Fundamentals
How up-to-date is this information?
This information was last updated in April, 2024. Please be aware that graduate financial policies and amounts:
- are set by the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, not the School of Computing; and
- are subject to change.
Is funding guaranteed for graduate students?
Funding to cover basic fees and living expenses is guaranteed for research-based MSc and PhD graduate students depending on:
- the duration of their studies; and
- satisfactory progress through their studies.
If you're accepted into a research-based program, the offer letter from the School of Computing will include the minimum amount. This funding may increase if you secure an external scholarship or award. As of April, 2024, the funding structure of the graduate program is as follows:
| Program | Tuition Type | Minimum Guaranteed Funding | Additional Possible Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc - Research | Domestic | $21,500 in Year 1 $7,166 in Term 4 |
†Optional for Terms 5 and 6 |
| International | $28,500 in Year 1 $9,500 in Term 4 |
||
| PhD | Domestic | $23,500 in Year 1 | §Possible renewal in Years 2-4 |
| International | $24,000 in Year 1 |
- †Financial support for the MSc program is normally paid for a maximum of 16 months, but in some cases may be paid for up to 24 months, provided you maintain satisfactory progress.
- §Year 1 financial support is renewable in Years 2-4 provided you maintain satisfactory progress. Financial support for the PhD program is provided for a maximum of 4 years.
This funding comes from various sources:
- a graduate research fellowship (GRF).
- an external award such as NSERC, OGS and Vector; and/or
- an internal fellowship.
Guaranteed funding is removed if your progress is unsatisfactory and may require you to withdraw from the program.
Do I need to talk to potential supervisors about funding?
Yes. It's extremely important to discuss funding with any potential supervisor before you become their student, even if you're uncomfortable discussing money.
Setting Expectations: A Resource Guidebook for Graduate Students and Supervisors is a great resource for navigating discussions with your supervisor regarding funding and other essential aspects of graduate studies.
What are basic fees and living expenses?
Those change from year to year. Tuition fees at Queen's and the cost of living in Kingston both increase over time, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. The following sources from the Queen's University Registrar appear to be up-to-date as of April, 2024:
If you search online for this information, any content that is older than a year is likely out-of-date. Check the date on everything regarding fees and costs.
Sources of Financial Support
How do scholarships and awards work?
Grants, scholarships and awards give you money and only require you to remain in good standing in your graduate program. These are the preferred sources of graduate financial support.
Students are strongly encouraged to seek out external funding opportunities for which they qualify, including, but not limited to:
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Scholarships;
- Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS); and
- Vector Scholarships in AI.
The School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs provides extensive information on awards and financial assistance, including some additional scholarships that are internal to Queen's. These awards are primarily for domestic students; information on funding for international students is also available.
How do graduate research fellowships work?
A graduate research fellowship (GRF) is paid from your supervisor's research funds to you in support of your research and thesis. This forms a portion of your guaranteed funding. GRFs are non-taxable.
Please note that a GRF is not the same thing as a graduate research assistantship (GRA).
Are graduate students eligible to apply for OSAP?
In addition to funding from Queen's University and external awards, eligible graduate students have the opportunity to apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). We encourage all Ontario graduate students to explore OSAP funding and consider applying.
Employment
Are there limits on employment during my studies?
A full-time student is expected to engage in their studies on a full-time basis. It is expected that a full-time student will limit paid employment unrelated to the student's research to a total of ten hours per week (on average). Students wishing to exceed this level should consult their supervisor and graduate coordinator.
Full-time students employed as teaching assistants are limited to a maximum of ten hours a week (on average) in this capacity. This includes time spent on preparation, reading assignments, and marking tests and examinations.
Under no circumstances will a student be permitted to register as a full-time student while maintaining full-time employment (i.e., more than 30 hours a week) elsewhere. A student who fails to meet program requirements or who fails to maintain progress consistent with full-time status may be required to withdraw from their program.
Full-time students are expected to maintain geographic availability to the university so that regular interaction can take place between the student and supervisor and the student can effectively use the resources available at Queen's. More information is available in the graduate academic calendar under "Study Status - Full-Time".
The Queen's University International Center has employment-related information for international students.
How do teaching assistantships work?
A teaching assistant (TA) position is payment from the School in return for your assistance with delivering an undergraduate course, normally as a tutor or grader. Each assistantship lasts for one term (i.e., four months), during which you are expected to spend about seven hours per week on teaching-related duties.
Each TA position is contract employment with Queen's University for approximately $3000 total per term. These positions fall within the employment limits set for graduate students. Competition is fierce - only about 35% of graduate applicants will get an assistantship.
The TA application portal will open in July for the Fall term and in October for the Winter term. Accepted and current students will receive email notifications with instructions on how to apply for TA positions.
Other
How do I obtain basic health insurance?
Students who live in Ontario are covered by the provincial Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Domestic students who move to Ontario must apply for OHIP but will be covered by their "home" province's plan for up to 3 months.
International students do not qualify for OHIP. All international students are required to enroll in the University Health Insurance Program (UHIP) unless they are already covered by a similar health plan.
How do I obtain supplemental health insurance?
Basic health insurnace plans (e.g., OHIP and UHIP) don't cover expenses such as prescription medication, glasses and dental care. As of April, 2024, the Society of Graduate & Professional Students offers supplemental coverage through Studentcare for these types of expenses. Many students are automatically enrolled while others must self-enroll. It is strongly recommended that you verify your enrollment as these additional medical costs can be very expensive.
Is the minimum funding package acceptable as evidence of financial support when applying for a study permit?
The funding letter provided by the School, along with the letter from the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, will serve as necessary documents when applying for your visa. For additional information and inquiries concerning the study permit, please refer to the Queen's University International Center.