Ontario’s top undergraduate university to welcome students from selected CUD business majors

Dubai, UAE, February 8th, 2022: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has signed an agreement with Trent University to enable eligible students from selected business majors to transfer their studies and graduate from the top undergraduate institution in Ontario.

The agreement will provide new transfer to Canada opportunities for CUD Bachelor of Business Administration students majoring in accounting and finance, human resource management, and marketing. Qualifying candidates will benefit from a seamless transition to continue their education in the Bachelor of Business Administration at Trent University, by entering the program in year three.

The arrangement will enable CUD students to transfer credits earned during their first two years of study in Dubai, to complete their program in Canada and graduate with a degree from the School of Business at Trent University. In addition, all student transferring to Trent will be automatically considered for a one-time international entrance scholarship, based on their GPA.

The articulation agreement was formalized with an official signing ceremony, which coincided with Trent University’s alumni gathering in Dubai at the Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach. Signing on behalf of CUD was President and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Karim Chelli, and representing Trent University was Vice President, Finance and Administration, Tariq Al-Idrissi.

Also in attendance to witness the event were Dr. Mohammed Djeddi, CUD Vice President, Academic; Prof. Ode Amaize, Head, CUD Department of Communication and Media; and Tracy Al-Idrissi, Trent University Associate Vice-President, Special Programs, and University Registrar.

The new collaboration unites two high-ranking universities, both renowned for their exceptional academic credentials and outstanding student experience. CUD entered the QS World University Rankings for the first time this year, positioning the institution in the top 2% of universities worldwide. The university also soared to 25th place in the 2022 Arab Region edition of the QS Ranking, which confirmed CUD as the number one university in Dubai.

Trent University, meanwhile, has been recognized as the number one undergraduate university in Ontario for the 11th year in a row by the Maclean’s University Rankings, and was placed number 3 in Canada in the recent 2022 listing. The Ranking also recognized the institution as a national and provincial leader in reputation, student satisfaction, scholarships and academic support.

Speaking about the new agreement, Prof. Chelli said, “Trent University is an exceptional addition to our extensive portfolio of institutional partnerships, which provide a portal to Canadian education for students in this region. The agreement represents an outstanding opportunity for business students to start their bachelor studies with an authentic Canadian education experience in Dubai and complete their degree with the top ranking undergraduate university in Ontario. Our two institutions share the same high standards in academic excellence and student satisfaction, ensuring a seamless transition for those opting to complete their studies in Canada.”

Speaking on behalf Trent University, Dr. Leo Groarke, President and Vice-Chancellor, said,

This agreement links two leading, global-minded institutions and establishes a clear pathway for Canadian University Dubai students to join the Trent University community. Trent is proud to be working with CUD and eagerly anticipates the arrival of the first cohort of these exceptional global citizens and scholars.

The first transfer intake will commence as early as September 2022.


About Trent University

Trent University is the Province of Ontario’s #1 undergraduate university for 11 years running. Founded on the liberal arts principle of interactive learning, Trent provides personal, purposeful, and transformative education. Consistently recognized for leadership in teaching, research, and student satisfaction, Trent attracts outstanding students from across the country and around the world. Trent’s Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breath-taking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while the Durham campus offers a transformative learning experience on the doorstep of Canada’s largest metropolis, conveniently located 40 minutes from downtown Toronto.