Queen’s University Belfast
Belfast, United Kingdom
Queen's University Belfast is located in Belfast, United Kingdom. Explore courses, entry requirements and official university information.
Best University in Belfast for International Students
Explore the best universities in Belfast for international students — rankings, tuition fees, intakes, scholarships and entry requirements. Get free admission and UK visa guidance from GIEC Global.
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Why study in Belfast?
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, a friendly and affordable city with a growing technology and cyber security sector and the Titanic Quarter.
Queen's University Belfast is the featured university for international students in Belfast on this page. Below you can see its key facts, followed by a guide to entry requirements, costs, intakes and visas for studying in Belfast.
Top universities in Belfast for international students
- Queen's University Belfast — QS 2026: #199. Founded in 1845 as Queen's College Belfast, Queen's is Northern Ireland's Russell Group university.
Compare universities in Belfast
This table compares the universities on this page by ranking, approximate international tuition fee, intakes and typical English requirement. Fees and requirements change every year and vary by course, so confirm the latest figures on each official website.
| University | Ranking | Tuition fee (international) | Intakes | English requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queen’s University Belfast | — | — | — | — |
Entry requirements to study in Belfast
- Undergraduate: good Class 12 / high-school results (top universities expect very high grades), or an international foundation year. Applications go through UCAS.
- Postgraduate: a relevant bachelor’s degree — leading universities usually expect the equivalent of a UK 2:1, while many others consider around 55–60% from recognised Indian universities.
- English: usually IELTS Academic 6.0–7.0 overall depending on the university and course; PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and English waivers are accepted by many universities.
- Documents: passport, transcripts, statement of purpose, references, CV, and a portfolio for creative courses.
Cost of studying and living in Belfast
International tuition at the university listed here is approximately £19,000 – £30,000 per year, depending on the course.
| Cost | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Living costs for the Student visa (outside London rate) | £1,171 per month · £10,539 for 9 months |
| Tuition fee | Approx. £19,000 – £30,000 per year |
| Visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge | Paid with the visa application (check GOV.UK) |
Living costs in Belfast are generally lower than in London, which helps your budget go further — especially for accommodation and transport.
Intakes and application deadlines
September/October is the main intake. Several universities on this page also offer a January intake for selected postgraduate courses. For most other undergraduate courses the UCAS equal-consideration deadline is in late January, while postgraduate applications are usually open on a rolling basis. Apply 8–12 months ahead for the best chance of offers and scholarships.
Work while you study and after graduation
Degree-level Student visa holders can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time in official vacations, and Belfast offers part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, campus roles and internships. After graduation, the Graduate Route visa lets you stay and work in the UK — currently two years for bachelor’s and master’s graduates (reducing to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027) and three years for PhD graduates.
Student life in Belfast
Welcome weeks, buddy schemes and international student advisers help new students settle in quickly. Northern Ireland is known for its friendly people and affordable living.
How GIEC Global helps you study in Belfast
GIEC Global’s UK counsellors help you shortlist the right universities in Belfast, check eligibility, write a strong SOP, apply for scholarships, prepare for credibility interviews and complete your Student visa application — free of cost.
FAQs: Studying at Universities in Belfast
Which university in Belfast is best for international students?
Queen's University Belfast is the leading university in Belfast on our Top 50 UK list for international students.
How much does it cost to live in Belfast as a student?
For the Student visa you must show £1,171 per month for living costs (up to nine months) because Belfast is outside London. Actual costs depend on your accommodation and lifestyle.
What are the intakes for universities in Belfast?
September/October is the main intake. Many universities also offer January intakes for selected postgraduate courses.
What IELTS score do I need to study in Belfast?
Most universities ask for IELTS Academic 6.0–7.0 overall depending on the course, and top universities can ask for 7.0 or more. PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT are widely accepted.
Can international students work while studying in Belfast?
Yes. Degree-level Student visa holders can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official holidays.
Can I stay and work in the UK after my degree?
Yes. The Graduate Route visa lets eligible graduates stay and work — currently two years for bachelor’s and master’s graduates (reducing to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027) and three years for PhD graduates.
How can GIEC Global help me study in Belfast?
GIEC Global offers free counselling, university shortlisting, SOP help, application support and Student visa guidance for universities in Belfast.