Can I Get into Queen's University Belfast with a Low GPA?

Queen's University Belfast (QUB) does not set one GPA cut-off for every course. Your chances depend on your programme, your study level, and how your Indian percentage or CGPA compares to QUB's requirement. Before deciding your GPA is "low," check what it actually means in your case.

Can i get into Queen's University Belfast with a low GPA? Yes, getting into Queen's University Belfast (QUB) with a relatively low GPA is possible. It totally depends on your course and academic background.  For Indian students, QUB does not use one fixed GPA requirement for all postgraduate courses. Instead, most courses ask for the Indian equivalent of a UK 2:1 (Upper Second-Class) or 2:2 (Lower Second-Class) bachelor's degree.

In simple terms, a UK 2:1 generally translates to around 58 to 60% or 6.0 to 6.5/10 CGPA for Indian applicants. While a 2:2 can be around 53 to 55% or 5.5 to 6.0/10 CGPA. The exact requirement depends on the Indian institution, its grading system, and the course you are applying for.

So, having a 5.5 or 6.0 CGPA does not automatically make you ineligible for Queen's University Belfast. You should first compare your score with the eligibility of your chosen programme before deciding whether your GPA is too low.

What is Eligibility for Queen's University Belfast (QUB) for Indians?

The Queen's University Belfast admission criteria for Indian students depend on the study level and course. QUB accepts Indian Class 12 qualifications for undergraduate admission. For postgraduate courses, it accepts recognised Indian bachelor's degrees.

QUB Undergraduate Eligibility for Indian Students

Indian students can apply for direct entry with Class 12 results from CBSE, CISCE, or recognised State Boards of Higher Secondary Education.

The usual Class 12 requirement is 70% to 85% or higher. The exact score depends on the course.

Students may also need 75% or higher in a key subject if their course has a subject-specific requirement.

Medicine and Dentistry have higher requirements. Indian students normally need at least 90% overall in Class 12, including 90% in Chemistry and Biology.

Students who do not meet the direct entry requirements may be able to take an International Foundation programme before starting their bachelor's degree.

QUB Postgraduate Eligibility for Indian Students

For most master's and graduate diploma courses, QUB asks for the Indian equivalent of a UK 2:1 or 2:2 bachelor's degree.

In simple terms, a 2:1 is a higher academic grade than a 2:2. Indian students can use their bachelor's percentage or 10-point CGPA to understand these requirements.

The exact Queen's University Belfast GPA requirements depend on your course, Indian university, and grading system.

Indian students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for some Social Sciences, Finance and Management courses can also check the Pre-Master's programme offered through the Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre. Here, you have the information on how you can study abroad with low CGPA.

Here is a PDF that will give you a complete idea of admission requirements:

Queens_University_Belfast_Eligibility_PDF 

What Is Considered a Low GPA for Queen's University Belfast?

There is no single number that can be labelled a “low GPA” for every QUB applicant. Instead, compare your CGPA or percentage with the Queen's University Belfast admission criteria for your specific programme.

For example, an Indian student with a 5.7/10 CGPA may potentially meet the academic equivalent for some  Queen's University courses requiring a UK 2:2. However, the same score would normally be below the published equivalency range for a course requiring a UK 2:1.

This is why Indian students should check course-level requirements before deciding that their GPA is too low for QUB.

What If Your GPA Is Below the QUB Requirement?

Being below the standard academic requirement does not always mean you have no options.

First, check whether the individual programme allows applicants with alternative qualifications or relevant professional experience to be considered.

For example, the Queen's MBA normally requires a UK 2:2 equivalent and at least three years of quality professional experience. QUB states that applicants with qualifications below the 2:2 standard may be considered case-by-case if they can demonstrate appropriate relevant professional experience.

International students who do not meet direct-entry requirements may also explore preparation routes through the Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre, including International Foundation, International Year One and selected Pre-Master's programmes.

Feel free to connect with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.