Queen's University

Queen's University at Kingston operates as a distinguished public research institution which exists in Ontario, Canada beside the scenic Lake Ontario waterfront. The university belongs to the U15 Canadian research university group which recognizes its exceptional academic performance and active campus environment and its strong community spirit known as "Queen's Spirit." The campus presents its visitors with historic limestone structures which create a special educational space that enables students to achieve academic excellence while participating in traditional student-driven activities. The center functions as an essential research center which draws researchers to the historical Kingston area from all parts of the world.

The institution became official on October 16, 1841 when Queen Victoria issued a Royal Charter which established it as one of the earliest degree-granting universities in Canada. The Presbyterian Church of Canada and the Church of Scotland established the university to provide ministerial training and scientific and literary education to students starting from its first classes in 1842. Queen's achieved multiple important accomplishments throughout its history starting from 1869 when it became the first university outside the Maritime provinces to permit women to study. The university gained independence from the Presbyterian Church in 1912 when it became a non-denominational educational institution which changed its name to the current name.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2026, Queen's University is positioned as the #191 top university in the world, which makes it the #9 top university in Canada. The university's global rank is improved by 2 points from last year.