Special Application Instructions
At Trent University we welcome students from many different pathways. Non-secondary student applicants are still eligible to apply for undergraduate studies and outlined the requirements for your application below.
- International Students
- Mature Students
- Canadian Indigenous Students
- Home Schooled Students
- College or University Transfer Student
- Incoming Student on Letter of Permission
- Courses for Grade 12 Scholars
International Students
All students are required to have the following for admission to all programs:
-
High School diploma
-
Proof of English proficiency (or conditional admission through Trent-ESL)
- Minimum grades as outlined in country-specific admissions requirements
For a complete guide to International studies at Trent, visit the International Students Pathway.
Mature Students
Mature students must:
-
Be 21 years or older as of the first day of classes of the session to which you have applied
-
Have been out of full-time secondary or post-secondary studies for at least two years as of the date of entering Trent
- Not eligible for admission consideration under other admission requirements
Please note the completion of the minimum requirements above do not guarantee admission to any course, program or department at the university. The Admissions Committee is looking for proof that the applicant has the potential to succeed in a degree program. Applicants will complete the Mature Student Supplemental Application form (found under the "Academics" tab of the myTrent portal) after applying.
Mature Student Application Steps
Students interested in applying only to Trent University may apply through Trent's Direct Application and we will waive the application fee.
Please Note: International applicants must apply through the International Application
Application Deadlines
Term | Date |
---|---|
Winter Term* | Late December |
Summer Term* | Late May |
Fall Term | Late August |
*please note not all programs and courses are offered in winter and summer terms.
Please contact admissions@trentu.ca with any questions about your application.
Documentation
Mature students require the following documentation for admissions:
- Official post-secondary transcripts (if applicable)
- Official secondary school transcript (if attended within the last 5 years)
- The Mature Student Supplementary Application (available on your myTrent portal under the 'Academics' tab)
- Resume and letters of reference (optional)
After reviewing your application and supporting documentation, the Admissions Office may request an interview to discuss the combination of your educational and professional experience.
If you have a diagnosed physical, learning or psychiatric disability, you may want to contact the Student Accessibility Services.
Canadian Indigenous Students
There are two application pathways for Indigenous Canadian Students:
-
Degree Program
- Indigenous Diploma Program
Degree Program
Indigenous students who have followed a traditional academic path are eligible to apply to Trent directly through the Degree Program application process.
Please refer to the Admissions Requirements page for a full outline of program prerequisites.
Apply Online
Students interested in applying only to Trent University may apply through Trent's Direct Application and we will waive the application fee.
Applications for undergraduate studies at Trent University can also go through OUAC (www.ouac.on.ca/105). Please refer to the OUAC website for full application fee information.
Please Note: International applicants must apply through the International Application
Self-Identification
Self-identifying your Indigenous ancestry on your application helps to ensure we offer the best cultural and support services possible. Contact First Peoples House of Learning for more information:www.trentu.ca/fphl
Indigenous Diploma Program
The Indigenous Diploma Program at Trent University is a program for applicants of Indigenous ancestry who wish to pursue university level studies, and who may not have taken a traditional academic path towards post-secondary education and may benefit from studying in a supportive academic atmosphere for Indigenous students.
Program Overview
There are two program options in the Diploma Program: Foundations of Indigenous Learning or Indigenous Environmental Studies
Students admitted to the program will take at least eight university credits over two years. After successfully completion of these credits, students will receive a diploma in either the Foundations of Indigenous learning Diploma or Indigenous Management and Economic Development Diploma
Upon successful completion of the Indigenous Diploma Program, credits earned can be applied directly to a university degree at Trent. Most students can complete the balance of a 3 year B.A. or a 4 year Honours degree in one or two more years of study.
All Indigenous Diploma Program students must take full-time studies over the course of the program.
Current Secondary Students
You are a current secondary student who self-identifies as being of Indigenous ancestry who has followed a non-traditional academic path.
You will fill out a “101” form on the OUAC website (OUAC), identifying the Indigenous Diploma Program from the drop down menu as your program choice. You will also be required to fill out an Indigenous Diploma Program Supplementary Application, and will submit that form directly to Trent University.
Non-Current Secondary Students
You are not currently enrolled in secondary school. You self-identify as of Indigenous ancestry and have not followed a traditional academic path towards post-secondary education. You may be a mature student, or a student who has experienced extenuating circumstances you feel impacted your academic success over the course of your academic history.
Students who identify as non-current secondary students of Indigenous ancestry will fill out the 105-D form on the OUAC site, identifying theIndigenous Diploma Program from the drop down menu as your program choice. You will also be required to fill out an Indigenous Diploma Program Supplementary Application, and will submit that form directly to Trent University.
Home Schooled Students
Trent University is committed to alternative forms of education and the contributions these experiences bring to our university.
Students who have been home schooled or have attended a secondary school not accredited by the Provincial or State Ministry of Education should apply using the same application process as other students.
Applicants will be considered on the basis of independent evidence of academic achievement which may include high school grades, correspondence courses, college courses, and other pertinent accomplishments.
Applicants must provide a portfolio that includes:
- An official transcript with grades received (if available)
- Grade 12 course outlines (including a list of course texts and method of evaluation)
- Sample of written work at the Grade 12 level, which includes the instructor’s comments and grade (i.e. a Grade 12 English essay)
- Results of standardized tests (if available) such as:
SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests - AP Examinations (if applicable)
- Advanced Level course examinations in the General Certificate Education (minimum of two for consideration) (if applicable)
- Students applying to specialized programs such as Forensic Science, Education, Nursing and some Science programs must complete the Ontario 4U level courses (or approved equivalents) in the prerequisite courses through a province/state Ministry of Education approved institution.
- Must provide proof of English Proficiency where required
Note: Home Schooled applicants may be asked to attend an interview with a member of the admission staff.
Admission Requirements
Before submitting your application to OUAC, check Trent’s Admission Requirements to ensure you meet the degree prerequisites.
Apply On-Line
Students interested in applying only to Trent University may apply through Trent's Direct Application and we will waive the application fee.
Applications for undergraduate studies at Trent University can also go through OUAC (www.ouac.on.ca/105). Please refer to the OUAC website for full application fee information.
Please Note: International applicants must apply through the International Application
Application Received
Once your completed application has reached Trent through OUAC, Trent will mail you a small package as well as send you an email (to the email address listed in your OUAC application) as an official acknowledgement of your application.
The package and email will list important next steps for you regarding the Trent University application and admissions process. Some important steps to think about include: reviewing your program requirements and the accuracy of your OUAC application,setting up your MyTrent account, tracking your application, researching funding opportunities at Trent, among other great information.
If you have a diagnosed physical, learning or psychiatric disability, you may want to contact the Office of Disability Services.
College or University Transfer Student
Check the application deadlines and admission requirements for transfer students. Details on transferring to Trent can be found on our Transfer site.
Students interested in applying only to Trent University may apply through Trent's Direct Application and we will waive the application fee.
Applications for undergraduate studies at Trent University can also go through OUAC (www.ouac.on.ca/105). Please refer to the OUAC website for full application fee information.
Please Note: International applicants must apply through the International Application
Supporting Documentation
Transfer students must submit the following documentation along with an application to Trent through OUAC:
- All official post-secondary transcripts from institutions attended
- Official high school transcript (if have attended high school within the last 5 years)
Please send all supporting documentation to:
Trent University
Admissions Office, Blackburn Hall
1600 West Bank Drive
Peterborough, ON Canada
K9L 0G2
You may need to submit a supplementary application if extenuating circumstances affected your previous studies.
Transfer Credit Assessment Process
After applying to Trent University, you may be required to submit additional supporting documentation. Document requirements will be posted on your myTrent portal account.
When successful applicants are extended an Offer of Admission, they will also be notified of their preliminary or final transfer credit evaluation through the myTrent portal.
Course syllabi from previous post-secondary institutions may be required to complete the transfer credit assessment.
Transfer credit assessments may take up to four weeks after course syllabi are submitted.
Incoming Student on Letter of Permission
Trent University welcomes visiting students wishing to study on a Letter of Permission. To do so, please obtain a Letter of Permission from your home institution and then apply to Trent as a Letter of Permission student on the OUAC website. Note: you must select the "Create Account" option
To view the courses offered at Trent University, please visit our Academic Timetable.
Once you have completed your application and been admitted, follow the registration instructions that will be emailed to you.
Courses for Grade 12 Scholars
If you are a high achieving student in high school, you may be eligible to enrol in a course at Trent University, starting in January of your Grade 12 year. Upon successful completion, you will have a Trent University credit, which may be applied towards your Trent degree. The credit you achieve may also be transferable to other universities.
No matter where you decide to pursue your post-secondary studies, Trent can help you explore your options now and get a head start.
Available Courses
There are many courses options available to you. Below are some examples:
- Psychology 1020H - Introduction to Psychology Part 1: Experimental and Biological Bases of Behaviour
- Sociology 1001H – Introduction to Sociology I: Critical Foundations
- English Literature 1000Y – Introduction to English Literature
Please visit the Academic Calendar for course descriptions: www.trentu.ca/calendar
How to Apply
Special permission from your school principal is required. To find out how to apply, contact Manager of Admissions.
Program Fees
Eligible students are not required to pay course fees. Students are responsible to purchase course textbooks.