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Q. Hello I had applied to Trent University for winter 2025 (Jan 2025) session and submitted all my documents duly in the university portal.

But yesterday I got a rejection mail from them and they mentioned that it’s because I don’t have a Bachelors/Honours degree! (BUT I DO HAVE A BACHELORS DEGREE AND ALSO SUBMITTED TO THEM EARLIER)

Anyone faced anything like this with Trent or any other university and how can I deal with this?

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A. To address this situation effectively, you must treat it as a formal administrative error and respond promptly and professionally.

First, document everything. Gather the proof of your Bachelor's/Honours degree (degree certificate, transcripts, official translations if applicable) and screenshots or confirmation emails showing that you submitted these documents via the university portal. Also, retain a copy of the rejection email that specifically states the reason.

Second, immediately draft a formal appeal or clarification email to Trent University’s Graduate Admissions Office (or Undergraduate, depending on your application). Clearly state that you are in receipt of the rejection based on an alleged lack of a Bachelor's/Honours degree, but that you in fact possess the requisite degree and submitted valid proof of the same through their official portal.

Use objective and professional language, such as:

> "I am writing to formally contest the decision communicated in your recent correspondence dated [insert date], which states that my application for the Winter 2025 intake was declined on the basis that I do not hold a Bachelor’s/Honours degree. I respectfully submit that this is factually incorrect, as I do possess a Bachelor's degree from [Name of University], and the same was duly submitted via your application portal on [insert date].

Please find attached a copy of my degree certificate and academic transcripts for your review. I request that this matter be reassessed and that my application be reconsidered in light of the correct information."

Third, send this email directly to the admissions office and, if possible, copy relevant departments (e.g., the program coordinator or international office). Request written acknowledgment and ask for a timeline regarding reconsideration.

Fourth, if you do not receive a timely or satisfactory response (usually within 7–10 business days), you may escalate the matter through the university's formal appeal or grievance process, often outlined on their website.

Lastly, keep backups of all correspondence and be clear, concise, and factual in your communication. Misclassification errors do happen, and Canadian universities generally provide a fair process for appeal when addressed correctly and promptly.

If needed, legal recourse through an education consultant or academic lawyer may be considered later, but most such issues are resolved at the administrative level through proper documentation and formal communication.

~

Sayed Nadimul Ahasan
Immigration Consultant.
🎯Founder: Prospective Bangladeshi students planning to study abroad (PBSPTSA)