The Ontario government is investing $38 million to create 1,504 additional student seats at Trent University, expanding capacity in programs tied to some of the province’s most pressing labour-market needs.
The Peterborough university will add places primarily in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, along with health, education and other employment-focused programs. The funding forms part of Ontario’s broader $1.7-billion plan to support more than 70,000 additional postsecondary seats across publicly assisted colleges and universities.
Trent University Expansion Targets In-Demand Careers
The new seats are expected to become available beginning with the fall 2026 academic year. Of the 1,504 positions funded at Trent, 1,081 will be allocated to STEM programs, 163 to education, 126 to health programs and 134 to other programs linked to labour-market demand.
The province said the expansion is intended to give more students access to training for occupations facing worker shortages while strengthening Ontario’s longer-term talent pipeline.
“Our province’s greatest strength is our highly skilled workforce – and those workers are trained at our world-class colleges and universities,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “This investment is supporting the largest seat expansion in Ontario in more than a decade and will ensure more students have the opportunity to train for good-paying careers that protect and strengthen our communities, industries and province.”
Part of Ontario’s $6.4-Billion Postsecondary Funding Plan
The Trent allocation is part of a larger $6.4-billion provincial investment in Ontario’s postsecondary sector. That funding package includes $1.7 billion earmarked for more than 70,000 additional seats in high-demand fields, including STEM, health care, education and skilled trades.
Ontario announced the allocation of the first 30,000 seats in May 2026 and subsequently asked publicly assisted colleges and universities to submit proposals for the remaining 40,000.
Institutions developed their proposals in consultation with communities and industries, with the province assessing submissions based on factors including institutional capacity, regional labour requirements and student demand. The government said it received more than 1,000 letters from employers supporting expansions in programs connected to workforce needs.
“Trent University welcomes the Priority Growth Fund announcement and the Ontario government’s commitment to expanding access to university education,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, President and Vice-Chancellor, Trent University. “The Priority Growth Fund aligns closely with areas of strength and growing momentum at Trent. As a regionally responsive university, we are committed to preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to their communities, workplaces, and Ontario’s future economy. Thank you, Premier Ford, Minister Nolan Quinn, Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, and MPP Dave Smith for your continued support of Ontario’s universities and the communities we serve.”
Businesses Look to Stronger Ontario Talent Pipeline
The expansion comes as employers across Ontario continue to identify skilled-worker shortages as a constraint on growth. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce said increasing postsecondary capacity in high-demand fields could help businesses recruit workers with the qualifications they need.
“At the Ontario Chamber, we hear every day from businesses facing skills shortages. Strengthening Ontario’s talent pipeline is critical to our competitiveness and today’s investment will help ensure employers can find the skilled workers they need to grow.”
– Daniel Tisch
President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The provincial government has positioned the broader seat expansion as part of its response to economic uncertainty and trade pressures, with workforce development playing a central role in efforts to improve Ontario’s competitiveness.
Peterborough Region Expected to Benefit
Local representatives said the Trent expansion could also provide an economic boost by allowing more students to study in the region while increasing the pool of skilled graduates available to employers.
“This historic investment in Trent University is a huge win for Peterborough–Kawartha and an anchor for our region’s economy. By adding more than 1,500 seats in critical fields like STEM, health, and education, we are ensuring our local students can get a world-class education in their own backyard while building a direct pipeline of skilled talent that local employers and industries need to grow right here at home.”
– Dave Smith
MPP for Peterborough–Kawartha
“This $38 million investment in Trent University will give more local students the opportunity to pursue their education close to home and prepare for good-paying, in-demand careers. With 1,504 new seats in areas like STEM, health and the trades, we’re creating more opportunities for students while building the skilled workforce Ontario needs.”
– Laurie Scott
MPP Haliburton – Kawartha Lakes – Brock
“Northumberland-Peterborough South is home to talented students, innovative employers, and a growing need for skilled workers. This investment in Trent University will give more students in our community the opportunity to access in-demand programs and build the skills they need to pursue good-paying careers close to home.”
– David Piccini
MPP, Northumberland-Peterborough South
Ontario’s new funding model is expected to raise annual operating support for colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes to $7 billion. The government is also directing $57 million to Indigenous Institutes, including $33 million to support as many as 780 additional seats in high-demand programs.
For Trent University, the latest allocation represents a significant expansion of enrolment capacity and ties the institution more closely to Ontario’s strategy of using postsecondary education to address regional skills shortages and support future economic growth.