By combining English language learning with undergraduate courses, you can accelerate your studies while improving English proficiency and preparing for success in your degree program.
Through five progressive, comprehensive learning levels, you will improve proficiency in writing, reading, listening, speaking, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, while building academic skills in research, documentation, critical analysis, presentation and seminar success.
Fully accredited by Languages Canada, Trent’s English for University program assures the highest quality of English language education in Canada that prepares you for undergraduate programs. As an English for University student, you will benefit from our extensive experience welcoming and teaching international students, with our dynamic, communicative, and supportive classes, available to students at all levels.
Upon successful completion of English for University, you will receive a certificate recognizing your English language proficiency and completion of the program.
Program Overview
- Five progressive learning levels: Core English 1, 2, 3 and Academic English 1 and 2.
- Earn up to 3.5 undergraduate credits by completing Academic English 1 and 2 alongside undergraduate courses in Business, Science, or Arts, which you can apply to any undergraduate degree program at Trent.
- Consists of 18 to 24 hours of class per week in small classes with dedicated, personalized academic support from start to finish.
- Flexible start dates: September, January, April, and June.
- Access to campus facilities including the library, athletics centre, and dining areas.
Trent’s main campus in Peterborough offers all levels of English for University. Trent’s Durham GTA campus offers Academic English 1 & 2 levels only.
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Conditional Admission Pathway
You may receive admission to an undergraduate program conditional upon completion of English for University. This pathway requires completion of Academic English 1 and 2, which are each worth one full undergraduate credit.
You may also choose to complete up to three half-credit undergraduate courses during this program, combining with the required courses to a maximum of 3.5 credits.
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English Level Requirements
| Level | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | TOEFL PBT | CAEL | Duolingo |
| ESL Level 3 | 5.0 overall (Writing 5.0) | 60 | 500 | 37.5–45 | 85 |
| Academic English 1 | 5.5 overall (Writing 5.5) | 70 | 525 | 47.5–52.5 | 95 |
| Academic English 2 | 6.0 overall (Writing 6.0) | 80 | 550 | 55–59 | 105 |
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Learning Levels and Courses
The English for University program consists of five progressive learning levels:
- Core English 1
- Core English 2
- Core English 3
- Academic English 1 (worth one undergraduate credit)
- Academic English 2 (worth one undergraduate credit)
You are not required to provide external language scores for entry to the program. Trent-ESL provides free placement testing to all new English for University students at orientation and will place you in the appropriate learning level.
For direct admission to Core English 3, Academic English 1, or Academic English 2, you must provide external language scores.
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Core English Levels 1, 2 and 3
Core English Levels 1, 2 and 3 are designed to help beginner and intermediate English users gain proficiency in speaking, pronunciation, vocabulary, reading, writing, and grammar. These levels prepare you for a range of real-life situations where you must understand and communicate using English.
Instruction builds on essential language basics and progresses to pre-academic topics such as popular science, urban studies, literature, arts and culture, and the environment.
The Core English program is offered in-person at Trent’s Peterborough campus.
Alternatively, you can also complete a Pre-Sessional English Course online through the Oxford International Digital Institute (OIDI) website, which is equivalent to completing Core English 1 – 3 at Trent University. The OIDI program is offered in partnership with Trent University, and students that complete the online program will progress to studying Academic English 1 and 2 in person at Trent.
Courses include:
- Writing and Grammar
- Reading and Vocabulary
- Listening, Speaking and Pronunciation
There is no test score required for direct admission to Core English 1 and 2. For direct admission to Core English 3, you require one of the following test scores:
- IELTS: 5.0 overall, with a 5.0 in writing
- TOEFL IBT: 60
- TOEFL PBT: 500
- CAEL: 37.5-45
- Duolingo: 85
Once you have completed Core English 3, you can proceed to Academic English 1.
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Academic English 1 and 2
Academic English 1 and 2 are the final levels of English for University and focus on using English for specific purposes in academic and professional settings. Here, you will develop skills in research, documentation, analysis, academic writing and critical thinking. These high-level courses provide the final preparation needed for success in post-secondary programs delivered in English.
Academic English 1 and Academic English 2 are each worth one full university credit towards your degree for a total of two credits. Additionally, you can add up to two half-credit (0.5) courses to your timetable each term to a maximum of three courses (1.5 credits) throughout the program to further your transition to degree studies. This means you can graduate from English for University with 3.5 credits towards your university degree – more than halfway complete your first year of university study.
Academic English 1 and 2 is offered in-person at Trent’s Peterborough campus as well as Trent’s Durham GTA Campus.
Courses include:
- Academic Communication
- Academic Analysis
- Grammar Workshop
- Strategies for Academic Success
- 1:1 Writing Conferences
For direct admission to Academic English 1:
- IELTS: 5.5 overall, with a 5.5 in writing
- TOEFL IBT: 70
- TOEFL PBT: 525
- CAEL: 47.5–52.5
- Duolingo: 95
For direct admission to Academic English 2:
- IELTS: 6.0 overall, with a 6.0 in writing
- TOEFL IBT: 80
- TOEFL PBT: 550
- CAEL: 55–59
- Duolingo: 105
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Important Dates and Fees
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Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 program dates
| Fall 2025 | Winter 2026 | |
| Tuition Payment Deadline | August 14 | December 17 (2025) |
| Student Arrival | August 27 | January 4 |
| Orientation | August 28 - September 3 | January 5 - 6 |
| First Day of Classes | September 4 | January 7 |
| Reading Week | October 20 - 24 | February 16 - 20 |
| Last Day of Classes | December 2 | April 1 |
| Last Day of Term | December 3 | April 2 |
Tuition payment is due three weeks before of the first day of classes. Please refer to the Fees section below for information on fee structure and payment methods.
If you are a new student and cannot arrive on the specified date, please contact international@trentu.ca or your enrolment advisor.
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Fees
International students are required to pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $2,500 CAD upon acceptance of their offer to Trent University.
Program fees are due three weeks before the start of classes and are outlined in an email containing a Notice of Fees Due. Visit our Making a Payment page for instructions on how to pay your fees. If you cannot confirm the total of your outstanding fees, email international@trentu.ca.
Late payment fee charges may be applied to your student account, and failure to pay fees will result in the withholding of official transcripts.
Winter 2026 Fees
All fees are in Canadian dollars (CAD) and have been rounded to the nearest dollar. Fees are subject to change.
International Fees
| Tuition | Ancillary | Orientation and Publications (*new students only) | Health Insurance and Student Benefits (January to August) | TOTAL | |
| Core English 1 (level 1) | $5,554 | $611 | $226 | $867 | $7,258 |
| Core English 2 (level 2) | $5,554 | $611 | $226 | $867 | $7,258 |
| Core English 3 (level 3) | $5,554 | $611 | $226 | $867 | $7,258 |
| Academic English 1 (level 4) | $5,983 | $611 | $226 | $867 | $7,687 |
| Academic English 2 (level 5) | $4,753 | $611 | $226 | $867 | $6,457 |
Domestic Fees
| Tuition | Ancillary | Orientation and Publications (*new students only) | Health Insurance and Student Benefits (January to August) | TOTAL | |
| Core English 1 (level 1) | $3,351 | $611 | $226 | $339 | $4,527 |
| Core English 2 (level 2) | $3,351 | $611 | $226 | $339 | $4,527 |
| Core English 3 (level 3) | $3,351 | $611 | $226 | $339 | $4,527 |
| Academic English 1 (level 4) | $3,780 | $611 | $226 | $339 | $4,956 |
| Academic English 2 (level 5) | $3,101 | $611 | $226 | $339 | $4,277 |
*University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) fees are waived for new domestic students only if proof of OHIP is provided.
*Continuing students pay the same fees minus Orientation and Health fees (previously billed).
Students that complete online programming through the Oxford International Digital Institute (OIDI) do not pay the fees listed above. These students pay fees directly to OIDI as listed on their website.
Fee Descriptions
Ancillary: Covers operational fees associated with the campus you attend, which may include college fees, student wellness services (on-campus student health services, counselling, and accessibility services), campus safety response services, Trent Nature Areas, International Scholarship Fund, transit, athletics and campus card.
Orientation and Publications: Covers placement testing costs, program and university orientation, ESL publications, departmental supports and services.
Health and Student Benefits: Covers mandatory UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) and Extended Health Benefits.
- UHIP: September start students are billed for 12 months of coverage, from September 1 to August 31. January, April and June start students will be billed a pro-rated amount of $66/month for UHIP, until August 31.
- Extended Health Benefits Fees: Billed on your first term and provides coverage until August 31 no matter your program start date.
Textbook fees are not included in the ESL Publications fee. Textbooks for the program cost approximately $100 to $200 CAD per level.
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Ready to apply?
If you have questions about the English for University program or application process, please contact:
Juan Urzua Perez
Trent-ESL Recruitment and Programs Liaison
Office: Champlain College 206.8
Phone: 705-748-1011 ext. 7624
Email: jurzuaperez@trentu.ca
Refunds and Withdrawals
If you have paid tuition fees for the session but need to withdraw from the program, you may be eligible for a refund provided you withdraw by the deadlines outlined below.
You will be refunded all costs except a $500 administration fee if your study permit is refused by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You will be required to submit proof of the refused Study Permit from IRCC by the last day to arrive in each term.
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Withdrawing from a nine-week term (April and June start)
If you complete a withdrawal by the first Friday of the term, you will be refunded all costs except for the $2,500 deposit and a $500 administration fee.
Withdrawals completed after the first Friday of the term will not receive a tuition refund.
- Trent-ESL orientation fees are non-refundable.
UHIP fees are subject to assessment by UHIP administration.
If you are thinking of withdrawing from a term, please contact the Trent-ESL Operations Manager (Glenda Fish) or Recruitment and Programs Liaison (Juan Urzua), and complete the ESL Program Withdrawal Form, which can be found on the Trent Applicant Portal under Academics/International/Withdrawal/ESL Program Withdrawal Form.
All withdrawal requests must follow this process.