Trent is an English language university, so it is important to your success at Trent that you are proficient in both spoken and written English. You must demonstrate a command of English sufficient to meet the demands of classroom instruction, written assignments, and participation in tutorials and discussions.  

If your first language is not English, you are required to submit proof of English proficiency, which meets or exceeds the following test results (see below for some exemptions). 

English Language Proficiency Tests

Note: If you have results from a recognized Canadian University English language testing services you may submit your results for consideration. English Language Proficiency requirements are subject to change without prior notice.

Exemptions from English Proficiency

To be exempted from providing proof of English language proficiency you must meet one of the following conditions:

1. You have successfully completed the International Baccalaureate diploma where English was the medium of instruction (English Language A, not English Language B). You have successfully completed your studies under the British Curriculum: Minimum 'C' grade in O-Level English or completion of AS/A Level subjects taught in English.
2. You have studied at least 3 years full-time in a high school/secondary school where class instruction was entirely English and you have not taken any ESL courses during this period. You are required to provide an official letter from your school indicating the language of instruction is English if it is not clearly indicated on your transcript or school profile.  
3. You have studied at least 2 years full-time in a community college (post-secondary) where the medium of instruction is entirely in English and you have not taken any ESL courses during this period. You are required to provide an official letter from your school indicating the language of instruction is English if it is not clearly indicated on your transcript or school profile.
4. You have studied at least 1 year full-time in a university where the medium of instruction is entirely in English and you have not taken any ESL courses during this period. You are required to provide an official letter from your school indicating the language of instruction is English if it is not clearly indicated on your transcript or school profile. 

Notwithstanding the above requirements and conditions, we reserve the right to request English proficiency test scores from any applicant. 

To submit documents requesting exemption, you may:

• Upload them digitally through the “Document Uploader” found under the “Academic” menu in the Trent Applicant Portal
• Email them to: admissions@trentu.ca 

Deadlines for Submission of Proof of English Language Proficiency

If you receive an admission offer asking you to submit proof of English Language Proficiency, you must do so by:

• July 1 for September enrolment
• November 1 for January enrolment
• March 1 for May enrolment

We reserve the right to ask for further evidence of English proficiency regardless of if the applicant has met published exemption requirements.

For inquiries about English Language Proficiency, please contact Trent International at +1 (705) 748-1314 or email admissions@trentu.ca. 

If you do not meet English Proficiency or Exemption Requirements

Applicants who do not meet Trent University’s English Language requirements can still progress to undergraduate studies at Trent through the completion of alternate language training pathways with our official partners:

• Oxford International Digital Institute (OIDI) Pathways English Course Online for Higher Education in Canada
• International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC)