Hillary Clinton has been appointed chancellor of Queen's University Belfast, marking a significant international appointment for the former U.S. Secretary of State and First Lady. The university, located in Northern Ireland, is a member of the elite Russell Group of research-led institutions and has seen its global standing rise, achieving a position among the top 175 universities worldwide in the latest QS World University Rankings.
Clinton's role as chancellor is described as a global ambassadorial one, highlighting the university's increasingly international outlook. Queen's University Belfast also received high marks from its students, being named University of the Year at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards, alongside accolades for best students' union, best student support, and best student life.
The university boasts a strong reputation for both teaching and research, with a notable graduate employment record. According to university data, three in four students secure high-skilled employment within 15 months of graduating. Queen's also has a significant focus on nurturing entrepreneurship, consistently ranking among the top UK universities for spinout impact.
Academically, medicine and healthcare subjects form the largest area of study, followed by social sciences, engineering and technology, and business. The university attracts a diverse student body, with approximately 10% of its domestic intake originating from mainland Great Britain. About 30% of students come from households with annual incomes below £19,204, qualifying them for the Queen's Bursary.
Financially, the Queen's Bursary provides £480 annually to eligible UK and Northern Ireland undergraduates and PGCE students. Students from England, Wales, Scotland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man may receive GB scholarships worth £3,000 in their first year, including an accommodation discount and funds towards travel costs. Elite athlete programs can provide up to £5,000 in financial and support services. In the 2025-26 academic year, the university dispersed £1.4 million in hardship support through various funds, including those assisting students with diagnostic assessments for learning differences.
Student accommodation options range from eco-friendly Passivhaus residences, such as the new Weavers' Hall development, to more traditional options. A studio apartment at Weavers' Hall costs £9,720 for a 40-week tenancy, while the least expensive rooms are priced at £4,760 for the same period. The university offers nearly 4,000 self-catered rooms.
Queen's University Belfast provides support services including a Pathway Opportunity Programme (POP) designed to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering potential grade reductions for admission based on program performance. Wellbeing and mental health support are available through a dedicated team, offering same-day responses, self-referral options, peer referrals, free counseling, and guided therapy. Students with long-term conditions can register with the Accessible Learning Support service for tailored assistance and daily drop-in sessions.