Expenses & Budgets

The information below provides guidelines for the costs you may incur during your studies at Queen’s University and how to prepare a budget. This may include tuition, fees, basic living expenses, books, and supplies. Individual costs may vary based on your personal circumstances.

If you are trying to determine the cost of attendance for U.S. Student Loans, please visit the U.S. Student Loans section.

Estimated Living and Educational Expenses

Below are estimated costs for books and supplies (e.g. lab kit, specialty software) associated with most programs. Costs may vary depending on course enrolment.

The cost of a computer is not included. Depending on your program, you may need to have access to a personal computer. If purchasing a computer, you should budget approximately $500–$1,000.

Program Approximate Cost
Arts and Science (Including Concurrent Education Programs) $1,100
Art History $1,330
Commerce $1,662-$2,143
Computing $1,116
Education $3,761
Engineering & Applied Science $1,420-$1,700
Faculty of Law $1,830-$1,872
Film Studies $1,444-$1,694
Fine Art $1,650-$2,600
Kinesiology $1,616-$1,966
Music $1,244-$2,409
Nursing Science $1,595-$2,358
School of Medicine $3,170-$5,821

 

Below are estimated living expenses for a typical single student. Costs may vary depending on a student's personal situation.

Expense

In Residence

(1 Person, 8 Months)

Off-Campus

(1 Person, 8 Months)

Residence Costs/Rent and Utilities

$9,914–$18,167

Refer to 2023-24 Residence Fee Schedule

$687-$1,374 (Typically a 12-month lease)
Food Included in your residence fees $2,480
Miscellaneous (Cell Phone, Clothing/Laundry, Recreation, Other Personal Expenses, etc.) $2,648 $2,648
Transportation Variable Variable
UHIP (International Students Only) $504 $504
Total $13,066–$21,319+ $11,128-$16,624+

 

Sole-Support or Married Parents

  • For sole-support or married parents, rent costs will likely be closer to $1,659– $2,197 per month
  • For sole-support or married parents, food costs will likely be closer to $762–$1,240 per month, or $6,096- $9,920 for 8 months

Budgeting and Financial Planner

Financial planning is one way to avoid the stress caused by a lack of funds in the middle of the year. It is important to prepare a budget before classes begin, we are here to help!

A budget tells you where your money goes, what it does for you, and keeps you up-to-date on how much money you have left.

It is your responsibility to cover the costs to attend university through savings, parental contributions, government student aid (e.g. OSAP), scholarships, and bursaries. If, after you’ve completed your budget, you realize that you won’t have sufficient resources to cover your costs for the year, please bring your budget with you to campus in September.

Get Started on Your Budget

Student Financial Planner (PDF, 348.3 KB)

  • Plan your budget before the start of your academic year. If you find that you will need to apply for financial aid (e.g. government student aid, such as OSAP), you will still have lots of time to do so before classes begin
  • Be realistic! If you don’t think you can live by the budget you’ve made, you won’t! Try to figure out a realistic spending allowance and stick with it
  • Keep track of your spending habits (at least for one month) and keep an accurate record of your savings and chequing accounts. If you have credit card balances, don’t forget to keep track of your monthly payments
  • Review your budget regularly and adjust for changes in your circumstances
  • Avoid using your credit card(s) on a regular basis. If you find you’re turning to credit cards regularly then it is time to review your budget and either decrease spending or try to increase your income

Sample Budgets

Guidelines for the approximate costs you may incur, including tuition and fees, education, and basic living expenses. The amount it costs to attend Queen's will depend somewhat on the choices you make.

Expense

In Residence on Campus

(September to April – 8 Months)

Off-Campus

(September to April – 8 Months)

Tuition and Fees $7,423 $7,423
Books and Supplies

$1,100

$1,100

Residence Costs/Rent and Utilities $10,781–$18,164.40

Refer to 2023-24 Residence Fee Schedule

$687-$1,374 (Typically a 12-month lease)
Food $720 (Additional meals) $720-$2,481
Transportation (Bus trip home) $784 (This amount can vary greatly depending on destination) $784 (This amount can vary greatly depending on destination)
Miscellaneous (Cell Phone, Clothing/Laundry, Recreation, Other Personal Expenses, etc.): $2,648 $2,649
Total (Approximate) $23,455–$30,840 $13,363-$15,811

(September to April – 8 Months)

Expense Approximate Cost
Tuition and Fees $56,962
Books and Supplies $1,100
Residence Costs

$10,781–$18,165

Refer to 2023-24 Residence Fee Schedule

Additional Meals $720
Transportation (Return flight home) $2,000 (This amount can vary greatly depending on destination)
Miscellaneous $2,648
UHIP $504
Total (Approximate) $74,715–$82,099

(September to August – 12 Months)

Expense Approximate Cost
Tuition and Fees $8,012-$15,166
Books and Supplies $1,065-$1,850
Rent and Utilities $13,284
Food $3,720
Transportation $1,440
Miscellaneous $3,972
UHIP $756
Total (Approximate) $32,249–$40,188

(September to August – 12 Months)

Expense Approximate Cost
Tuition and Fees $8,012-$15,166
Books and Supplies $1,065-$1,850
Rent and Utilities $23,052
Food $12,168
Transportation $5,076
Miscellaneous $10,056
UHIP $756
Total (Approximate) $60,185–$68,124