🌍 Queen's University Belfast International Student Guide
Admissions, Life & Support (2025)

Plan your studies at Queen's Belfast in 2025. Discover admissions, accommodation, scholarships, and international student life in Northern Ireland.

📌 Introduction

Queen's University Belfast (QUB) is a prestigious Russell Group university with a strong global reputation for research excellence and teaching quality. In 2025, nearly 30% of its 24,000 students are international, drawn by its world-class education, affordable lifestyle, and vibrant cultural scene.

Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland's capital city, Queen's offers international students a unique blend of historic charm and modern innovation. The university's beautiful Victorian campus sits in the heart of a city that has transformed into one of the UK's most exciting destinations for students.

For international students, Queen's Belfast combines Russell Group academic excellence with significantly lower living costs than other UK cities, creating an attractive proposition for those seeking quality education without the premium price tag of London or Edinburgh.

📝 Admissions Process

Queen's University Belfast welcomes international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Here's what you need to know about the admissions process:

Level Requirements
Undergraduate UCAS application, ABB–AAA A-levels (or equivalent), IELTS 6.5
Postgraduate 2:1 bachelor's degree (or equivalent), IELTS 6.5–7.0
Visa Student visa issued after receiving CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter
💡 Application Tip: Apply early to secure your place and allow sufficient time for visa processing. Queen's admissions team provides dedicated support for international applicants throughout the entire process, from application to arrival.

🏠 Accommodation

Queen's Belfast offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Belfast's affordability extends to housing, making it one of the most cost-effective UK cities for students:

Accommodation Type Weekly Cost Details
University Halls £120–£170 On-campus and nearby university-managed accommodation, all bills included
Private Halls £150–£200 Modern private student accommodation with premium facilities
Shared Housing (Belfast) £90–£130 Shared houses in popular student areas like Stranmillis and Botanic
💡 Accommodation Tip: First-year international students are guaranteed university accommodation if they apply by the deadline. Living in university halls helps you settle in quickly and build friendships with students from around the world.

🎓 Student Life

Belfast offers an affordable city lifestyle with rich cultural heritage, making it an exciting destination for international students. Queen's vibrant campus life provides numerous opportunities to engage and connect:

"Belfast surprised me with how welcoming and affordable it is. I can enjoy a great social life without worrying about my budget, and the international community at Queen's is incredibly supportive." — Aisha, Malaysia (MSc Data Analytics)

🤝 Support Services

Queen's University Belfast provides comprehensive support services specifically designed for international students to ensure your success and wellbeing:

International Student Support

Dedicated advisors provide guidance on visa applications, financial matters, work permissions, and general welfare support throughout your studies. The team understands the unique challenges international students face and offers personalized assistance.

English for Academic Purposes

Free courses and workshops to improve academic writing, presentation skills, and English language proficiency. One-to-one support is available for students who need additional help with language development.

24/7 Wellbeing and Counselling

Confidential counseling services, mental health support, and wellbeing programs available around the clock. The university recognizes the importance of mental health and provides comprehensive support for all students.

💷 Scholarships

Queen's University Belfast offers several scholarship opportunities for international students to help make your education more affordable:

Scholarship Amount Eligibility
Queen's International Awards £2,000–£5,000 Merit-based scholarships for outstanding international applicants
Faculty-Specific Awards Varies Available across different faculties for high-achieving students
Country-Specific Scholarships Varies Targeted scholarships for students from specific countries and regions
💡 Scholarship Tip: Check the Queen's website for country-specific scholarships and faculty awards. Apply early as some scholarships have limited places. Many scholarships are automatically considered when you apply for admission.

🙋 FAQs

Q. Is Belfast safe for international students?
Yes, Belfast is considered one of the UK's safest cities. The city has transformed significantly over the past decades and now offers a welcoming, secure environment for international students with low crime rates and friendly communities.
Q. How affordable is Belfast compared to other UK cities?
Belfast is significantly cheaper than most UK cities, especially London. Accommodation costs are 30-50% lower, and food, entertainment, and transport are also more affordable. This makes Queen's Belfast an excellent choice for international students seeking quality education at a reasonable cost.
Q. Can I work part-time as an international student?
Yes, international students at Queen's Belfast can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, subject to visa conditions. The university's careers service helps students find part-time work opportunities.
Q. What is Queen's reputation as a Russell Group university?
Queen's Belfast is a prestigious Russell Group university, placing it among the UK's top research-intensive institutions. This membership signifies world-class research, excellent teaching standards, and strong graduate employment prospects.

🎓 Conclusion

Queen's University Belfast in 2025 combines Russell Group prestige, affordability, and strong international services, making it highly attractive to global students. The university offers world-class education at a fraction of the cost of other major UK cities.

With nearly 30% of students coming from international backgrounds, comprehensive support services, and Belfast's transformed cultural scene, Queen's provides an exceptional student experience. The combination of academic excellence, affordable living, and a welcoming international community makes it an outstanding choice for students from around the world.

👉 Queen's Belfast offers Russell Group quality education with affordable living costs, strong international support, and a vibrant student community in one of the UK's most exciting and welcoming cities.
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