i) Fill out the application by following this link: http://www.queensu.ca/sgs/forstudents/thinking.html ii) Send original, official transcripts to the School of Graduate Studies (SGS)
iii) Indicate accurate email addresses for your referees, they will be contacted and asked to supply an electronic reference
iv) Submit payment by credit card on-line
v) Contact professors who work in your area of interest to increase your chance of receiving an offer
What are the English requirements for international students?
Exemptions (check with the SGS to ensure you qualify for an exemption):
i) If you have studied at an English-speaking universityin the last year, you are exempt from providing an English test
ii) If you are from a country where the education system is English but the country's official language is not, you are exempt from providing an English test
iii) Submit a letter from the institution stating that the program was delivered in English
Is there financial support for graduate students?
The Department of Chemical Engineering endeavours, as far as possible, to ensure that every full-time graduate student engaged in research has adequate financial support during his or her graduate program. This support may come from several sources, either individually or in combination: National or Provincial scholarships, Queen's University scholarships and awards, research assistantships provided by research supervisors and Departmental teaching assistantships. The level of financial support consequently varies among graduate students in the Department, with a guaranteed minimum level of $25,000 for both Masters and PhD for 2012/2013. As part of the minimum funding package, you are expected to serve as a Teaching Assistant for at least one term per year. When necessary, serving as a Teaching Assistant for a second term (competitive) will increase the funding level by $1,250 during the Winter term only. Queen's internal awards are part of the minimum funding package and will not result in an increased funding level, whereas external scholarships may result in a significant top-up of funding.
The documents required are dependent on the personal history you indicate on your application.
Generally you need:
i) Official, sealed transcripts from all educational institutions (no photocopies or certified copies are acceptable)
ii) Two academic references (your referees will be sent an email with the link to fill out their reference)
iii) If English Proficiency Testing is required, an official report from the testing agency
iv) If you are in the process of completing an undergraduate or Master's degree when you apply, you must provide a final copy of your transcript indicating that the degree has been granted before you can start your studies with us.
How can I pay for the application?
A non-refundable application fee (currently $105 CDN) is due at the end of your application. You must be able to pay the fee on-line with a Visa or MasterCard number. If you are unable to provide a credit card number, then you must request a paper application be mailed to you. Please email barb.lawson@chee.queensu.ca to request a paper application.
Can I defer my acceptance?
As long as you have the agreement of your potential supervisor you can defer your offer of acceptance within the academic cycle to which you have applied. Academic cycles begin in September and end in August. If you wish to defer for a full year you will need to fill out a new application, request up-to-date reference letters and pay the application fee again. You can request that your supporting documents be transferred to the new application by making an email request to sgsapp@queensu.ca
Can I only start my program in September?
The Department of Chemical Engineering accepts students starting in September, January and May of each academic cycle. However the best opportunity to begin your studies is often in September. When you apply for graduate studies, there is a drop down box where you can choose one of these three entry dates.
One aspect of the "broader learning environment" that characterizes a Queen's education is the residential nature of the campus. Queen's University Residences foster community spirit and provide students with a rich and vibrant community where they interact and explore exciting opportunities available on campus. As a grad student, you can be just steps away from your lab or the library.
Three residence locations exist on campus for graduate students. All rooms are fully furnished.
Graduate Residence
Located at the John Deutsch University Centre (JDUC) in the middle of campus and close to many amenities, the Graduate Residence houses approximately 90 men and women in a co-ed environment. All rooms are singles and include private bathrooms.
Harkness International Hall
Located one block north of campus on Earl Street, Harkness offers three floors of single rooms with common living rooms and kitchens for every 12 students. Washrooms are communal. This residence is home to newly-arrived international students and internationally-minded Canadian students.
Located 3 kilometers from the centre of campus at Union Street and Sir John A. Macdonald Boulevard, Jean Royce Hall houses graduate and professional students in single rooms with shared washrooms. Jean Royce features a social centre, the Faculty of Education library and a gymnasium.
If you prefer to live off-campus, there are many options to consider. The Apartment and Housing Service manages the University-owned rental units, including two apartment complexes located at West Campus (September leases):
John Orr Tower
This complex has 123, one-bedroom apartments, each with a balcony and mainly populated by single students and student couples.
An Clachan
This complex has 250, spacious one, two and a limited number of three-bedroom apartments. First priority is given to student couples. The two-bedroom units are suitable for couples with children. The buildings surround a spacious courtyard and playground.
If you have special needs where accommodation or building adaptation may be required, Queen's Residences will meet your needs to the best of its ability. These needs may include mobility restrictions, blindness or low vision, hearing limitations, psychiatric conditions, chronic illness, learning disabilities, religious practices, sexual orientation concerns. Fill out the Special Considerations section of the Residence Application Form.
If I'm accepted for September, when do I have to be here?
There are several orientation sessions that are either mandatory or extremely useful for new graduate students. The School of Graduate Studies expects final registration to be completed during the first week of September. During this week, one day is devoted to Chemical Engineering Orientation and Departmental TA training. Additionally, you are required to take WHMIS training before entering the laboratories and register to take a TA training session before you begin your Teaching Assistantship. The Graduate Program Assistant will contact all new students to inform them of any mandatory sessions during this time.
Will I be assigned a supervisor or do I find my own?
Your application will be circulated to all full-time Faculty Members in our department. There may be a Faculty Member with an open graduate position who is willing to accept you; however, it will increase your chances of being made an offer if you contact potential supervisors who work in your area of interest.
