Loyalist College and Trent University Launch New College-To-University Pathway in Business Accounting

Belleville, ON, March 9, 2026 – Loyalist College and Trent University are strengthening post-secondary learning opportunities through a new agreement that creates a direct and accelerated diploma-to-degree pathway for Business – Accounting graduates. 

The agreement enables eligible graduates of Loyalist’s Business – Accounting Diploma to receive 10.0 credits toward Trent’s 20.0-credit Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) degree. Students can enter directly into the upper years of their degree, saving time, reducing costs and accelerating their academic and career goals in a four-year timeframe. 

For many learners, college is an essential first step. This agreement recognizes the skills students develop at college and provides a clear path for students to build on their diploma to pursue a university credential without repeating coursework or losing momentum. 

“Today’s students are looking for flexible, efficient pathways that allow them to build credentials over time,” says Mark Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of Loyalist College. “Transfer agreements are an important way we support student mobility and access to further education. Students come to Loyalist with different circumstances, and for many, beginning at college is the most practical first step. We’re proud to partner with Trent University to provide a clear, structured route from diploma to degree and a seamless academic experience for our students.” 

“This agreement affirms the academic rigour of our Business – Accounting program and the expertise of our faculty,” said Dr. Amanda Baskwill, Senior Vice-President, Academic, at Loyalist College. “Our graduates leave Loyalist career-ready. For those who wish to continue their studies, this pathway opens the door to advanced credentials and expanded leadership opportunities.” 

“Some students know exactly the learning and career path they will take but the majority of students will adjust or extend their educational plans in some way as they learn and as they spend time working,” said Dr. Mark Skinner, Provost and Vice-President, Academic at Trent University. “Trent has long offered students interdisciplinary and diverse learning experiences, including more than 200 transfer pathways with colleges across Ontario. This new business pathway reflects the growing need for program variety and learning mobility as aspirations change, people work longer in their careers, and industry needs change.” 

The pathway is available to graduates of Loyalist’s two-year Business – Accounting Diploma who began their studies in Fall 2024 or later and who graduate with a minimum overall average of 75 percent. Students who commenced prior to Fall 2024 will be assessed for transfer credit on a course-by-course basis. 

Upon admission to Trent, transfer students will have access to comprehensive academic advising, skills development resources, career services, accessibility supports and transfer bursaries to help ensure a smooth transition and continued success. 

The new agreement builds on an established partnership between Loyalist and Trent that includes multiple transfer opportunities across disciplines. Existing pathways support graduates from programs such as Biotechnology, Child and Youth Care, Community and Justice Services, Customs Border Services, Fitness and Health Promotion, Police Foundations, and Social Service Worker in pursuing related undergraduate studies. 

Together, Loyalist and Trent are creating flexible, student-centred pathways that strengthen Ontario’s post-secondary system and empower graduates to move confidently from classroom to career and beyond. 

Learn more about Loyalist’s university transfer agreements. 

About Loyalist College 

Loyalist College is built upon the lands governed by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement. We affirm and thank the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg and Huron-Wendat nations for their continued caretaking of the land. At Loyalist, we empower our students with wraparound support services and hands-on training to succeed on any path they choose. Our academic programs are responsive and innovative, designed to solve pressing social and economic challenges and meet the evolving needs of our regional industry and community partners. Our graduates enter the workforce equipped with the knowledge they need to be better global citizens, and with future-focused skills to lead change in their fields. With a presence in Belleville, Bancroft, Port Hope and Tyendinaga, we believe our institutional responsibility extends beyond the classroom to seeing the big picture for the communities we serve. Our expertise in applied research and deep connections to local industry support economic development, to the benefit of businesses, entrepreneurs, changemakers and innovators. Our commitment to decolonization, and the pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable world, means we hold ourselves accountable to the diverse perspectives, cultures and experiences that shape our communities. 

About Trent University 

One of Canada’s top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that’s personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent’s unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent’s students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent’s Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.   

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Contact: 
Hannah Brown 
Director of Marketing and Communications 
hbrown@loyalistcollege.com 

Celia Ernst 
Manager of Communications 
Celiagrimbly@trentu.ca