Psychology at Trent is offered as both a BA and a BSc, with specializations including Psychological Development, and a five-year co-op stream with paid work terms at the Peterborough campus. Like the rest of Trent, admission runs against clear, published, curriculum-specific thresholds rather than a holistic committee review.
This article covers the entry requirements for Psychology specifically, the co-op pathway, cost, admission requirements, and career outcomes.
Entry Requirements
Trent does not publish an acceptance rate for Psychology specifically; like the rest of the university, admission is assessed against published curriculum-specific thresholds. For applicants coming from Ontario high school, the general requirement is an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), a minimum of six Grade 12 4U/4M courses including program-specific prerequisites, a minimum 70% overall final average, and ENG4U at a minimum of 60%. Trent's estimated admission range for Psychology (BA or BSc) is 70-75%, with a 4U Math course recommended for the BSc stream.
For applicants from other curricula, Trent's published country-specific thresholds apply (see the main Trent guide for the full table by education system).
Fees and Cost of Attendance
Psychology falls under Trent's general "all other undergraduate programs" tuition rate; the university does not publish a separately higher rate for Psychology specifically.
| Cost item | Estimated annual tuition (international) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Psychology (BA/BSc) | ~$35,631.91 CAD |
For the full cost-of-living breakdown and Trent's scholarship information, see the Trent guide.
Admission Requirements
- A completed application, via OUAC 105 or Trent's direct international application
- Official secondary school transcripts, meeting the curriculum-specific grade threshold for your education system
- Proof of English proficiency (unless exempt; see below)
- Final graduation diploma, submitted upon enrollment
- For the co-op stream: a minimum 80% cumulative average for direct admission into co-op, or a minimum 75% cumulative average (with 2.5 credits/term and being on track for degree requirements) to transfer into co-op after first year
How to Get Into Trent's Psychology Programme
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Hit the 70-75% admission range for your curriculum, not a generic "good grades" standard. Trent's own estimated range is specific to Psychology, so check it against your own education system's equivalent threshold.
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Decide whether co-op matters to you before you apply. Direct admission into the five-year co-op stream requires an 80% cumulative average, a meaningfully higher bar than general Psychology admission, so plan your application accordingly if paid work terms are a priority.
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Know you can still transfer into co-op after first year. If you don't qualify for direct co-op entry, maintaining a 75% cumulative average with full-time study and 2.5 credits/term in your first year keeps that door open.
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Take a 4U Math course if you're aiming for the BSc stream. Trent recommends this specifically for BSc Psychology applicants, even though it's not always a hard requirement across every pathway.
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Clear English proficiency early, since Trent's thresholds sit in a moderate, achievable band; get it done well before your application deadline.
English Proficiency Requirement (IELTS/TOEFL)
Psychology follows Trent's university-wide English proficiency minimums; the sources reviewed did not show a separately published, higher Psychology-specific figure.
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT (pre-2026 scale) | 86, minimum Writing 20 |
| TOEFL iBT (redesigned scale, 2026 onward) | 4.5 overall, minimum Writing 4.0 |
| PTE Academic | 59 |
| Duolingo English Test | 115 (undergraduate only) |
For the full set of waivers, see the Trent guide.
Career Outcomes and PGWP Relevance
Trent reports that 92% of Trent graduates are employed within six months of graduation, a university-wide figure not broken out separately for Psychology, alongside 100% of programs incorporating some form of experiential learning. Psychology co-op students at the Peterborough campus get guaranteed paid work-term access as part of Trent's broader co-op infrastructure spanning more than 30 streams.
PGWP eligibility: Trent's undergraduate degree programs, including Psychology, qualify for PGWP eligibility with no field-of-study restriction, since "there are no field of study requirements for graduates with a bachelor's degree, master's degree or doctoral degree" per Canada's official IRCC rule. Programs of 2 years or longer earn a PGWP of up to 3 years, the maximum available. Graduates whose PGWP applications were submitted on or after November 1, 2024 must also demonstrate English or French proficiency at a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7.
FAQ
What average do I need for Trent's Psychology programme? Trent's estimated range is 70-75%, with a 70% overall final average minimum and ENG4U at 60% for Ontario applicants.
How do I get into the co-op stream? Direct admission requires an 80% cumulative average. You can also transfer in after first year with a 75% cumulative average, 2.5 credits/term, and being on track for degree requirements.
How much does the programme cost? Roughly $35,631.91 CAD/year, Trent's general undergraduate rate for international students.
What IELTS or TOEFL score do I need? IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 86 (4.5 on the redesigned scale from 2026).
Does a Psychology degree from Trent qualify for PGWP? Yes, with no field-of-study restriction, since it's a bachelor's degree. Up to 3 years of PGWP for programs 2 years or longer.