Graduate Student Resources
School of Graduate Studies Student Resources and Updates.
Trent University is looking forward to the fall term and to you joining us. For many of you, the COVID-19 pandemic, and all the restrictions it has imposed, have had a significant impact on your personal and academic life. Trent University continues to work diligently to adapt our operations to support our students wherever you are, providing online and in-person services and resources.
Through a multi-access approach to learning, the University is planning supportive and enriching experiences for students this fall, with dynamic ways to engage and build connections, while following the latest public health recommendations.
The following FAQs discuss return to campus plans, research activities, applications and admissions, personal accommodations, and financial supports.
In addition to this page, please refer to the following pages:
- Trent University coronavirus updates on the Trent Forward page
- Mask and face covering policy
- New student welcome page and orientation resources
Graduate Student FAQ's
Below you will find the most commonly asked questions regarding applications and the admissions process for The School of Graduate Studies. Applicants are encouraged to read through our FAQ before sending any inquires or questions.
Trent Forward Graduate Student Questions
Q: How are classes being delivered this fall?
This fall courses will be delivered with a multi-access approach. Multi-access learning is our commitment to delivering a flexible, safe and high quality educational experience for our students in this very different year.
Courses will be available through a combination of online and remote delivery, and in some limited cases in-person instruction (labs, specialized hands-on or small cohort courses, workshops, seminars). Watch this short video to hear from our profs about what multi-access learning is all about. We are committed to helping ensure you are successful academically this year, no matter where or how you choose to study with us, as we continue to provide an array of support services, either in-person or remotely.
Registration is now open for graduate courses. View the 2020-21 Course Offering List of all graduate courses that will be offered during the 2020-21 Academic Year.
Further questions regarding the delivery of courses for fall should be directed to your Graduate Program Director.
Q: When can students return to campus?
The opening of Trent's Peterborough and Durham campuses are proceeding – carefully and gradually. Like other universities in Ontario, the first phase was to open research labs in ways consistent with new protocols designed to educate our community on the pandemic, and with a series of measures designed to keep everyone safe: measures which include the monitoring of our spaces, cleaning, hand sanitizing, physical distancing, the physical arrangement of spaces and the use of masks as necessary. Learn more about the Trent Forward stages of reopening.
Q: Will there be any changes to tuition or ancillary fees for the fall term?
Your tuition fees are an essential part of what enables the University to maintain our commitment to a high calibre learning and student life experiences for our students. Whether you are studying in-person or remotely, these funds provide important support for course instruction, student services such as counselling services, financial aid and academic support, the classroom and online technology required to deliver courses, materials for labs, physical and online library resources, and so on. Learn more about the University’s budget.
In this uniquely challenging time, the University has also made significant incremental investments in new technological tools and training for instructors to deliver the best online and remote courses, to ensure virtual services meet our high standards, and to increase supports for students in a variety of ways.
The University does recognize that, in this different year, there are some services that will be affected if people cannot access them in person. In response, Trent and the student associations have made adjustments to the following ancillary fees for 2020/21.
Students studying at our Peterborough campus will see the following fee adjustments:
- Athletics: The Athletics Centre will reopen for Trent students September 1 and is providing virtual fitness, training, and wellness programming as well as in-person services. Nevertheless, the Athletics Ancillary Fee for the Trent Athletics Centre will be reduced by 25% for the fall term. The Athletics Ancillary Fee will return to the full amount for the 2021 winter term.
Trent Durham GTA students will have ancillary fees adjusted to reflect the following:.
- Athletics: Student fees for access to the City of Oshawa recreational facilities will be not be charged for the fall term. The Trent portion of the fee will go towards virtual and in-person athletics/fitness support for students.
Q: I have applied to a graduate program and am experiencing delays in obtaining the required documentation (transcripts, English language competency testing, etc.) due to issues related to COVID-19. Will this affect my ability to be accepted to this program?
We are aware of the challenges facing some students in obtaining the required documents by the usual deadlines. With this in mind, we are extending our deadlines for receiving official transcripts and proof of degree completion to the end of the 2020 fall term. If you have already sent your official documents to us, we thank you for your patience.
Q: I am an international student - where do I find information on study permits?
Information for international students can be found on the Trent Forward International Student FAQ Page.
Q: I am experiencing a delay in my research milestones. What should I do?
Graduate students who are experiencing challenges in completing their research milestones (through travel restrictions or due to illness) should contact their supervisor(s) as soon as possible to discuss possible accommodations.
Q: When can research activities continue?
The Office of Research & Innovation is actively working on a plan to transition back to on-campus research. The transition plan will be a phased-in approach guided by public health advice, and in accordance with appropriate Federal and Provincial directives. To facilitate a gradual return to campus, researchers will be asked to complete an Impact Assessment & Return to On-Campus Research Form in order for the Office of Research & Innovation to prioritize and plan in advance of an established transition date.
Only those activities that must take place on campus which cannot be completed from home (place of isolation) will be approved. Home-based activities such as report writing, data analysis, literature review will not be approved in phase one.
The Office of Research & Innovation will provide more specific details on the transition back to on-campus research as they develop, along with any policies, procedures or training required to adhere to necessary health and safety measures. Should you have any questions or concerns specific to the guiding principles, please feel free to contact research@trentu.ca and reference the Research FAQ page.
Q: I have lab work. Am I able to access the lab?
Graduate students should continue to work at home where possible. Shared graduate student offices will have limits to capacity. Graduate students should not use their offices for extended periods and should coordinate with other students using the same office. When accessing offices, students should maintain physical distancing in their work space and should follow Trent guidelines including the use of masks (see Mandatory Use of Face Coverings) to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For extended access to office space, graduate students must receive endorsement by their supervisor and approval by the department with consideration of the maximum number of students that can simultaneously use a shared office.
Q: What financial support is available to graduate students as a result of COVID-19?
In recognition that our students may require flexible and alternate academic arrangements as well as increased support, the School of Graduate Studies has, to date, put several measures in place, including:
- $30,000 in emergency financial assistance for graduate students affected by COVID-19
- Waiving late fees for spring term tuition payments
- Adjusting summer ancillary fees to remove athletics fee and safe walk fee
- Waiving fees related to changing status to part-time or taking a leave of absence
- Ensuring wellness services (through fees) remains in place for students to continue accessing important health and counselling services
- Continuing to make bursaries and other existing funding available for graduate students, including an upcoming summer bursary process in May/June.
In addition to the above supports, eligible graduate students may apply for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) offered by the Government of Canada. Details on the program can be found on the Government of Canada emergency benefits webpage.
Trent University is also making additional emergency funding available for graduate students, with additional details to be announced shortly.
Q: Is Traill College open for graduate students?
Buildings at Traill College are currently closed, except for graduate accommodations. Please contact the Principal with any questions in regards to Traill College or to request special access.
Beginning in the 2020 Fall term: The Traill College Office, Graduate Students Reading Room, Common Rooms and Library will be open 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Graduate student offices at Traill will be closed for the Fall. Contact the Principal of Traill College for further information.
Q: How do I opt-out of health and dental coverage?
Domestic students have the option to opt-out of health and dental coverage. The deadline for opt-out is Sept 30, 2020. More information can be found through the Student VIP site.
Application Questions
Q: I have applied to a graduate program and am experiencing delays in obtaining the required documentation (transcripts, English language competency testing, etc.) due to issues related to COVID-19. Will this affect my ability to be accepted to this program?
We are aware of the challenges facing some students in obtaining the required documents by the usual deadlines. Please note that we have extended our deadline to receive documents required to meet conditions to an offer, until the end of the fall 2020 term.
Q. I have accepted an offer to a Trent graduate program. Can I defer my acceptance until next year?
In general, we do not defer acceptance to programs to future terms. Your application can be moved to a future term; however, there is no guarantee that the program will accept you into the program in the future, as your application must be considered against the other applicants at that time. In special circumstances, some programs may consider moving an acceptance to a future term. To inquire about a deferral request, please email graduateadmissions@trentu.ca.
Q: I have just applied and I have not yet received my student ID and email of acknowledgement from Trent University. When will I receive this?
Trent University School of Graduate Studies processes all applications through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) and we do not receive applications immediately upon submission. Once the OUAC application fee has been processed, please allow up to 5 business days for the university to receive your application and for applicants to receive their student ID credentials and instructions on document submission.
Q: Can my application fee be waived?
A non-refundable application fee of $100 CDN for research programs or $125 CDN for professional programs must be submitted for each program to which you are applying. This fee is payable to OUAC only and cannot be waived or deferred for any applicant (domestic and international). There are no exceptions to this policy. Please note that applications will not be processed or sent to The School of Graduate Studies unless payment is received by OUAC.
Q: Can I send The School of Graduate Studies my documents to be pre-assessed for eligibility before I apply?
To be fair to other applicants and due to the high volume of applications we receive, we do not pre-assess documents for eligibility. Any document submissions without an official application will not be processed or assessed until a full application is received.
Q: Can I still apply after the deadline?
Yes, we may still accept applications after the deadline. However, applications will be contingent depending on program availability and seats open for consideration. Please refer to the list of programs for information on deadlines as they vary for each program.
Q: Can I still apply if I don’t meet one or all of the admission requirements?
All are welcome to apply. All applications will be thoroughly reviewed and all factors of an application are taken into consideration. However, preference will be given to applicants who exceed the minimum requirements for admission into their chosen program.
Q: Can I apply for more than one program? If so, do I have to pay for each application?
Yes, applicants can apply to multiple graduate programs. You are required to pay the application fee for each application submitted.
Q: Where do I upload my required documents?
Documents must be uploaded to the applicant's myTrent portal > Academics tab > Admissions > Graduate Applications Documents Upload. Refer to your application acknowledgement email for instructions on submitting documents.
Q: Do I need to submit my official transcripts?
Transcripts are NOT required to be official and final when applying to the School of Graduate Studies. Official transcripts are ONLY required to be submitted if an applicant receives an offer of admission.
Previous or current Trent University students do not need to submit a transcript for degree and course work completed at Trent University. Transcripts must be submitted for any course work completed at another institution – i.e.) study abroad, letter of permission, transfer credit.
Q: Can I submit a WES Application?
Yes. Trent University will accept documents verified by WES (World Education Services). Once received from WES, authenticated transcripts will be assessed by the Trent University School of Graduate Studies for eligibility. We must receive the official document directly from WES. Please ensure that you have selected the ICAP Package (International Credential Advantage Package) and that WES provides a course by course evaluation.
Q: How long do documents take to be added to my application?
Please allow up to 10 working business days for documents to be processed and uploaded to your application. Please do not email The School of Graduate Studies for request on document status or receipt of delivery. Due to volume, we may not be able to respond to individual requests.
Q: How do I check the status of my application?
Applicants can track the status of documents and their application through myTrent. It is the applicant’s responsibility to monitor the status of all their documents to ensure all required documents and materials are received before the program deadline. You can review the required documents needed for your application under the academic’s tab on your MyTrent account to see what documents we have received and which ones are still pending.
Q: Can I apply for a conditional admission into a graduate program based on completing an ESL program at Trent University?
Some graduate programs may choose to offer admission that is conditional on the successful completion of ESL for applicants who do not meet the minimum English proficiency requirements. This is a case by case basis only. Applicants should be aware that preference will be given to applicants who meet or exceed the minimum requirements. Applicants who are interested in applying to ESL directly can contact the Trent International office for further information (international@trentu.ca).
Q: I am an international student who speaks good English. Do I still need to submit an English proficiency test?
Proficiency in English usage, both written and oral, is essential to pursue graduate studies at Trent University. It Is required for applicants to demonstrate an adequate level of English proficiency, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. We must receive a test score to complete an application.
*Please note that tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of application submission to be considered. Trent University reserves the right to request English language proficiency results from any applicant.
Q: I am an international student who has attended an English speaking institution previously. Do I qualify for a waiver for the English proficiency test requirement?
If you have successfully completed two or more years of post-secondary education at a university where the primary language of instruction is English, within the last two (2) years, the School of Graduate Studies is prepared to consider alternate proof of English language proficiency.
Your official transcript should specify that your program was taught primarily in the English language. If it is not clearly indicated on your transcript, you are required to provide an official letter from your previous institutions indicating the language of instruction is English.
Q: I am a Permanent Resident; do I need to complete the English proficiency test?
The requirement to complete the English proficiency test will be decided on a case-by-case basis for applicants who are Permanent Residents.
*Please note that Trent University reserves the right to request English language proficiency results from any applicant. If this is required, The School of Graduate Studies will notify the applicant accordingly.
Q: I would like to authorize a third party to communicate on my behalf about my application. What should I do?
Applicants can authorize a third party to speak on their application on their behalf. The applicant must fill out the release of information form on their portal under the academics tab. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that this form is filled out.This form must be filled through the myTrent portal.
Reference Questions
Q: My referee has not received their link for my reference form. When will they get it?
Emails containing a link to the electronic reference form are sent out automatically to each of your referees once Trent University has received your application (please allow up to 5 business days). If your referee does not receive the link, you can suggest that your referee check their junk email folder and email settings. The email may have been unintentionally blocked by their email server.
Q: Can you remind my references about sending my reference form?
Reminder emails will not be sent by the School of Graduate Studies. It is the student’s responsibility to monitor the submission of their reference forms on myTrent. References must be received by the application deadline to ensure applications are complete.
Q: Can I change my reference after submitting my application?
Applicants may modify or change your referee information through myTrent > Academics > Admissions > Graduate Reference Self Service
Admission Questions
Q: My application is now marked as 'pending decision'. When will I find out if I am admitted?
The status of your application will change from 'applied' to 'pending decision' once the School of Graduate Studies confirms the application is complete. Complete applications are examined and evaluated for admission by the appropriate graduate programs. The timeline for this process will vary by program and will be dependent on the number of complete applications received. All applicants will be officially notified by email of the action taken on the application.
*Please note that all admission decisions are final; there is no appeal of admission decisions.
Q: Can I get a hard copy of my offer letter to obtain my student visa or for other purposes?
Please be advised that The School of Graduate Studies no longer provide hard copies of offer letters by means of postal service. Your letter of offer is sent to you by email; you are able to print this document and use it for obtaining your student VISA or other purposes.
Q: Do I have to pay a deposit upon acceptance?
A $2,500 deposit is required for professional graduate programs at Trent University. Research programs do not require an advanced deposit. Refer to your letter of offer to confirm.
This is a condition of admission. If a deposit is not paid, The School of Graduate Studies reserves the right to revoke the admission and offer the spot to another accepted applicant.
Q: Can I ask for a deferral on my offer of admission or change my intake date?
This may be possible but it is not guaranteed. Check with your program for support and then submit an official request to The School of Graduate Studies. Please email graduateadmissions@trentu.ca with a request.
Q: How much is the tuition and fees for my program?
Applicants can find current tuition and fees for graduate programs on this page
Financial Aid and Scholarship Questions
Q: Where can I find information on scholarship opportunities at Trent University?
In the case of major scholarship competitions, students currently registered at Trent must meet an earlier deadline set by the University. Application forms and information regarding external scholarships may be obtained from the School of Graduate Studies.
Full-time students entering a second year of graduate study at Trent, or those planning further study at another university, should demonstrate that they have applied for external funding. External scholarships are awarded on academic merit, not financial need. Please visit our graduate scholarships page for more information.
Q: As an International student, can I get a scholarship to cover all my tuition and living costs while attending Trent University?
At Trent, all eligible graduate students may be offered competitive funding for support in their studies. However, funding offered is not intended to cover living costs and all fees.
Finances are an important part of an international student's journey in Canada. This often includes learning how to budget, and maneuvering systems for transferring money outside of your home country. Students are expected to be aware of tuition fees, and have sufficient funds to cover their living costs while attending Trent University. Students are encouraged to review the expected costs associated with living abroad.
Non-Canadian students should note that the university is required to charge a differential tuition fee for all International students. Please visit our international page for more information.
International Student Questions
Q: I have been offered a Graduate Teaching Assistant position as part of my funding for this fall but cannot travel to Canada - am I still eligible?
International students must have a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) to qualify for a GTA position. Students who are unable to secure a Canadian SIN will not be eligible to accept their Graduate Teaching Assistant position.
Q: Can I defer my Graduate Teaching Assistant position offer?
Graduate Teaching Assistantships are offered only in the fall and winter terms, If you are unable to accept your Graduate Teaching Assistant position for the term it was offered in your admission letter, you must decline the position offer (by email to graduate@trentu.ca), you cannot defer the position.
Students do have the option of beginning studies in fall 2020 without the GTA.
Q: What happens with RF/RFA payments?
Graduate Research Fellowships and Graduate Research Awards are applied to the student’s Trent University account, these funds can be applied to tuition. Excess funds that exist on the student account can only be accessed if the student holds a Canadian bank account to transfer these funds to. Excess funds in these accounts will not be paid out until a Canadian bank account is established.
Q: What happens to outstanding credits on my account?
Any outstanding credits will be applied against future tuition/fees.
Q: I am an international student - where do I find information on study permits?
Information for international students can be found on the Trent Forward International Student FAQ Page.
Q: If I cannot travel to Canada, can I ask for a deferral on my offer of admission or change my intake date?
Deferrals may be an option for some programs but is not guaranteed. Any questions regarding deferrals must be made through your program and supervisor and then followed by an official request to The School of Graduate Studies. Please email graduateadmissions@trentu.ca with a request.
Q: As an international student, can I get a scholarship to cover all my tuition and living costs while attending Trent University?
At Trent, all eligible graduate students may be offered competitive funding for support in their studies. However, funding offered is not intended to cover living costs and all fees.
Finances are an important part of an international student's journey in Canada. This often includes learning how to budget, and maneuvering systems for transferring money outside of your home country. Students are expected to be aware of tuition fees, and have sufficient funds to cover their living costs while attending Trent University. Students are encouraged to review the expected costs associated with living abroad.
Non-Canadian students should note that the university is required to charge a differential tuition fee for all International students. Please visit our international page for more information.
Q: Am I able to opt-out of UHIP coverage if I am not in Canada?
International students who are not studying in Canada my opt-out of UHIP coverage through the MyTrent portal: MyTrent > SUPPORT > Health and Wellness > Mandatory In-Ontario University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) opt-out form