Fundamentals
What do graduate students do?
All graduate students begin their studies by taking some graduate-level courses. After that, it depends on the program:
- a research-based Master's requires conducting research and compiling the results in a thesis;
- a project-based Master's requires taking more graduate courses and completing a project;
- a course-based Master's requires taking even more graduate courses;
- a PhD requires conducting original research that produces a contribution to the field and compiling the results in a thesis.
What do supervisors do?
A supervisor is a professor who is essentially a graduate student's boss. Supervisors should offer guidance and assistance to their students throughout their studies; they also offer financial support to students in research-based programs.
Once an application is submitted to the School, students are encouraged to contact potential supervisors as soon as possible.
What is a graduate course like?
A graduate course is much like an undergraduate course, but more challenging and time-consuming.
Why should I consider pursuing graduate studies?
There are many benefits to completing a graduate degree including, but not limited to:
- learning more about a field which fascinates you;
- exposure to new ideas and concepts;
- improving research, writing, discussion and collaboration skills;
- the opportunity to complete original work of your own choice; and
- a significant advantage when applying for employment.
Applying
What are the minimum requirements I need to apply?
You should have the following:
- an undergraduate degree with a concentration in Computing Science and
- a high upper-second class standing (i.e., an average of 75% in your courses).
What if I don't have an undergraduate degree in Computing?
You can apply if:
- you have an undergraduate degree in a different field and
- you have high academic standing in that degree and
- you have a strong background in Computing Science (academic or professional).
Do I need to find a supervisor before I apply?
No. When you apply you become part of a pool of potential applicants from which a potential supervisor may choose, at which point you must then be accepted by the university. After you apply, it is important to then find a supervisor.
Financial Matters
How can I pay my tuition fees?
There are a number of options available for paying fees such as Debit Memo, which allows students to have their tuition deducted from their bank accounts at the end of each month. The Office of the University Registrar has a complete list of fee payment methods.
How do I receive my award, teaching assistantship and/or research assistantship money?
Award funds are deposited into your bank account after registration and the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs sends all the related information to you. Income from a teaching assistantship is deposited in your account at the end of each month as outlined in the TA contract; the same goes for research assistantship (RA) contracts.
What financial assistance (scholarships/awards/bursaries) is available for graduate students?
The Office of the University Registrar (Student Awards) has information on both admission awards and financial aid.
Students are also encouraged to apply for scholarships outside of Queen's such as NSERC and OGS. The School of Computing typically offers a workshop in September to provide information and encourage students to apply for these scholarships; please email the Graduate Program Administrator for more information.
Are there any on-campus jobs available for graduate students?
Two Queen's resources have excellent information regarding student employment: Career Services and Campus Life - Employment & Volunteering. Many other jobs become available throughout the year and are usually circulated through email or posted on the bulletin board in the coffee room (Goodwin Hall, Room 620).
According to the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, graduate students may not spend more than an average of 10 hours per week on work unrelated to research or the student risks losing their scholarships. It is essential for graduate students to bear this in mind when seeking employment.
How do I include my scholarship income and tuition fees in my annual income tax return?
You should receive or print tax slips from Queen's such as your T2202A (Tuition, Education and Textbook Amounts Certificate) and T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) to include with your tax return.
Housing
Where can I find permanent accommodations?
There are a number of sources for permanent accommodation in Kingston:
- Queen's Community Housing manages University-owned properties which includes houses and apartments located close to campus;
- the Accommodation Listing Service maintains a list of properties NOT owned by Queen's; the FAQs have more information; and,
- the Kingston Student Housing Co-operative offers 4-, 8- and 12-month contracts for rooms and a meal plan is available for many of them.
Both Queen's Student Community Relations and the Queen's University International Centre have information about renting.
Unfortunately, Queen's University Residences is no longer accepting applications from graduate students.
Technical Matters
Do I have access to an email account?
Queen's University will create an email account for you using your NetID. All communications with the University will be done via this account. Please ensure that this account is working properly; the first step is to activate your NetID.
How do I check my email?
You can check your Queen's University account using Outlook in Office 365. You can also set up Outlook in Mac and Windows.
Will I receive a computer, work space, other equipment, etc.?
Typically, your supervisor will provide you with facilities such as a desk in a research lab and an account on a computer with Internet access. You may speak to your supervisor about any other equipment you might need (e.g., specialized computer components) or making alternate work arrangements (e.g., working from home).