are automatically considered for the QBridge pathway.

6. Timeline

• October 1, 2026: OUAC applications open.
• March 1, 2027: deadline for Computing and most other first-year programs (Commerce, Health Sciences and Nursing close February 1).
• March 31, 2027: deadline for all documents, including transcripts and English scores.

7. Tuition and awards

• International tuition (2026-27, CAD): Computing tuition is $54,808.20 for 30 units; with student activity, ancillary and UHIP fees the total is about $57,366.58. Computing is charged at a higher rate than other Arts and Science degrees.
• Arts and Science International Admission Award: automatic for international students paying international fees and entering post-secondary study for the first time; $5,000 to $25,000 a year, renewable for four years. Computing is in Arts and Science, so it applies.
• School of Computing awards: two merit-based awards for students entering first year in Computing, with preference to women; amounts are not published.
• MAA: for Canadian citizens and permanent residents; an application is required.

8. Transfer students

• Who counts: students who have attempted at least 24 units (about four full-year courses) at another university or a college with a university transfer program, usually over at least two terms.
• Computing requirements (Queen’s 4.3 scale): Computer Science, Software Design, Computing and Mathematics and Cognitive Science all need a cumulative GPA of 2.8 and the equivalent of CISC 121 with a B; Computing and Mathematics also needs 6.0 units of university math; Computing and the Creative Arts needs a 2.3 GPA and CISC 121 at C+. Without a CISC 102 equivalent, you may need extra time to graduate.
• When: apply February 1 to June 1, with documents by June 15; review is rolling and space is limited.
• Awards: international admission awards are generally for students entering post-secondary study for the first time.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Senior III mathematics; current students submit Huikao results and graduates Gaokao results, verified by CHESICC; aim for the mid 80s or higher
• IB: English and Mathematics (not AI SL); confirm A-Level or AP requirements with Queen’s
• IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each band) or TOEFL 4.5; apply by March 1 and send all documents by March 31

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• English Studies 12, Pre-Calculus 12 and two more Grade 12 academic courses; Calculus 12 recommended
• Apply to QD on OUAC by March 1, 2027

Transfer students:

• Cumulative GPA of 2.8 (4.3 scale) and a CISC 121 equivalent at B or better; apply February 1 to June 1

Sources: Queen’s University, School of Computing undergraduate programs; Internships (QUIP); School of Computing awards; British Columbia requirements; China requirements; IB requirements; Competitive averages; Dates and deadlines; English proficiency; Arts and Science transfer applicants; Undergraduate tuition; International awards. Information is for September 2027 entry; fees are 2026-27 rates and competitive averages are last year’s figures. Check Queen’s for the latest details.