More than 63,000 students have applied to Queen’s for Fall 2026 admission, a six per cent increase over last year, according to the University’s Enrolment Report.
Applications for programs other than Commerce, Health Sciences, and Nursing remain open until March 1, 2026, meaning the total applicant pool may continue to grow.
Despite growing demand, the average admission grade for first-year students has remained at 90.5 per cent. In a statement to The Journal, the University said this figure “has been consistent over the past several admission cycles.”
Provincially, however, the picture appears different. Recent reporting from CBC News found that Ontario high school students are facing rising entrance averages across universities, suggesting intensifying academic competition.
The CBC reported cited data showing that entrance averages at several Ontario institutions have climbed in recent years, with more students graduating high school with marks in the high 80s and 90s than in previous decades. The reporting also pointed to concerns about grade inflation and the long-term academic impacts of pandemic-era learning.
“Admission to Queen’s remains highly competitive, reflecting sustained demand across Ontario and beyond,” the University wrote in its statement.
Despite increased application numbers, Queen’s emphasized that its admissions criteria haven’t changed.
The University explained that “for some programs, we may use additional information, such as a Supplementary Application, Audition, or Portfolio, in addition to a student’s academic record, to help make admissions decisions.” It added that competitiveness varies by faculty and program and can fluctuate year to year depending on applicant demand.
For some students, however, the perception that averages are climbing remains strong.
Andrew DaCosta, ArtSci ’29, said his admissions experience was straightforward. “I honestly didn’t have much difficulty with the process. It was very smooth for me,” he said.
DaCosta said his average was in the mid-90s when he applied. Still, he acknowledged the broader pressure surrounding university applications.
“University admissions is what you’ve been working towards throughout high school, and all the work you’ve done comes down to this,” he said.
DaCosta added that while his own experience was positive, he’s aware that not all applicants receive the same outcome.
Nathan Senior, Sci ’29, said he knows several students who weren’t admitted to Engineering and Life Sciences, two programs widely considered competitive.
Queen’s statement said it remains committed to transparent, fair, and academically grounded admissions practices.
Tags
Admission Average, Enrolment, High School Grades
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