Post-Secondary (College and University) Education

Post-secondary education refers to study and training after high school.  This type of education takes place at Colleges and Universities and is the responsibility of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

Peterborough is fortunate to have two post-secondary institutions, Trent University and Fleming College.

How to Choose a School

The Post-Secondary Education: Making Good Choices guide can help you choose a college or university. You may wish to contact the institutions directly to ask questions.

Applying for College or University

Ontariocolleges.ca and Ontario Universities Application Centre will guide you through the process of applying to attend a college or university in Ontario. 

Paying for your Education

Post-Secondary education at public institutions in Ontario is subsidized by the government but students are also required to pay tuition and other fees.  The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities website provides information on how you can pay for your education. Further information on financial aid (such as student loans, scholarships and bursaries) can be found on the Trent University and Fleming College websites, as well as at Newyouth.ca, an online community for newcomer youth.  You might also be eligible to enroll into college partially subsidized through the Second Career program.

International Student Programs

To study in at an academic institution in Canada as an international student, you will need to get a study permit. The institute you plan to attend will offer some assistance.

Both Trent University and Fleming College have programs for international students: the Trent International Student Program and the Fleming International Student Program. These institutions also have international clubs (such as the Trent International Student Association) and ESL programs (like the Trent University ESL Program).

Private Schools

In addition to publicly funded colleges and universities Ontario is home to several private universities and private career colleges that may offer courses and programs of interest to you.

Fleming College

Fleming College strives to offer the best possible educational experience for their students. They have a wealth of programs, practical hands-on learning experiences, knowledgeable and dedicated faculty and staff, all of which ensure their students’ success, success that has translated into more than 90 percent of Fleming alumni finding employment within six months of graduating.

Fleming has something to offer to all students – post-graduate programs, apprenticeships, diploma programs and certificates as well as part-time or continuing education courses, online courses and computerized tutorials. It allows for greater flexibility and accessibility to better meet students’ needs.  

Ontario is helping Fleming College build a new skills training facility. The Kawarthas Skilled Trades Institute, an 87,000 square foot facility, will provide new space and equipment for Fleming students training in the skilled trades. The building is desiged to be constructed using environmentally sustainable building concepts. Green building construction and sustainable teaching methods will be embedded in the curriculum.

Fleming College is renowned as a world-class learning institution. While it attracts students of all ages from across Ontario and Canada, Fleming is also home to a growing number of international students.

Exchanges with other educational institutions from around the globe and international class trips that are part of the curriculum contribute to the college’s global outlook and ensure Fleming students are prepared to succeed in a dynamic, evolving global community.

Trent University

One of Canada’s top primarily undergraduate universities, Trent University is renowned for striking a unique balance between outstanding teaching and leading-edge research. The University is consistently recognized nationally for faculty who maintain a high level of innovative research activity and a deep commitment to the individual student.

Trent distinguishes itself by excellence in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, as well as professional and graduate programs. Trent is dedicated to providing its students with an exceptional world view, producing graduates who are ready to succeed and make a difference in the world. Trent’s Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting.

On campus and around the globe, Trent’s researchers are involved in studies of global significance. Trent’s key areas of research priority include biological and forensic sciences, Canadian and indigenous studies, cultural studies and the humanities, education, health and sustainability, environmental science, materials science and quantitative modelling, and understanding people, communities and institutions. Trent is home to 9 Canada Research Chairs.

Trent draws excellent students from throughout the country and around the world.

A vibrant international program at Trent is home to an increasingly diverse community of students from all corners of the globe. In 2010, Trent has welcomed more than 550 students from more than 100 countries.