Explore the forces shaping societies around the world through Trent’s multidisciplinary Global Development Studies program. Examining perspectives alongside experts across 10 academic departments, you’ll study issues including poverty, conflict, the environment, and gender while building career-boosting critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Connect theory with practical learning through paid co-op opportunities and community-based research.
- Take your learning global through unique study abroad and field study opportunities in Ghana and Bolivia.
- Join the Student Association for International Development and contribute to the student-run Community Movements Conference, developing skills in event planning, management, communications, and community engagement.
- Learn from leading anthropologists, political scientists, and economists.
Study in North America’s longest-standing international development studies program, combining multidisciplinary learning with hands-on community experience in Canada and around the world.
Gain valuable career experience while earning academic credit.
Requirements
If you are coming straight from high school in Ontario or are a recent grad, the general admission requirements are:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program-specific prerequisites
- ENG4U with a minimum of 60%
| Admission Requirements | Recommended Admission Requirements | Estimated Admission Average | Co-op Admission Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG4U | 70-75% | 80-85% |
Requirements
Students from across Canada can use their grades from their home province to apply to Trent.
Requirements
International students from outside Canada can apply based on the curriculum of their home country.
Requirements
Mature students can apply to Trent based on previous education and professional or volunteer experience.
Requirements
With many transfer agreements and flexible pathway options, Trent University makes it easy for students to make the most of the credits you have already earned.
- IDS First-Year Prize
- David Morrison Fund for Global Studies
- David Morrison Prize
- Karanja Njoroge Community Service Prize
- Rita Chiu Study Abroad Bursaries
- Naomi Harder Memorial Bursary
- International Development Studies Bursary for IDS Year Abroad Programs
- Jack Matthews Study & Research Abroad Bursaries
- Bill and Dorothy Slavin Bursary
- Setsu Suzuki Bursary
- Visa Student Bursary
- Bridget Butt Trent-in-Ghana Award
- Shawn T. Callaghan Memorial Prize
- Edward Tremain Award for Study Abroad
- Aaron Coholan Gift – Ghana & Ecuador Travel Fund
- IDS Fundraising Trust
- John Hillman Prize
Whether you're graduating from an Ontario high school, looking to study in Canada, or training for a second career, Trent has clear pathways for students to apply and be admitted to study at either of our campuses.
- Graduate with paid work experience completing three 12–16-week work terms in the summer of years two and three, and the fall of year four, all as part of your four-year degree.
- Work with local or international organizations in community relations, policy analysis, public service, settlement services, or international relations.
- Contribute to ongoing faculty research under the direct supervision of a Global Development Studies faculty member, gaining hands-on experience within their research program.
- Work with community-based organizations to explore real-world questions and challenges, applying your learning through collaborative research projects that contribute to meaningful outcomes in the community.
- Gain hands-on experience with a development organization through an extended 10- to 12-week field placement.
- Take your learning into the field through Trent-in-Bolivia, combining development theory with hands-on community experience through field courses and an extensive community-based development experience.
- Spend a semester or full academic year with Trent-in-Ghana, learning from Ghanaian academics and development professionals. Full-year students also complete a 12-week community placement with a local organization.
- Study international development and language for a semester in Sucre with Trent-in-Bolivia, in partnership with Universidad San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca. Gain hands-on experience with the option of a 10- to 12-week extended field placement with a development organization.
- International field placements through Trent-in-Ghana or Trent-in-Bolivia, connecting students with local development organizations.
- Gain professional workplace experience within a business or organization on a paid internship, building career-ready skills, making industry connections, and exploring potential career paths.
- Opportunities are available through the Ontario Internship Program, International Youth Internship Program, Foreign Affairs Canada exchange programs, and the International Institute for Sustainable Development.