Overview
Founded with a focus on interactive learning, Trent University has been ranked the best undergraduate university in Ontario for ten years running (Maclean's University Rankings).
With over 100 undergraduate programs to choose from, Trent University is:
#1 for scholarships in Canada, and has been for 20 consecutive years. Top 5 in Canada for overall reputation. Top 6.2% of universities worldwide.The Peterborough campus is just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto. It's within a beautiful setting by the Otonabee River, giving students the best of both nature and city life. The Durham GTA campus is located in Oshawa. It's 40 minutes from downtown Toronto and home to a close-knit community.
Trent's ethos is focused on leadership and social change. It was voted second in Ontario for ‘most innovative', and for producing 'leaders of tomorrow'. Students are encouraged through their courses and around campus to collaborate, innovate and engage.
Trent's students, as well as faculty and alumni, are committed to finding sustainable solutions to problems in the world. This is a cause that goes all the way back to the university's founding principles. The global perspective sees Trent welcome students from 79 countries from across the world and all over Canada. This results in 95% of students who are happy that they chose to study at Trent.
Trent has excellent graduate outcomes, with 96% of graduates employed within two years of graduating. It's also associated with two Nobel Prize winners.
What's new
New student residence and academic building
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.
A decade at the top
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:
#1 in Canada for promoting Indigenous visibility.
#1 in Ontario for highest quality academic advising staff extracurricular activities faculty with a terminal degree and student services.
#2 in Ontario for producing leaders of tomorrow student satisfaction experiential learning residence living and medical/science grants.
ESL classes at Trent
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.
A safe and healthy campus
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.
Schools of study
Undergraduate degree programs are available across a range of subjects, including arts and sciences. Schools include:
School of Education
The School of Education is dedicated to giving students the skills they need to thrive in the education profession. Programs include:
Teacher education stream Consecutive BEd program – for primary and junior, or intermediate and senior education MEd in educational studies Educational and community leadership – for professionals who want to further their careers in leadership roles and focused action.
School of Environment
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:
Geography Ecological restoration Environmental chemistry Water sciences Sustainable agriculture and food systemsGraduate 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.
Trent-ESL Program
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:
In person Through virtual live classes Via a combination of virtual live and independent online classesESL 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:
Excellent reputation Success rate for progression to degree-level study Fast-track options January, April, June and September start dates No requirements for proof of English language proficiency Opportunities for practice in real situations
ESL classes at Trent
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 who pass the ESL program can progress into an academic program. Most graduate to an undergraduate or graduate course at Trent. 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.
Entry requirements
Academic criteria
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.
Undergraduate English language criteria
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):
IELTS – overall 6.5 with no band below 6.0 TOEFL IBT – overall 86 with minimum 20 in writing Duolingo English Test – 115 Pearson PTE Academic – 59 CAEL online – 60 C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency – Grade C
Scholarships & funding
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.
Entrance scholarships
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.
IB entrance scholarships
All new international students who have applied to Trent with IB diplomas are considered for this award, worth CAD 1,000.
Trent global citizen scholarship program
New international students may be eligible for awards of CAD 2,000 – 25,000, for:
Academic excellence Community service Leadership potential Financial need.
Other awards
Trent International Tuition Levy Scholarship – CAD 25,000 United World College Scholarship – CAD 10,000 – 25,000 Justin Chiu International Scholarship – CAD 3,000 – 15,000
Placements, internships & co-ops
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.
Placements
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.
Internships
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-op programs
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.