To get into Trent University, Ontario high school applicants must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with at least six Grade 12 U/M courses, including Grade 12 English (ENG4U) with a minimum grade of 60%. Competitive admission averages generally range from 70% to 75% for liberal arts and 80% to 88%+ for competitive health and science programs, with applications processed through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).
This comprehensive admissions guide details everything you need to navigate Trent University’s academic requirements, program-specific prerequisites, international credential equivalencies, application timelines, and academic upgrading strategies.
About Trent University
Founded in 1964, Trent University is a top-ranked public collegiate university in Ontario known for its interactive, student-centred learning environment. Trent operates two primary campuses: the picturesque Symons Campus along the Otonabee River in Peterborough and the thriving urban Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area (GTA) campus in Oshawa.
Trent’s collegiate architecture—spanning residential colleges like Champlain, Lady Eaton, Peter Gzowski, Otonabee, and Catharine Parr Traill—creates supportive academic communities within a research-active institution. Trent is recognized for flagship programs in Environmental and Resource Science, Forensic Science, Biomedical Science, Collaborative Nursing, Business Administration, Indigenous Studies, and joint professional offerings such as the Swansea Law Dual Degree program.
Trent University Admission Requirements at a Glance
Meeting Trent University admission requirements involves satisfying general secondary completion standards alongside specific departmental prerequisites and competitive grade ranges.
| Requirement | Domestic Ontario Students (OSSD) | International Students | Mature & Transfer Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Academic Credential | OSSD with six 4U/M courses | Recognized secondary diploma (IB, A Levels, U.S. Diploma, National Board) | 21+ years old (Mature) or accredited college/university transcript (Transfer) |
| Mandatory Core Subject | ENG4U (minimum 60% standard; higher for competitive programs) | Senior English equivalent / language test score | Program-specific senior prerequisites (e.g., 4U Mathematics/Sciences) |
| Competitive Grade Range | 70%–88%+ (program-dependent) | Equivalent B to A academic standing | Minimum 65%–70% GPA (University) or 3.0 GPA / 70%+ (College diploma) |
| Language Proficiency | Secondary school English instruction | IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 bands), TOEFL iBT 86, Duolingo 115, PTE 60 | Required if previous studies were not conducted in English |
| Application Portal | Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) | OUAC Undergraduate Application | OUAC Undergraduate Application |
How to Apply to Trent University (Step by Step)
Securing an offer of admission to Trent University requires careful adherence to Ontario’s centralized application workflow.
- Select your programs and campus. Review offerings at the Peterborough (Symons) and Durham GTA campuses. Note the relevant OUAC program codes, major options, and whether you plan to apply to a co-op or dual-degree stream.
- Review prerequisite requirements. Confirm that your Grade 12 coursework includes ENG4U and any required senior mathematics or science credits for your intended degree.
- Submit your application through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). List your program choices in order of preference and pay the standard application processing fees.
- Activate your myTrent applicant portal. After you submit your application, Trent’s admissions office will send your student identification number and myTrent login details. Check the portal regularly for document requests and application status updates.
- Submit transcripts and academic records. Ontario high school Guidance offices upload official Grade 11 and Grade 12 marks directly to OUAC. Out-of-province, international, and transfer applicants must upload electronic transcripts and English-language proficiency scores through myTrent.
- Accept your offer and fulfill all conditions. Once you receive an offer, accept it through OUAC before the stated response deadline. Submit final official transcripts after graduation to satisfy all remaining admission conditions.
Trent University Admission Pathways
Trent University provides dedicated entry pathways tailored to applicants from various academic backgrounds.
(a) Ontario Domestic High School Students (OSSD Route)
Domestic Ontario students must earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a minimum of six Grade 12 university (U) or university/college (M) level courses. Evaluators calculate your competitive admission average using ENG4U plus your five highest-scoring Grade 12 U/M courses, ensuring all mandatory prerequisites are integrated into the calculation.
(b) International Students
International applicants must present secondary graduation credentials equivalent to Ontario’s Grade 12. Accepted international qualifications include:
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Full IB Diploma with a minimum score of 26 to 28 points (excluding bonus points). Transfer credits are awarded for Higher Level (HL) subjects with scores of 5 or higher.
- British Curriculum (GCE): General Certificate of Education with a minimum of two Advanced Level (A2) passes and three GCSE/IGCSE subjects at grade C/4 or better.
- United States High School Diploma: A complete high school diploma from an accredited school with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, including senior English and academic electives.
- Indian Curriculum: All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE) or Indian School Certificate (CISCE) with average scores of 70% to 75%+.
Non-native English speakers who have completed fewer than three consecutive years of full-time study in an English-language curriculum must submit an approved proficiency test (e.g., IELTS 6.5 with no band under 6.0, TOEFL iBT 86 with a minimum writing score of 20, or Duolingo 115). Under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regulations, admitted international students must obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) via Trent University to complete their Canadian study permit application.
(c) Mature Students
Applicants who are at least 21 years of age by the start of their intended study term and have been away from full-time formal education for two or more years may apply under the mature student policy. Mature applicants are assessed on resume history, letters of intent, and prior learning. However, they must still satisfy prerequisite Grade 12 U courses (such as ENG4U or 4U mathematics) for programs in science, business, and health disciplines.
(d) College and University Transfer Students
Trent maintains extensive articulation agreements for post-secondary transfer applicants:
- Ontario College Transfers: Graduates of two-year Ontario college diploma programs with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B average) often receive up to 5.0 to 7.5 transfer credits. Three-year advanced diploma graduates may receive up to 10.0 transfer credits, allowing them to complete a four-year Honours degree in two academic years.
- University Transfers: Applicants transferring from recognized Canadian universities require a minimum 65% to 70% overall academic average for general programs, with competitive programs demanding 75% to 80%+.
(e) Out-of-Province Canadian Students
Applicants from other Canadian provinces and territories are evaluated on provincial Grade 12 graduation diploma standards:
- British Columbia & Yukon: High school graduation with English 12 and four academic Grade 12 subjects (Pre-Calculus 12 fulfills MHF4U prerequisites).
- Alberta, NWT & Nunavut: High school diploma with five 30-level academic subjects, including English Language Arts 30-1 (Math 30-1 fulfills MHF4U; Math 31 fulfills MCV4U).
- Quebec: Minimum one year of CEGEP coursework (12 academic subjects). Students completing a two-year DEC diploma qualify for transfer credit consideration.
- Atlantic Canada: High school graduation diploma with five Grade 12 academic subjects, including English 12.
Program-Specific Requirements & Prerequisites
Academic prerequisites and competitive admission averages vary across undergraduate faculties.
| Program & Degree | Required Prerequisite Courses (OSSD 4U/M) | Approx. Competitive Average Range | Supplementary Requirements? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collaborative Nursing (B.Sc.N.) | ENG4U (minimum 65%–70%), SBI4U (minimum 65%–70%), SCH4U (minimum 65%–70%), one 4U Mathematics course (minimum 65%) | 80%–88% | No general profile; strict prerequisite grade minimums apply |
| Forensic Science (B.Sc.F.S.) | ENG4U, SBI4U, SCH4U, one 4U Mathematics course (MHF4U or MCV4U preferred) | 78%–86% | No supplementary profile |
| Biomedical Science (B.Sc.) | ENG4U, SBI4U, SCH4U, any 4U Mathematics course | 80%–86% | No supplementary profile |
| Business Administration (B.B.A.) | ENG4U, any 4U Mathematics course (MHF4U, MCV4U, or MDM4U) | 75%–82% | No supplementary profile; co-op streams require higher averages |
| Computer Science (B.Sc.) | ENG4U, any 4U Mathematics course (MHF4U recommended) | 75%–82% | No supplementary profile |
| Environmental & Resource Science (B.Sc.) | ENG4U, SCH4U, SBI4U or SPH4U, any 4U Mathematics course | 75%–82% | No supplementary profile |
| Law & Arts / Law & Business (Swansea Dual Degree) | ENG4U, 4U Mathematics (for Business stream), four additional 4U/M courses | 82%–88%+ | Supplementary application required |
| Psychology (B.A. or B.Sc.) | ENG4U (plus SBI4U and 4U Mathematics for the B.Sc. stream) | 72%–78% | No supplementary profile |
| Bachelor of Arts (General Humanities/Social Sciences) | ENG4U, five additional 4U/M credits | 70%–76% | No supplementary profile |
Trent University Admission Averages & Competitiveness
Trent University calculates admission averages using your top six Grade 12 U or M credits, including Grade 12 English (ENG4U) and all required prerequisites. Elective 4U/M credits with the highest marks are automatically included to maximize your calculated admission average.
When assessing repeated coursework, Trent’s admissions policy evaluates the highest grade achieved in the course rather than averaging multiple attempts together. Furthermore, selective health and science programs enforce prerequisite grade minimums (often 65% to 70% in individual science and mathematics courses), meaning candidates must meet both the overall cut-off average and individual course baselines.
Trent University Application Timeline Structure
The undergraduate admissions cycle follows a structured annual pattern through OUAC:
- Autumn (cycle opening): OUAC application systems open for the upcoming academic cycle. Applicants can review updated program offerings, create accounts, and submit preliminary program selections.
- Mid-winter (equal-consideration deadline): The priority application deadline applies to competitive programs such as Collaborative Nursing. Early admission assessments begin using Grade 11 results and available first-semester Grade 12 marks.
- Late winter to spring (major offer rounds): Trent University issues rolling conditional offers of admission as first-semester final marks and second-semester midterm grades are transmitted through OUAC.
- Late spring (offer acceptance deadline): Ontario high school applicants must confirm acceptance of an admission offer through the OUAC portal by the uniform provincial deadline.
- Mid-summer (final academic conditions clearance): Final secondary school graduation transcripts and diploma confirmations are transmitted to verify that all admission conditions have been satisfied.
How Canadian Virtual School Can Help You Qualify
Canadian Virtual School (CVS) is an Ontario Ministry of Education-inspected private online high school (BSID #882250) that offers fully accredited Ontario Secondary School Diploma credits to students in Ontario and worldwide. Because Trent University evaluates credits from all inspected Ontario secondary institutions equally, courses completed through CVS integrate directly into your OUAC profile.
Prospective Trent applicants can use Canadian Virtual School to support their admissions strategy in several ways:
- Fulfill Missing Prerequisites: If you need senior mathematics or science credits—such as Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U), Biology (SBI4U), or Chemistry (SCH4U)—you can register through the CVS Course Catalogue to complete required coursework asynchronously.
- Upgrade Existing Marks: Because Trent University evaluates the highest grade achieved when a course is retaken, students can use the CVS Course Upgrade program to strengthen their calculated top-six admission average.
- Flexible Learning for International & Mature Students: International students seeking recognized Canadian credentials and mature learners balancing work commitments can register through CVS Student Registration to earn OSSD credits at their own pace.
- Academic Guidance and Support: For tailored guidance on aligning your high school courses with Trent University’s faculty requirements, you can contact the CVS admissions team.
If you are exploring secondary educational pathways in the Peterborough region, you can also read our guide to the Top Public and Private Schools in Peterborough [INSERT WHEN PUBLISHED].
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Frequently Asked Questions
What average do you need to get into Trent University?
Trent University generally requires an admission average between 70% and 88%+ across six Grade 12 U/M courses, including ENG4U. General Bachelor of Arts programs typically admit students with averages between 70% and 75%, Business and Computer Science require 75% to 82%, and competitive offerings like Forensic Science, Biomedical Science, and Nursing require 80% to 88%+.
What are the English requirements for Trent University?
International applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through recognized standardized tests. Minimum acceptable scores include an IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0), a TOEFL iBT score of 86 (with a minimum writing score of 20), a Duolingo English Test score of 115, or a PTE Academic score of 60.
How do international students apply to Trent University?
International students apply online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) or directly through Trent’s international portal. Applicants must submit official secondary school transcripts, certified translations (if applicable), proof of English language proficiency, and complete visa requirements, including obtaining a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for their Canadian study permit.
Can I upgrade a course to get into Trent University?
Yes. Trent University allows students to repeat courses to improve their marks. When you retake a course through an accredited institution, Trent’s admissions office calculates your admission average using the highest grade achieved in the course rather than averaging the two attempts.
Does Trent University accept online high school credits?
Yes. Trent University accepts Grade 12 U and M credits completed through any Ontario Ministry of Education-inspected online high school, such as Canadian Virtual School (BSID #882250). Online credits are evaluated on the same basis as traditional day-school courses.
Does Trent University require a supplementary application?
Most undergraduate programs at Trent do not require supplementary applications, personal statements, or portfolios; admission decisions are based primarily on academic averages and prerequisite courses. However, joint programs like the Swansea Law Dual Degree require a supplemental application, and students facing extenuating circumstances may submit documentation for special consideration.
How does Trent University evaluate Grade 11 marks?
Trent University reviews Grade 11 (3U/M) marks to make early conditional offers of admission during initial assessment rounds before full Grade 12 results are available. All early offers remain conditional upon completing the OSSD, meeting prerequisite course minimums, and maintaining the required final Grade 12 average.
Can I transfer credits from an Ontario college to Trent University?
Yes. Graduates of two-year diploma programs from Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B average) can receive up to 5.0 to 7.5 transfer credits. Graduates of three-year advanced diplomas may receive up to 10.0 credits toward a four-year Honours degree.
Conclusion
Getting into Trent University requires consistent academic performance across your top six Grade 12 U/M courses and careful attention to faculty prerequisites. Whether you plan to study on the riverside Symons Campus in Peterborough or at the dynamic Durham GTA campus in Oshawa, preparing your academic credentials early is key to a successful application.
If you need to complete a missing prerequisite, upgrade a course mark, or earn flexible Ontario credits, explore the accredited online courses available through Canadian Virtual School to build a competitive admissions profile.
Plan Your University Prerequisites