Written by Arry Pandher and Kim Spencer

Applying to university marks an exciting milestone in a student’s life and doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether you’re applying to a program at Trent’s Peterborough campus or their Durham Greater Toronto Area campus, continue reading to see a step-by-step guide on how to apply Trent University.

If you’d like to know how to get into Trent University, check out this guide!

Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC)

As both Campuses are in Ontario, students can apply through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC). The OUAC processes applications for admission to ALL Ontario’s universities, which means you can apply to multiple Ontario Universities if you’re still uncertain about where you’d like to study. Applying through the OUAC means that you only need to apply or submit grades to the OUAC instead of through multiple Ontario universities.

You are encouraged to apply to Trent as early as possible as some programs have limited enrolment.

Applying through OUAC as a Full Time Student:

If you’re currently an Ontario high school student or have graduated from an Ontario high school, you’ll need to fill out  the OUAC 101 application. Your high school guidance counsellors will provide you with access codes (school number, student number, temporary PIN) to access the OUAC site and application process.

If you’re a high school student or graduate from any other high school, (including international schools), you’ll need to fill out the  OUAC 105 application. Once you’re on the website, you’ll need to create a user profile and will not require access codes.

There is a Base Application Fee of $156 for all OUAC applicants for your initial 3 program choices. Other fees may apply, so have a look at this page to learn about the OUAC application fees.

For tips on applying through the OUAC, have a look at these tutorial videos!

Special Application Instructions For:

• Mature Students
• Canadian Indigenous Students
• Home Schooled Students
• College Graduate or Transfer Student
• University Graduate or Transfer Student
• International Students
• Letter of Permission
• Courses for Grade 12 Scholars

Applying Directly to Trent

For domestic students (Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents) not currently enrolled in an Ontario high school, and wishing to ONLY apply to Trent University, you can do so through the Trent direct application. It’s really simple! Just fill in your personal information, where you’ve gone to school, your academic background and what program you’re applying for!

Trent Identification Number

After you’ve applied, you will receive an application acknowledgement email which will provide you with your Trent Identification Number. You will then begin to receive emails from Trent Admissions outlining next steps and other important information to the email identified in your OUAC application.

Make sure to add “@trentu.ca” to your ‘Safe Senders’ list in your email.

Admissions Forms/Required Documents

Depending on the type of student you are, you may be required to include supplemental forms to support your application to Trent University. Have a look at them here to see if they apply to you!

• Release of Information (Login to MyTrent)
• Extenuating Circumstances – This form can be found under the ‘Academics’ tab on your myTrent portal.
• Intention to Upgrade – This form can be found under the ‘Academics’ tab on your myTrent portal.
• Mature Student Supplementary Application – The form can be found under the ‘Academics’ tab on your myTrent portal.
• Reactivation Form – Please visit the Former Trent Students webpage for further details.
• Indigenous Diploma Program Supplementary Application
• Review “Required Document” icon for documents you need to submit for admission consideration. You may also wish to review the document submission requirements (link to Requirements Page which has been sent to you but not published) specific to your curriculum.
• Submit any required documents through the appropriate Upload Forms available on your MyTrent portal. Documents received this way will be considered unofficial and may be used for conditional offers only. Official documents will be required if you receive an offer and decide to enroll at Trent University.OR
• Request your school/institution email your transcript to [email protected] or release it external electronic portals (i.e., Parchment).
• Review Deadlines for submission of documents and completion of your application*:

There are deadlines for completing an admission application* as follows:

(screenshot on Google Doc)

What Happens Next?

Now that you’ve taken your first step and applied to Trent University you might be wondering what’s next? To give you a sense of timelines let’s talk about what you can expect in the coming weeks and months.

Be sure to track your application, review any outstanding documentation, and check for transfer credits (if applicable).

1. Keep your identification number handy (or in your phone)

The identification number Trent sends to you in an email is important to know. You will need to provide your number when you inquire about your application. If your application is successful, this number will become your official Trent University Student Number.

Note: If you did not receive the email with your Trent ID number, make sure to contact [email protected]

1. Track the status of your application online

Set up a MyTrent account where you can track your application status, review outstanding documentation and check for transfer credits (if applicable). Trent will also share news and events related to your program of interest, so that you can immerse yourself in that area of study before you begin at Trent. Note: you will need to add “@trentu.ca” to the end of your username when logging in.

Please also review your application to ensure the information is correct. Any changes must be made through your OUAC account.

1. Mark your calendar

There are a few dates and deadlines to know. Find them all online, and set some reminders so they don’t sneak up on you.

1. Dig into student life

A welcoming and supportive community awaits you at Trent University. Find out about events, housing, scholarships and financial aid and life in Peterborough or Durham.

International students: please visit the Trent International website or email [email protected] for more information about admission , scholarships and the services, supports, and orientation program designed specifically for you.

1. Go see the campuses!

While social distancing keeps us physically apart (for now), it can also bring us closer together, and you closer to Trent. Many of their students say they knew Trent was right for them when they saw the campuses for the first time. See for yourself through Trent’s new virtual campus experiences to explore everything Trent has to offer, from the comfort of your own home.

1. Join the Conversation

You can immerse yourself in the Trent community starting today! Learn about Trent, ask questions, find out about upcoming events, and become part of the conversation on Facebook or @DiscoverTrentU on Twitter

How Much will it Cost?

The average costs are approximately:

Tuition: $6100

Ancillary Fees: $1750

Books & Supplies: $1200

Housing & Living At Home: $3900

• OSAP estimation (includes transportation, meals, etc.)

Living on Campus: $9000-$15,000

• Includes on-campus room + meal plan or rental unit (shared occupancy), utilities, laundry, meals, and other living expenses

Total Away from Home: $18,050 to $24,050

Total At Home: $12,950

These costs represent an approximate eight-month budget (based on 2019/20 costs). Your costs may decrease depending on personal lifestyle, number of trips home, long distance calls, new or used books, etc.

Do these costs sound daunting? Consider this; you’re a first-year student, living on campus in residence. Your estimated costs (as per the summary above) are approximately $22,000. Don’t worry. We’re going to show you how Trent makes your education more affordable. Here are some of the resources you may have access to:

Entrance Scholarship*: $3000

Bursaries: $1500

On-Campus Job: $3000

OSAP Loan: $9700

OSAP Grant: $5200

Personal Savings: $3000

Total Possible Resources: $25,400

GrantMe has assisted countless students with financial resources through scholarships, and helped them get into their dream school. If you’d like to know more about how GrantMe can support your goal of getting into Trent, start by taking our quiz to see if you qualify!