Queen's University Exam Deferral: Sick Note & Academic Consideration (2026)

Queen's University in Kingston requires medical documentation for exam deferrals. Here's how to navigate their academic consideration process and get documentation fast.

Queen's University Academic Consideration: What You Need to Know

Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario has a structured academic consideration process for students who miss exams due to illness. As a smaller city, Kingston presents unique challenges for getting medical documentation quickly.

Queen's Academic Consideration Process

When you miss an exam at Queen's due to illness:

1. Notify your faculty office immediately — Don't wait until you feel better
2. Obtain medical documentation within the required timeframe
3. Submit your request through the Faculty Office or Registrar

Documentation Requirements

Queen's requires medical documentation that includes:

  • Physician's name and CPSO registration number

  • Date of examination

  • Confirmation that you were unable to attend the exam

  • Expected recovery timeline


Self-Declaration at Queen's

Queen's allows self-declaration for:

  • Absences of 3 days or fewer

  • Assessments worth less than 15% of the final grade

  • Limited uses per term


Medical documentation required for:
  • Final exams

  • Assessments worth 15% or more

  • Absences exceeding 3 days

  • After exhausting self-declarations


Getting Medical Documentation in Kingston

Kingston (population ~135,000) has limited healthcare options:

1. Queen's Student Wellness Services: Mitchell Hall. Free but extremely busy during exams
2. Kingston walk-in clinics: Princess Street, Division Street. Wait times 2-4 hours
3. Kingston General Hospital ER: For emergencies only
4. Online sick note (MedLetter): Documentation within hours. $49 flat fee. No Kingston clinic wait

Why Kingston Students Need Online Options

  • Kingston has fewer walk-in clinics than larger Ontario cities

  • Student Wellness Services has limited capacity during finals (December/April)

  • Many Queen's students are from Toronto/Ottawa and don't have a Kingston doctor

  • Winter weather can make travel to clinics difficult


Frequently Asked Questions

Will Queen's University accept an online sick note?
Yes. Queen's accepts medical documentation from any CPSO-licensed physician. The note must include the physician's registration number and confirm incapacity.

How long do I have to submit my academic consideration request at Queen's?
Typically within 3 business days of the missed assessment. Check with your faculty office for specific deadlines.

Can I self-declare for a final exam at Queen's?
No. Self-declaration does not apply to final exams. You need medical documentation from a licensed physician.

What if I'm an international student at Queen's without a local doctor?
Online services like MedLetter connect you with CPSO-licensed physicians regardless of whether you have a local doctor. This is especially helpful for international students.

How to Get Your Documentation

Queen's students in Kingston: don't let limited clinic availability delay your academic consideration request. [Get your sick note now](/get-started/sick_note?province=ontario) — $49 flat fee, delivered by email within hours.

Conclusion

Queen's University's academic consideration process is straightforward but time-sensitive. Kingston's limited healthcare options make online sick notes particularly valuable for Queen's students who need documentation quickly during exam season.