Trent University brand mark

Trent University

Peterborough, Canada Founded 1964 World Rank #2319

Updated Sep 2026

Overview

Acronyms: TU
Founded: 1964
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #2319
Rank in Canada: #42
Motto: Nunc cognosco ex parte
Colours: Green and white
Trent University brand mark

Trent University is a public university in Ontario with its main campus at 1600 West Bank Drive in Peterborough - approximately 1,400 acres with 30 km of hiking trails - and a Durham Greater Toronto Area campus at 55 Thornton Road South in Oshawa.

In 2025/26 Trent enrolled 12,957 students, including 1,660 international students, across 100+ academic programs in the arts, sciences, social sciences and professional fields, supported by a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a worldwide community of 71,000 alumni. Teaching is organized through schools of study including the School of Business, the School of the Environment (Trent describes itself as Canada's leading environmental university), the School of Education, the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing, the School for the Study of Canada and the School of Graduate Studies.

Signature offerings include the Bachelor of Science - Forensic Science (B.Sc.F.S.), the Bachelor of Science - Nursing (B.Sc.N.), the Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), honours degrees in Environmental & Resource Science/Studies and Indigenous Studies, and graduate programs such as the M.Sc. in Environmental & Life Sciences, the M.Sc.

in Forensic Science and the M.A.

in Sustainability Studies.

Location & Contact

Where Trent University is located and how to contact its offices. Disability and accessibility information is usually held by a separate student services office worth contacting directly.

Address: 1600 West Bank Drive
Postal Code: K9L0G2
Phone: +1 (705) 748 1314
Fax: +1 (705) 748 1626
Social Media:

Academic Details

Trent University's institutional metrics — useful for sizing it against other shortlisted universities. The proportion of academic staff with doctorates correlates with research output and graduate-school admissions.

Recognition: Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities of Ontario
Admission Requirements: Ontario Secondary School applicants need the OSSD with a minimum of six Grade 12 4U/4M courses (including program-specific prerequisites), ENG4U at a minimum of 60%, and a minimum 70% overall final average calculated on the top six 4U/4M courses (some specialized programs require 75-80%); non-Ontario Canadian applicants need a comparable minimum 70% average. International applicants are assessed by credential: an OSSD-equivalent secondary diploma needs a minimum 70% average across its best six courses; IB needs a minimum overall score of 26 including bonus points (IB English A at grade 4 or higher satisfies the English requirement); British-patterned education needs a minimum C in five O-level/IGCSE subjects plus two A-levels (a C in O-level English satisfies the English requirement); American-patterned education needs a minimum B average (3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale); the India Senior School Certificate needs a minimum 70% average across the best four Standard XII academic courses; China's Senior High School credential needs a minimum 75% average in Senior 3 (Trent-ESL is available if only English proficiency is short); Vietnam's Upper Secondary credential needs a minimum 7.0 average in Grade 12; the West African Senior School Certificate needs a minimum B3 average across five best courses; and the Caribbean CAPE diploma needs a minimum III average across six CAPE units. Applicants whose first language is not English and who don't qualify for a credential-based waiver must otherwise demonstrate proficiency at or above: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 4.5 with a minimum 4.0 in writing (2026-onward scale); Duolingo English Test 115 (undergraduate only); CAEL 60; Cambridge B2 First/C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency 176 (no sub-score below 169); Pearson PTE Academic 59; Oxford ELLT 7 (no band below 6); or LANGUAGECERT Academic 70-74 (no score below 65). Graduate programs set their own minimums - for example, several M.Sc./M.A. programs require a B+ (77%) average in the last two years of full-time study.
Total Students: 12,957
Student Enrollment: 10
Academic Staff Range: 200-299
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
Universities Canada (UC)

Academic Structures

Trent University's organisational chart for teaching: faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units. Research-intensive universities often add institutes or centres alongside teaching faculties.

Unit 9 items
  • Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies
  • Faculty of Arts
  • Faculty of Science and Social Science
  • School for the Study of Canada
  • School of Business
  • School of Education and Professional Learning
  • School of Graduate Studies
  • School of the Environment
  • Trent/Fleming School of Nursing

Programs Offered

The programmes you can apply for at Trent University are grouped by degree level. Programme-level accreditation (separate from institutional) matters for regulated professions like law, medicine, and engineering.

10 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada

Bachelor's Degree 6 programmes

Master's Degree 4 programmes

How to apply to Trent University

How to apply to Trent University — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Trent University's catalogue includes 10 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Trent University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Submit your completed application through Trent University's official website at www.trentu.ca. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (705) 748 1314. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trent University

Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Trent University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.

When did Trent University open?

Trent University traces its founding to 1964 (approximately 62 years ago).

In which city is Trent University?

Trent University is based in Peterborough, Canada.

Is Trent University public or private?

Trent University operates as a public institution.

How many students study at Trent University?

Trent University has approximately 10,000-14,999 students.

Where does Trent University stand in university rankings?

Trent University is ranked #2319 globally and #42 in Canada.

How many faculties does Trent University have?

Trent University has 9 academic units.

Is Trent University officially recognised?

Yes, Trent University is recognised by Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities of Ontario.

How do I find Trent University online?

The institution's website is www.trentu.ca.

Top-Ranked Universities in Canada

Below are the highest-ranked universities in Canada — natural comparison points for Trent University. Top institutions in Canada typically have the strongest international recognition and graduate-school placement.

Members of Universities Canada (UC)

Universities Canada (UC)-affiliated universities form a network of comparable institutions — Trent University sits among them. Network membership often signals shared values around academic quality and student support.

Faculties at nearby universities

Geographic neighbours to Trent University appear below — each worth considering if location is part of your decision. Nearby institutions tend to share academic calendars, making cross-applications less complex.

Where Else to Study Environmental Sciences

Industry advisory boards on Environmental Sciences programmes signal employer engagement and curriculum currency. Check whether each Canada alternative to Trent University publishes its industry partners.

Universities Compared with Trent University

Application tier strategy benefits from including peer institutions to Trent University: safety, target, and reach picks within a comparable academic band keep your outcomes diversified.

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