Exploration Year

Explore. Discover. Decide. 

Exploration Year at Trent University is for students who want to start university right after high school but take time to choose the right major. You’ll begin your studies at Trent, explore a variety of courses across the arts and sciences, and earn credits toward your degree to stay on track to graduate in four years – without falling behind.

Why Choose Exploration Year at Trent? 

The freedom to start your degree, without the rush. Take the first step, then choose with confidence.

• Explore before you decide: Take courses from a variety of disciplines across the Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences in your first year to discover your academic strengths and interests before committing to a major.
• Access to support from day one: As Ontario’s #1 University for Student Services, students have access to an academic advising team available to work with you throughout your first year to help you explore options, understand degree pathways, and plan your next steps to declare a major.
• Stay on track to graduate: Academic advising can also help you make sure a ll courses completed during your first year count toward your chosen degree, allowing you to graduate in four years – on the same timeline as students who declare a major right away.
• A seamless transition into a degree program: By the end of first year, you’ll be ready to choose a major and move confidently into the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) program that’s right for you.

Is Exploration Year Right For You?

Exploration Year is a great fit if you:
•    Want to start university right after high school.
•    Are considering a gap year because you’re unsure which program you want to take.
•    Feel you would benefit from taking first year courses in various subjects before deciding on a major.
•    Have multiple interests, but aren’t ready to choose a major yet.
•    Value academic guidance while you explore your options.

What Can You Study?

With Trent’s wide range of programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and leading faculty expertise, Exploration Year gives you the time and freedom to sample courses across the Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Interested in Science, but not sure which major is right for you?

• Explore subjects across the Sciences such as Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Forensics, Psychology, Anthropology, Artificial Intelligence, and more.

Interested in the Arts? Explore Humanities & Social Sciences.

• Explore areas across the Arts like English, History, Media Studies, Global Development Studies, Philosophy, Business, Anthropology, and beyond.

How to Apply

1. Explore your passions and interests while choosing to study at either the Peterborough or Durham GTA campuses.
2. Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Science through OUAC and select the Exploration Year option.
3. Explore Scholarships: Full-tuition scholarships available for students entering with a 95%+ average, renewable entrance scholarships for students with an average of 80%+, and renewable prestigious scholarships valued at up to $30,000. Learn more.