Trent University has been named Ontario's top mid-sized university for scholarships and bursaries in the Maclean's 2027 University Rankings, placing first in Ontario and fourth in Canada in the category, reinforcing the University's longstanding commitment to ensuring students are supported and set up for success. 

"The Maclean’s results demonstrate that as more students are choosing Trent University, we remain a leader in providing the supports students need to succeed," said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. "For more than a decade, we've expanded our programs, research, and career opportunities for students while preserving the personalized, supportive learning environment that defines the Trent experience.

"We continue to invest in scholarships, supports, and campus communities that help students thrive from the moment they arrive on campus and through the legacies they create." 

The Maclean’s rankings look different in 2027 as the magazine introduced a new size-based classification system. Trent is now ranked among Canada's mid-sized universities, becoming one of only two institutions to ascend from the group previously categorized as Primarily Undergraduate (now called "Small") to move into the new Mid-Sized category. This move up is a result of sustained growth in enrolment, graduate education, and research activity at Trent.  

Strong Results Across Key Measures
In addition to the University’s top ranking for scholarships and bursaries in the province, Trent earned strong results across several key measures among Canada's mid-sized universities, including: 

• #2 in Ontario and #3 in Canada for Student Services 
• #2 in Ontario for Medical/Science Grants
• #3 in Ontario for Faculty Awards 

These results reflect Trent's continued investment in the student experience at a time when affordability, well-being, and access to support services are increasingly important considerations for students and families choosing a university. Through enhanced renewable entrance scholarships, including full first-year tuition for students with 95 per cent or higher entrance grade averages, academic supports, career development opportunities, wellness resources, and experiential learning opportunities, Trent continues to prioritize student success both inside and outside the classroom. This ranking does not include donor-funded scholarships and bursaries available to students, which totaled almost $2 million in 2025. 

The student experience behind these rankings is reflected in the most recent National Survey of Student Engagement results. First-year students reported significantly higher quality interactions with academic advisors and faculty than their peers at other Ontario universities, while also indicating that Trent places greater emphasis on academic and student well-being supports. Students were also significantly more likely to say they feel comfortable being themselves at Trent. 

Growing while remaining distinctly Trent
Trent's move into the new mid-sized university category reflects more than a decade of strategic growth across its academic, research, and graduate education offerings. During that time, the University has expanded sought-after undergraduate and graduate programs, and strengthened its research enterprise, including welcoming new Canada Research Chairs and two Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs.  

The growing number of students seeking an engaged and personalized educational experience is recognized by the province, most recently through a $38-million investment from Ontario's Priority Growth Fund, which will support 1,504 additional student spaces in programs preparing graduates for in-demand careers in healthcare, education, and STEM fields. The investment will expand capacity in programs such as Health, Nursing, Kinesiology, Education, and Social Work, helping meet workforce needs while creating new opportunities for students. 

As universities across Canada respond to increasing enrolment and evolving student expectations, Trent's performance in the Maclean's 2027 University Rankings demonstrates that growth and personalized learning are complementary strengths that support student and institutional success.