International students bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program. We want you to feel welcome to apply and, should you be accepted and come to Trent, we want you to be successful. This information is intended to set prospective students up for success.
Ready to Apply?
Please visit the Graduate Studies web page for International Applicants
Please note: Minimum acceptance scores for English Proficiency are listed on the Graduate Studies page linked above. Due to the competitive nature of applications to the M.Ed program, applicants who exceed these minimums are typically more successful.
Helpful Information
Visas
Some students have struggled to attain a visa to come to Canada. Check in with your local government about the process, expected timelines, etc. In order to obtain a visa, you will have to demonstrate that you have the required funds for degree completion.
Tuition and Finances
Life in Canada is often more expensive than international students realize. It can be difficult to find paid employment, and changing rates of inflation can mean costs of every day items like food become pricier than anticipated. Please see this information from Trent Graduate studies about the projected costs of life in Canada: https://www.trentu.ca/graduatestudies/tuition-awards-funding/graduate-student-fees-tuition. Note that this guide includes tuition for one course only, and students must pay for each subsequent course in addition. The School of Education recommends applicants have the equivalent of at least $60,000-$70,000 Canadian dollars prior to applying.
Student Success
The level of research and writing skills expected of graduate students can be a challenge even for students who speak English as a first language. The requirements from courses will include reading approximately 60-70 pages of academic writing per course, as well as producing many assignments per course per term. For some students who are strong English speakers, this level of work is beyond their current skill level. We have supports on campus to help, but we encourage prospective students to go far beyond the requirements for English reading, writing, and speaking as reflected on your language exams.
Academic Integrity and the Use of AI
We know it can be tempting to use tools such as generative AI (including Chat GPT) in creating your admissions materials. However, doing so constitutes academic dishonesty. If admitted into the Masters of Education program, students can be removed from the program if it is discovered they have not written their essays/writing samples themselves. Furthermore, if one needs to use AI to write, it is a sign they do not have the skills necessary to complete the course work.