Established in 1964, Trent University is among the top 6.1% of universities in the world. It’s home to more than 9,000 students, including 1,000 internationals from over 79 countries.
The university is ranked as the best undergraduate university in Ontario for 10 years running, and first in Canada for scholarships and bursaries (Maclean’s University Rankings 2021).
Students can choose from over 100 undergraduate programs at Trent. Its different schools include:
Class sizes are small with an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This allows students to learn closely from peers and faculty. There’s a high student satisfaction rate, with 95% of students happy that they chose the university.
Life on campus is vibrant and dynamic. On-campus residences have a rare combination of academic services and housing options to choose from. There are also over 100 clubs and organizations available to join – including 30 international clubs.
The Symons campus is based in Peterborough; one of Canada’s largest and most spectacular campuses situated on the banks of the Otonabee River. It’s close to numerous shops, boutiques, restaurants and entertainment venues. With a population of 85,000 and growing, Peterborough is a perfect university town. It provides a well-balanced student life. The campus is just 90 minutes away from Toronto, and three hours from Ottawa.
The campus at Durham, in the Greater Toronto Area, is an equally vibrant and exciting place to study. It offers a transformational university experience to every student.
96% of Trent students are employed within two years of graduation. The university’s 44,000-strong alumni consist of Nobel laureates and Rhodes Scholars.
Undergraduate degree programs are available across a range of subjects, including arts and sciences. Schools include:
The School of Education is dedicated to giving students the skills they need to thrive in the education profession. Programs include:
The School of Environment teaches a variety of programs that have been developed at Trent over several years. It’s a top choice for future environmental leaders. Programs include BA or BSc in:
Graduate programs include environmental and life science and sustainability studies. Students can undertake joint majors, both within and outside of the school. This lets them tailor their degrees to specific interests.
At Trent University, students get a practical, real-world learning experience. Everyone is guaranteed meaningful career-focused learning opportunities.
All programs offer courses that include experiential learning. Most offer the chance to earn academic credit through a number of paths, such as internships and co-ops. Opportunities include research projects, field placements and intensive language programs, both locally and internationally.
All students can gain work experience through the placement program. These are available with some of Canada’s top organizations, such as Royal Bank, Ontario Power Generation and local hospitals.
A number of degree programs include internship opportunities. Students can gain experience alongside their degrees, as well as network and make good professional links. Across courses including forensic science, education, nursing and health sciences, students can gain academic credit whilst experiencing the workplace.
Co-ops help students graduate from university with a head start in their chosen field. They can graduate with a degree along with 12 months of relevant full-time paid experience. Programs are available in areas such as conservation biology, and computing and information systems.
Trent University’s Durham GTA campus has recently opened the doors of a new student residence. The building provides outstanding learning and living spaces. It’s brought a new energy to campus, as students are enjoying the fresh and renovated facilities. This includes an eatery, prayer and meditation room, Indigenous student space, student lounge and quiet study area.
Trent University has spent ten consecutive years as the top undergraduate university in Ontario (Maclean’s University Rankings). Also, it has been top in Canada for scholarships for 20 consecutive years. Other highlights from the 2021 Maclean’s University Rankings include:
Trent University is offering face-to-face ESL classes at the Peterborough campus. Health and safety measures have been put in place to deliver the course safely. For those who are unable to travel to Canada, classes are also offered online. The program is a perfect way to develop English language proficiency and prepare for degree studies. Trent boasts the first Canadian English as a Second Language program to offer academic credit for English language study. Students earn up to two full credits for their ESL studies and can study additional academic courses alongside their ESL credit courses. This is the most innovative and efficient English language pathway offering possible.
The university has been working tirelessly to ensure students and faculty members safely return to campus life. Students can find more information on the changes at Trent University, including the face mask policy, central resources and details for those preparing for degree courses.
16,08,389 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
11,73,545 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
17,37,288 Vocational Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
7,09,285 Living costs
3,22,402 To live on campus
Trent is continuously ranked as the best university in Canada for scholarships and bursaries. There are a number of awards available that are particularly aimed at international students.
High achieving international students may receive a merit-based scholarship worth CAD 1,000 – 3,000. Awards are offered on admission to an undergraduate program.
All new international students who have applied to Trent with IB diplomas are considered for this award, worth CAD 1,000.
New international students may be eligible for awards of CAD 2,000 – 25,000, for:
There are some overall entrance requirements for Trent University. All students need a high school diploma.
Students are encouraged to check the requirements for their chosen programs, as each has specific criteria. There are also country-specific requirements.
Students need to have good levels of speaking and writing English skills. This is so they can understand their classes and make the most of their education.
Internationals whose native language is not English will have to prove their proficiency through the minimum test scores (or equivalent):
The Trent-ESL program is a Languages Canada-accredited program. It’s designed for international students who require additional teaching in the English language. It can be studied:
ESL programs can be a good place to start the university experience. Internationals from all over the globe study English language at Trent. This is because of the university’s:
From Fall 2021, Trent-ESL pathway program offers more value for English language learning. The two highest ESL levels are now credit courses. This means that ESL studies are now part of the degree. Trent is the only university in Canada granting full university credits for English as a Second Language that can be applied to all Trent undergraduate degrees. Now, ESL students can finish Trent-ESL with up to three complete credits. This represents 60% of a student’s first year of university study!
Students in Trent-ESL progress seamlessly into undergraduate and graduate programs. Conditional admission simplifies the progression, and students take academic courses during ESL, which also offers academic credit. Students can graduate from ESL with up to 3 full credits towards their degree, and if they opt to take summer courses, can complete ESL and enter their second year of academic study. With a friendly campus community and access to both small towns and big cities, international students settle into a new way of learning as well as a new language.
The curriculum is designed so learners can handle the demands of a degree. With the continual admission option, some students even begin their degree courses at the same time as the ESL program. It’s an intensive program, which means learners can graduate quickly to achieve their goals at university.
There are different levels of study, depending on the language requirements of each student. As well as developing reading, listening, writing, speaking, pronunciation and grammar abilities, ESL students learn academic requirements such as research, analysis and presentation skills.