In short
Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, is a highly-rated public university known for its student experience, small classes, and strong graduate employment rate. It offers international students comprehensive programs with competitive tuition fees and available scholarships.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1964
- Students
- 10,000
- International students
- 3,000
- Acceptance rate
- 60%
- Tuition (intl)
- €16–22k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Peterborough, Canada
Trent University, founded in 1964 in Peterborough, Ontario, is a public university consistently ranked #1 among Ontario comprehensive universities for student experience and services. With about 10,000 students across campuses in Peterborough and Oshawa, it is known for small classes, interdisciplinary studies, and Canada's leading Indigenous Studies programme. Strong co-op and career integration programmes result in a 92% graduate employment rate within six months of graduation.
Why study here
- Ranked #1 undergraduate university in Ontario for student services, awards, and educational experience.
- Canada's most respected Indigenous Studies programme, alongside strong environmental science and life sciences.
- Small class sizes and interdisciplinary curriculum foster genuine faculty mentorship and academic depth.
- High graduate employment rate (92%) supported by robust co-op and internship partnerships.
- Affordable Peterborough location with on-campus housing, active student life, and easy access to Toronto.
Student life
The Symons Campus in Peterborough sits along the Otonabee River with forested trails, canoe access, and distinctive architecture. Students enjoy an active student union, 100+ clubs, varsity and intramural athletics, and a range of campus events. The Bata Library offers excellent academic resources, including the MaDGIC data and government information centre and the Odette Critical Making Studio. Peterborough is an affordable city with a vibrant arts scene, local music festivals, and proximity to Ontario's Kawartha Lakes cottage country. The Durham GTA campus in Oshawa serves students in the Greater Toronto Area.
Fees
InternationalApproximately CAD 22,000–32,000/year (EUR 15,500–21,800) depending on programme.
HomeDomestic students: approx. CAD 7,000–10,000/year.
LivingPeterborough is among Canada's most affordable university cities — estimated CAD 10,000–14,000/year for housing, food, and transport.
Trent offers entrance scholarships up to CAD 5,000 for high-achieving international applicants. Various department and community scholarships are available; no application required for most entrance awards.
Admissions
High school diplomaOntario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent with competitive grades (typically 75–85%+ for most programmes).
Programme prerequisitesSpecific courses required depending on programme (e.g., biology and chemistry for life sciences).
Graduate programmesRelevant honours bachelor's degree with minimum B+ (77%) average in last 20 courses; references and personal statement required.
IELTS6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT88+
Duolingo English Test115+
Rankings
Maclean's University Rankings 2024 (Comprehensive)6
Globe and Mail University Report (Student Experience, Ontario)1
University scholarships
Trent Entrance ScholarshipCAD 1,000–5,000 (merit-based, automatic consideration)
Jean McKerracher Scholarship in BiologyVaries; 4th-year biology students
Roy L. Edwards ScholarshipVaries; outstanding ecology students entering 4th year
Accreditation
Trent University is a provincially chartered university under the Trent University Act (Ontario) and is a member of Universities Canada. Specific professional programmes carry additional accreditation (e.g., nursing by the Ontario College of Nurses standards).
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Programs
a selectionTrent University · Canada
Bachelor of Arts and Science
The Bachelor of Arts and Science (BAS) program at Trent University is a unique, interdisciplinary degree designed for students who wish to combine studies across the arts and sciences. It's a flexible program that allows for personalized learning pathways, encouraging students to explore connections between different fields of knowledge. The program is entering its 13th year and offers options for Co-op and a dual degree with Medical Sciences.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Trent University · Canada
Bioenvironmental Monitoring & Assessment Graduate Programs
The Bioenvironmental Monitoring and Assessment (BEMA) Graduate Programs offer specialized training for students seeking practical experience in the environmental sector. With options for a thesis-based Master of Science (MSc), a course-based Master of Business Administration (M.BEMA), and a Graduate Diploma (G.Dip), these programs are designed to equip you with in-demand skills for environmental careers. You can choose between online course-based delivery or in-person thesis-based study. The M.BEMA and G.Dip programs are designed for quick entry into the workforce, with completion possible in as little as 8 months (G.Dip) or 12 months (M.BEMA), and offer the flexibility to study part-time over a longer period. All course-based options include a valuable 4-month professional placement before graduation.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
8 mo
Duration
Trent University · Canada
Environmental Science and Studies
Trent University offers a Bachelor of Environmental Science/Studies (B.E.S.S.) degree, one of Canada's first ECO Canada accredited environmental programs. This degree provides a comprehensive approach to environmental study, drawing from both arts and sciences. You will gain a well-rounded education with opportunities for classroom learning, hands-on lab work, and field experience. The program focuses on understanding water, air, soil, and ecosystems, as well as the complex relationships between the environment, policy, planning, and social interactions. Graduates are prepared to analyze and solve environmental issues from multiple perspectives, using science, policy, and political insights to launch their careers. Students can explore a wide array of courses, including topics like Environmental Science and Politics, Canadian Environmental Policy, Community-Based Natural Resources Management, Pollution Ecology, Environmental Justice, and Climatic Change. The program emphasizes practical experience, offering guaranteed experiential learning opportunities throughout the degree. This includes community-based research projects, field experiences, and potential paid internships, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world issues and gain valuable professional experience before graduation.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Trent University · Canada
Interdisciplinary Social Research PhD
The PhD in Interdisciplinary Social Research (IDSR) at Trent University is a doctoral program focused on social inquiry and interdisciplinary research. It offers theoretical, methodological, and experiential training to develop leading scholarship on key social, material, and environmental issues, both historical and contemporary. The program emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary perspectives and processes for identifying and solving complex societal problems in an era of significant change. Graduates will gain flexible research skills applicable to public sector, NGO, community-based, and corporate roles.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Trent University · Canada
Master of Science in Psychology
The Master of Science (MSc) in Psychology at Trent University is a research-intensive program designed to prepare students for careers in health, science, or communications, or for further doctoral studies. The program offers three distinct fields of study: Health Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Cognition/Perception/Neuroscience. Students will engage in developing and writing a research-based thesis, supported by statistical and field-specific coursework.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Trent University · Canada
Trent School of the Environment
The Trent School of the Environment (TSE) offers a comprehensive undergraduate learning experience, providing over a dozen degree programs and more than 100 environment-related courses. Students can choose from established programs or create a unique degree tailored to their interests. TSE combines the resources of a larger university, including access to leading scholars and advanced facilities, with a personalized, community-focused environment. Its unique 1400-acre campus features 11 nature areas, offering unparalleled hands-on learning opportunities in diverse ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and rivers.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What makes Trent University a good choice for international students?
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Trent University is recognized for its #1 ranking in Ontario for student experience and services. It offers small class sizes, strong faculty mentorship, and a high graduate employment rate of 92% within six months. The university also provides affordable living costs in Peterborough.
What are the estimated tuition fees for international students at Trent University?
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International student tuition fees at Trent University typically range from approximately CAD 22,000 to CAD 32,000 per year, depending on the specific program of study.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
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International applicants typically need an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, a TOEFL iBT score of 88+, or a Duolingo English Test score of 115+.
What academic qualifications are needed for admission?
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Applicants generally require a high school diploma equivalent to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma with competitive grades, typically between 75–85% or higher for most programs. Specific program prerequisites may also apply.
Does Trent University offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, Trent University offers entrance scholarships for high-achieving international applicants, with amounts up to CAD 5,000. Most entrance awards are merit-based and do not require a separate application.
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