Applying to the Program - Applications Open September 11, 2025
The PhD Program in Indigenous Studies welcomes qualified applicants from all backgrounds who are interested in decolonizing the academic and working toward the autonomy of Indigenous peoples. Applications are usually reviewed by a selection committee in early to mid February for a September program start. On rare occasions we do consider student applications after this date. Please email the Program Director, Paula Sherman, to inquire about the submission of a late application.
Requirements
To be considered for admission, students must have completed a Masters Degree in a field relevant to Indigenous Studies with an overall average at graduation of at least B+ (77%, GPA 3.3). In cases, where the Master's degree is in a field other than Indigenous Studies, students may be required to enroll in a make-up or Qualifying Year Program in Indigenous Studies to ensure an adequate academic background for pursuing PhD work. The Qualifying Year will consist of between four and five upper-year undergraduate courses in Indigenous Studies (with MA level assignments); the number of courses depend on the student's background and qualifications. Successful completion of a Qualifying Year will permit the student to compete for admission on an equal basis with other applicants. Admission to the Ph.D. program is not, however, guaranteed.
Plan of Study
Plans of study are reviewed by the selection committee and are vital indicators of a students ability to carry out a PhD research project. To be successful your plan of study should include:
- Your area of interest/focus for your dissertation
- Previous courses and/or research in this area
- Discussion of scholarship that has influenced your decision to focus in this area of research
- Previous courses or experience with Indigenous and/or allied settler methodologies
- Previous courses or work that prepared you for reading and writing at a PhD level
CV
All Applicants must submit an up to date version of their Curriculum Vitae. This will allow the selection committee to assess your academic, volunteer, research and professional achievements. Your CV allows you to communicate why you will be successful in the Indigenous Studies PhD program.
Writing Sample
All applicants must submit a writing sample. In most cases, an MA thesis or MRP chapter will suffice. Please note that applicants may be asked to produce an additional piece of writing for the selection committee. Writing samples must be in PDF format and submitted electronically to OUAC site.
Two Letters of Reference
Two letters of reference are vital and required components of an application package. They should primarily address your academic ability to carry out your proposed research project. Passion for a topic is appreciated, but does not guarantee successful completion of the program. Letters should provide honest and critical assessment of an applicant's abilities, particularly with respect to reading and writing at a PhD level and any kind of engagement you have had with Indigenous Studies or Indigenous research contexts. Communication skills (oral and written) are vital for working with colleagues, engaging with scholarship, completing comprehensive exams, conducting research, and writing and defending a dissertation.
Supervisor Selection
A unique aspect of our program is that we do not admit students without a confirmed supervisor. We encourage you to review our list of current faculty members to identify a suitable supervisor who aligns with your research interests and goals. Establishing this connection with a potential supervisor is a crucial step in the application process. Our dedicated faculty members are active scholars in Indigenous Studies and are committed to mentoring the next generation of Indigenous and allied scholars.
In the application process you will need to identify a supervisor so be sure to complete this step of securing a supervisor before applying. Supervisors can be from within the program or any other affiliated program at Trent. Supervisors must be full-time tenured faculty members (Assistant or Full Professor).
You may choose current adjunct faculty to be a co-supervisor along with a full-time tenured faculty member.
Transcripts
- Post-secondary transcripts and graduation certificates (where applicable) of all previous undergraduate and graduate work are required. This includes transcripts for courses taken on a Letter of Permission, for transfer credit, or on an exchange program. Transcripts must show all course work completed and grades received and be accompanied with a grading scale or transcript legend.
- 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 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, transfer credits, etc.).
Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
- Incoming graduate students seeking formal accommodation with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) should register with SAS. It is recommended that incoming students register two months in advance of the start of term, (i.e. register July 1 for September 1 term start). Booking early is advisable. You can register with SAS prior to getting an acceptance letter.
- Following your appointment, you will receive a formal letter of accommodation from Student Accessibility Services. The Director of Graduate Studies will be copied on this letter.
- Immediately following your assessment with SAS you need to meet with your Program Director and/or Supervisor to determine your revised plan of study. This plan might include moving to part-time studies or another means of reduced course load.
For more information see the Policies and Regulations page.
Notes for International Students
Climate and Clothing
In the Fall (September to November) the temperature generally drops from 20’s-5 Celsius. Sweaters, pants, and light-weight jackets will do. In the winter (December to March) the temperature is much colder and ranges from 0– to –20 Celsius and appropriate clothing will be necessary. In the spring (April-June) the climate is similar to the Fall. Summer (June to August) is in the 20’s usually.
Cost of Living and Employment
An international student needs a minimum of $27,000 per year to cover fees, books, and living expenses in Ontario. The guaranteed funding provided to students will only cover a portion of that and students are required to make arrangements for the rest of the funding that will be needed to cover your living expenses.
Health Coverage
International students receive health coverage through a mandatory university health insurance program (UHIP). It is effective the date you arrive in Ontario (up to four months before the start of the term). The coverage is for a single student only. Additional coverage is available for families at an additional fee.
Please note that the UHIP Fee above is based on a 12 month coverage plan. You should apply for coverage before you leave your home country for yourself and your dependents.
Visit the Trent International UHIP page for details.
UHIP benefits are insured by Manulife and administered by Cowan Insurance Ltd. For UHIP coverage details, fees and claim process, please visit: uhip.ca
Are you ready for a PhD?
The PhD journey can be a very rewarding experience is and it is a decision that should not be taken lightly. i Two important questions that should be considered before submitting an application to the program are:
- Why do you want to pursue a PhD?
- What do you plan to do with it once you are done?
PhD work is incredibly intensive and requires candidates to engage at a PhD level with relevant scholarship and also demonstrate advanced writing skills on course work, comprehensive exams and a dissertation.
There are many ways to make a significant contribution to knowledge and/or society (ies) that do not require a PhD. Having a PhD doesn't always guarantee a job at the end of the process either which is also an important consideration.
If you are confident in your reasons for pursuing a PhD and feel you have the necessary skills and background to succeed in the program, please review our faculty profiles to make sure there is an appropriate faculty member to supervise your research project.
Further Information
Applications open September 11, 2025.
For further information on applying to a Trent University graduate program, see How Do I Apply?