Study in Canada - Apply now for the fully funded Trent University Graduate Scholarships in Canada 2026
If you’re an aspiring scientist looking to tackle global issues like climate change and biodiversity loss, the Environmental & Life Sciences (EnLS) Graduate Program at Trent University in Canada offers a world-class platform for your research.
Trent University is globally recognized for its environmental leadership. The EnLS program is interdisciplinary, allowing Master's (MSc) and PhD students to work alongside experts from Biology, Chemistry, Geography, and Environmental Science, as well as government scientists from organizations like Health Canada and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
Scholarship Details at a Glance
- Host Country: Canada
- University: Trent University
- School: Environmental and Life Sciences (EnLS)
- Degree Levels: Master’s (MSc) & PhD (Thesis-based)
- Financial Status: Fully Funded (via Research/Teaching Assistantships)
- Deadline: Ongoing (Applications are typically reviewed as research positions open)
Specialized Research Fields
The EnLS program is organized into four primary fields of study. You can explore research opportunities within:
- Earth Sciences, Natural Resources, and Agriculture: Sustainable land use and physical earth systems.
- Ecosystem Biogeochemistry and Trace Contaminants: Chemical cycles and the impact of pollutants.
- Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation: Biodiversity protection and life history.
- Genes, Cells, and Physiological Systems: The biological building blocks and physiological functions of organisms.
Comprehensive Financial Benefits
Graduate research positions at Trent are typically fully funded. The funding package is designed to cover your costs so you can focus on high-level research.
- Tuition Coverage: Most research-based students receive funding that covers their tuition and mandatory fees.
- Graduate Stipend: Students receive a competitive stipend to assist with living expenses in Peterborough, Ontario.
- Research & Teaching Assistantships: Funding is usually a combination of Research Assistantships (RA), where you get paid for your thesis work, and Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA), where you assist with undergraduate courses.
- Entrance Scholarships: High-achieving international students (A- average or 80%+) may be eligible for additional entrance awards ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 depending on the specific scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the 2026 intake, you must meet both general university and program-specific standards.
- Academic Background: * MSc Applicants: A four-year Honours B.Sc. degree in a related discipline (Biology, Chemistry, etc.).
- PhD Applicants: A Master’s degree in a relevant field with a strong research record.
- Minimum Grades: A minimum B+ (77%) in the last two years of full-time study is required, though competitive applicants often have an A- (80%) or higher.
- Language Proficiency: International students must provide proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, or TOEFL iBT 93).
- Supervisor Requirement: You must find a potential supervisor who is willing to take you into their lab before your application will be formally accepted.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Applying for a research program at Trent is a proactive process that starts long before you fill out a form.
- Find a Supervisor: This is the most critical step. Browse the EnLS Faculty List to find a researcher whose work aligns with your interests.
- Contact Faculty Directly: Email potential supervisors with your CV, unofficial transcripts, and a brief statement of your research interests.
- Check Current Openings: Look at the Current Research Opportunities page for specific MSc and PhD positions that are already funded.
- Formal Application: Once a professor expresses interest in supervising you, apply formally through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).
- Submit Documents: Upload your transcripts, Plan of Study (1-2 pages), CV, and provide contact details for two academic references.