Trent University (Ontario): Tuition, Scholarships & Guide for International Students

Trent University is a public university in Ontario, founded in 1964, with its main Symons Campus in Peterborough on the Otonabee River and a Durham Greater Toronto Area campus in Oshawa. It is known for small classes, a college system, and strengths in environmental science, Indigenous studies, forensic science, nursing, business, and the liberal arts. This guide covers official 2026-27 costs, scholarships, English requirements, campus life, and Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: Trent University, a public university in Ontario, founded in 1964
• Campuses: Symons Campus in Peterborough and Trent University Durham GTA in Oshawa
• 2026-27 international tuition (Trent's page): about C$35,000 for general programmes, plus about C$3,000 in ancillary fees
• Estimated 2026-27 eight-month budget: C$52,500 to C$58,880, including housing (C$7,500 to C$9,280) and food (C$4,000 to C$5,600)
• Entrance scholarships (reported from Trent): C$2,500 to C$5,500 a year, renewable, for averages of 80% or more
• English: IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0
• Known for: environmental science, Indigenous studies, forensic science, nursing, business, and the liberal arts

Rankings and reputation

Trent is a primarily undergraduate university, often rated well in Canadian rankings for undergraduate teaching, and does not sit high in global research tables. Judge it on your programme, class sizes, and outcomes.

Academics and signature programs

Trent offers arts, science, business, nursing, forensic science, environmental and resource science, Indigenous studies, and education, plus graduate programmes. It was one of the first universities in Canada to establish an Indigenous studies department. Ask about co-op or placement options and which campus teaches your programme.

Admissions and international eligibility

Admission is based on academic results and English. International students are automatically considered for entrance scholarships. After admission, you need a study permit and usually a provincial attestation letter.

English language requirements

• IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0
• Other tests may be accepted
• Trent offers English pathway programmes
• Check the admissions page

Application checklist

A typical application includes transcripts, English results, and passport details. Apply early for scholarship consideration and to allow time for the attestation letter and study permit.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

Trent's 2026-27 estimate lists international tuition of about C$35,000 for general programmes plus about C$3,000 in ancillary fees, with an eight-month budget of C$52,500 to C$58,880 including housing, food, and other costs. Some programmes cost more. Check the tuition page for your programme.

Estimated living costs

• Study-permit applicants must show funds for tuition, travel, and living costs, and the required amount is updated periodically
• International students can generally work a limited number of hours per week off campus during term under current rules
• Winters are cold, so budget for winter clothing
• Housing near campus can be limited, so arrange it early
• Public transit and student passes reduce commuting costs in most cities

Scholarships

Trent's entrance scholarships for international students are reported at C$2,500 to C$5,500 a year, renewable if you maintain eligibility, and are awarded automatically for averages of 80% or more. Trent also offers prestigious scholarships by application. Check current values.

Campus life and student support

The Symons Campus spans both banks of the Otonabee River, with modernist buildings, trails, and a college system that gives students a smaller community. The Durham campus in Oshawa is smaller and closer to Toronto. Peterborough is a small city with lower costs than the Greater Toronto Area.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Trent graduates work in environmental management, health care, education, business, and public service. The Durham campus offers easier access to Toronto-area employers. Ask about co-op and placement options and PGWP eligibility.

Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit

Graduates of eligible programs at designated learning institutions can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, whose length generally depends on the program length up to three years. Canada has tightened rules, including language requirements and, for some program types, field-of-study conditions, and it caps new study permits, so confirm the current rules with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and ask the institution whether your program qualifies.

Environmental and forensic science

Trent's School of the Environment is one of its best-known departments, with fieldwork along the Otonabee River and in nearby lakes and forests. Its forensic science programme combines science with crime-scene techniques. Ask about lab facilities and field costs.

Indigenous studies

Trent was a pioneer in Indigenous studies in Canada, and its Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies offers undergraduate and graduate programmes. International students interested in Indigenous knowledge and rights can study with Indigenous faculty and Elders.

The college system

Trent's colleges give students a smaller community within the university, with their own events, study spaces, and support. First-year students are usually placed in a college. Ask how the system works on your campus.

Living in Peterborough

Peterborough is a small city about 90 minutes from Toronto, with lakes, trails, and a lower cost of living. Winters are cold and snowy. Buses connect the campus with downtown, and GO buses link to Toronto.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

International students need health coverage, which may be through a provincial plan after a waiting period or a university plan, so ask what applies. Budget for the study permit fee, flights, winter clothing, and a housing deposit, and arrange housing early.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, registration, and adapting to Canadian classroom culture, which values participation and regular assignments. Students who use tutoring, writing support, and co-op advising early tend to settle faster.

A realistic budget

Trent's own estimate of C$52,500 to C$58,880 for eight months shows the full cost of a year. A C$5,500 entrance scholarship would reduce this to about C$47,000 to C$53,400.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What is the 2026-27 fee for my programme?
• What entrance scholarship will I receive?
• Which campus offers my programme?
• Do I need a provincial attestation letter?
• What housing is available?
• Is my programme PGWP-eligible?

Who Trent suits best

Trent suits students who want small classes, a close-knit community, and strengths in environment, Indigenous studies, forensic science, or the liberal arts. It may suit less well students who want a large city campus.

Trent compared with other Ontario universities

Larger universities such as Toronto, York, and Queen's offer more programmes and higher rankings, often at higher costs. Trent offers smaller classes and a distinctive setting. Compare programme, cost, and scholarships.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your program and confirm entry requirements.
2. Check the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts and passport details.
4. Accept your offer and obtain the documents needed for your study permit.
5. Apply for your study permit and arrange insurance.
6. Book housing and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified transcripts, English results, and proof of funds, and start the study-permit process early because processing times vary. Keep written confirmation of fees and scholarships.

Nursing and business

Trent offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and business administration degrees. Nursing places for international students can be limited, and working as a nurse in Canada requires registration with a provincial regulator. Business students can pursue professional designations. Ask about places and placements.

Study permit and PGWP planning

Canada caps study permits and requires most new undergraduate students to obtain a provincial attestation letter. PGWP eligibility for university degrees is broad, but rules change often. Keep your permit valid, study full time, and check IRCC's current rules.

The Durham GTA campus

Trent's Durham campus in Oshawa offers programmes in business, psychology, social science, and other areas, with a smaller community and access to Toronto-area jobs. Check which programmes are taught there and where you would live.

Questions for current students

If possible, speak with current Trent students about class sizes, the college system, housing, and winter in Peterborough. Their experience can help you judge whether the institution suits you and what to budget for in the first year.

Common mistakes applicants make

Applicants sometimes budget only for tuition, overlook ancillary fees and residence costs, or apply late and miss housing. Use Trent's own eight-month estimate when planning funds.

Support for international students

Trent International helps with orientation, immigration advice, and settling in, and students join a college community from the start.

Frequently asked questions