Begin your journey at Queen’s with the Graduate Transition and Academic Success (GTAS) Program; build skills, make connections, and feel at home before classes begin.
Program Overview
The Graduate Transition and Academic Success (GTAS) is a 3-week intensive program that introduces internationa
l students to academic and social practices, essential resources, and community connections at Queen’s University. Through interactive sessions and guided experiences, students will develop the skills needed to adjust to the Canadian academic environment, build confidence in communication, and navigate university life successfully. They will also explore principles of academic integrity, understand cultural dynamics, and learn about support services available to enhance their academic experience and personal well-being.
The program is open to applications from international graduate students who have received an acceptance letter from the Queen’s University.
What will you achieve?
Through this program, incoming international graduate students will:
- Enhance academic skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and daily communication, along with time management and academic integrity skills, to navigate the Canadian academic system with confidence.
- Develop social settlement skills to adapt to their new environment by understanding cultural norms and expectations at Queen’s University, Kingston, and Canada.
- Gain knowledge of available resources within the university and the Kingston area to access support services and opportunities.
- Build a strong community by forming meaningful connections with peers, faculty, support staff, and local residents, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement.
The Application portal will open on May 1, 2025. The portal will close May 31, 2025.
Applicants will be notified of acceptance by June 13, 2025.
The duration of the program is 3 weeks, typically the last three weeks of August before the Fall semester begins. The 2025 program will be held from August 11-29.
This program will be held in-person only on the Queen’s University campus in Kingston, Ontario.
You are eligible for the GTAS program, if you
- Are an incoming international graduate student;
- Will begin your academic program in September 2025; and
- Have received acceptance letter from Queen’s University for the next academic year.
There is no tuition charge for the GTAS program. However, medical insurance, housing services, visa cost, food, groceries, transportation, optional excursion, and any study materials are the responsibility of participants and not covered by the program. Please budget for these additional expenses accordingly.
Below is a sample daily schedule:
- Morning Session: 9:00- 12:00 AM
- Lunch Break (free time): 12:00- 1:00 PM
- Afternoon Session: 1:00- 4:00 PM
|
Week |
Time |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
|
Week 1 |
Morning |
Welcome session, ice-breaking, breakfast and overview of the program |
Open bank account / explore your campus |
Getting to know about services at Kingston & get cell phone plan |
Student wellness service and medical insurance |
Career development and graduate map |
|
Afternoon |
Self-discovery and goal setting |
Housing search & safety on Campus, Kingston and Canada |
Kingston downtown walk |
Immigration session: compliance and work in Canada |
Social/ excursion/ free time |
|
|
Week 2 |
Morning |
Thriving in Canadian Classroom & overcoming cultural shock |
Academic Writing skills |
Time management & working in a group |
Collaborative activity (group presentation) & continuing support with SASS |
Group bus tour |
|
Lunch With Deans |
||||||
|
Afternoon |
Understanding academic integrity & library resource orientation |
Academic Speaking skills |
Collaborative activity and SASS online resources |
Panel discussion with senior students and QUIC group in check-up |
||
|
Week 3 |
Morning |
Connect with SGPS, PSAC 901, SGSPA, Student Affairs, and CTL and postdoctoral office |
Attend Teaching Development Conference |
Walk and talk indigenous land based education |
Session on graduate supervision policy |
Closing reception, goal check and goal setting for graduate studies & program evaluation |
|
Afternoon |
Make and share a meal |
Social/ club meet/ free time |
Land acknowledgement workshop |
Campus community service fair & Queen’s Scavenger hunt time |
Free time |
|
Students will receive a “Learning Across Cultures Certificate,” provided by Student Academic Success Services (SASS) and 91 International Centre (QUIC) at Queen’s University for attending all the academic skills sessions and completing this program. However, please note that this transcript will not be noted on your Queen’s official certificate.
QUIC
The Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) is a welcoming and inclusive hub that supports the international student community at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Located on the second floor of Mitchell Hall, QUIC provides a wide range of services, programs, and resources to help international students, staff, and visitors adapt to life in Canada and thrive during their time at Queen’s.
SASS
Student Academic Success Services (SASS) is a central academic support unit at Queen’s University that helps students build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their studies and thrive throughout their academic journey. Located within Student Affairs, SASS offers free, confidential, and student-centered support to all Queen’s students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
FAQs
This program is designed for incoming international graduate students who have received an acceptance letter for the next academic year from Queen’s University.
You can apply for the GTAS program through the official Queen’s School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs website by completing the . The application deadline will be announced on the program website. To apply for the GTAS complete the following steps:
- Step one: Check eligibility
- Step two: Have your acceptance letter from Queen’s University for the next academic year ready for upload.
- Step three: Complete the form. You can find the form
- Step four: Once you submit the form you will get the confirmation email
Application decisions will be communicated within June 13, 2025.
The program runs for three weeks. 80% attendance is mandatory for information and workshop based academic, social and cultural integration sessions. Full participation is strongly recommended to gain the full benefits of the program. Participation in social outings and excursions is optional but encouraged to help students engage with their peers and explore the local community.
- What is the cost of the program?
There is no tuition fee for the program. However, you are responsible for costs associated with university health insurance plan (UHIP), housing, visa, food, transportation, optional excursion, and groceries. Please budget for these additional expenses accordingly. You can find a tentative budget here.
- Are UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) fees mandatory?
Yes, international students are required to have UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) coverage. Please finds more information about UHIP .
- How can I pay for my UHIP?
UHIP fees will be included in your Queen’s University student account, and payment can be made through the university’s official payment methods (if you already paid for UHIP as an incoming graduate student, you do not need to pay for UHIP separately for this program).
- It is your responsibility to find and pay for the accommodation during the program. You can choose where you want to stay. There are several options for accommodation in Kingston. Please check, Homestay, Off campus housing, and for more information.
- Meals are not included in the program, but some meals may be provided depending on your accommodation types. For example, ‘Homestay’ offers some meal options.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact heather.merla@queensu.ca.