Master in Financial Support

Tuition is 30,000 CAD per year.

Understanding the complex intersections of sovereignty, colonial history, and national identity requires a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach that bridges historical inquiry with contemporary Indigenous perspectives. The Master of Arts in Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies at Trent University invites scholars to engage with these critical tensions, providing a dedicated space for deep research into the questions that shape the Canadian experience.

Students joining this program benefit from a robust financial support structure, reflecting the university's commitment to fostering high-level scholarship. The program is distinctive for its integration of research-led funding and professional development through teaching. Candidates are not merely supported through tuition awards; they are integrated into the academic life of the institution through:

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA): Providing essential experience in seminar leadership and pedagogical practice, capped at a manageable 10 hours per week to protect research time.
• Targeted Donor Awards: Automatic assessment for prestigious scholarships such as the Eugene Forsey Scholarship and the Fred Roots Scholarship, which specifically supports northern research.
• External Funding Mentorship: A high success rate in securing SSHRC and OGS grants, bolstered by a culture that prioritizes student competitive excellence.

By balancing institutional funding with mentorship in securing national research grants, the program ensures that students can focus their intellectual energy on the pressing socio-political and cultural inquiries defining the field today.

Trent University, located in Peterborough, Ontario, is known for its liberal arts and science focus, intimate class sizes and commitment to environmental stewardship. Since its founding in 1964, Trent has cultivated an academic culture that values interdisciplinary study, critical thinking and experiential learning. The campus’s natural setting supports programs in environmental science, sustainability, Indigenous studies and digital media, while small cohorts allow close faculty mentorship and collaborative learning.

Students at Trent benefit from hands-on research opportunities, community-engaged learning and co-curricular programs that link theory to practice. The university emphasizes sustainability across curricula and campus operations, offering labs, fieldwork and applied projects that prepare graduates for careers in government, non-profit organizations, research and industry. International students find an inclusive community, dedicated support services and pathways into internships and research placements that strengthen academic and professional development.

Career services, academic advising and health and wellness supports help students transition to campus life and plan post-graduation pathways. Prospective international applicants should review program prerequisites, application timelines and scholarship options, and consider visiting or attending virtual events to connect with faculty and current students. For those seeking a personalized liberal arts and science education in a scenic Canadian setting, Trent provides strong mentorship, experiential learning and a focus on global and environmental citizenship.