Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, Canada
Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, Canada
Founded
1965
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
8,680+
Campuses
3 (Thunder Bay, Orillia, Barrie)
Discover Lakehead University: Northwestern Ontario's Leading Institution
Discover Lakehead University: Northwestern Ontario's Leading Institution
Lakehead University is a comprehensive public research university established on July 1, 1965, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. With campuses in Thunder Bay, Orillia, and a new STEM Hub opening in Barrie, Lakehead offers a blend of academic excellence, hands-on learning, and vibrant campus life set against the breathtaking natural landscapes of Northwestern Ontario.
Known for small class sizes and a student-first approach, Lakehead hosts Canada Research Chairs and revolutionary research facilities including the Paleo-DNA Laboratory and the Biorefining Research Institute. The university is one of the few Canadian institutions offering both degree and diploma programs at the undergraduate level, in addition to a wide range of graduate programs.
Lakehead's motto, Ad augusta per angusta, meaning Achievement through Effort, reflects the university's deep commitment to student success. Graduates benefit from a 96.2% employment rate within two years of graduation, exceeding the provincial average, and the university has produced over 45,000 alumni making an impact worldwide.
Key Milestones
- 1946: Lakehead Technical Institute established, laying the foundation for higher education in Northwestern Ontario.
- 1965: The Lakehead University Act received Royal Assent, and Lakehead University was officially established, granting its first degrees in Arts and Science.
- 2006: The Orillia Campus opened its doors at Heritage Place with its charter class of 104 students, expanding the university's geographic reach.
- 2013: The Bora Laskin Faculty of Law welcomed its first students, becoming Northern Ontario's only law school.
Academic Faculties and Programs at Lakehead University
Academic Faculties and Programs at Lakehead University
Lakehead University offers over 85 undergraduate and graduate programs across nine faculties and a faculty of law. The university is recognized for innovative, interdisciplinary programming that takes advantage of its unique boreal forest location and commitment to Indigenous learning, sustainability, and health research.
Faculty of Business Administration
Home to Northern Ontario's only AACSB-accredited business school, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in commerce and management with strong experiential learning opportunities.
- Honours Bachelor of Commerce
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Graduate Diploma in Business Administration
Faculty of Engineering
Provides comprehensive engineering education with programs ranked among the top in Canada by Times Higher Education, featuring hands-on labs and co-op opportunities.
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Software Engineering
Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
One of Lakehead's largest faculties, offering programs in nursing, kinesiology, and psychology, with clinical placements beginning in first year for many programs.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology
- Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
The largest faculty by undergraduate enrolment, encompassing approximately 30% of students, with diverse programs in the arts, languages, Indigenous learning, and social sciences.
- Honours Bachelor of Arts in English
- Honours Bachelor of Social Work
- Indigenous Learning
Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies
Leverages the natural laboratory of the boreal forest to deliver programs in biology, chemistry, environmental studies, and geology, with strong research output.
- Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies
- Honours Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Bora Laskin Faculty of Law
Northern Ontario's only law school, established in 2013, offering a Juris Doctor program with a focus on Indigenous and resource law, social justice, and community engagement.
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Combined JD/Honours Bachelor of Arts
- Combined JD/Master of Environmental Studies
Admission Requirements for Lakehead University
Admission Requirements for Lakehead University
Undergraduate Admission
- Academic RequirementCompletion of secondary school diploma or equivalent with a minimum 70% overall final average (Canadian equivalent)
- PrerequisitesMinimum of 6 Grade 12 U or M courses including program-specific prerequisites
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 80 (min. 19 per section)
- Application FeeContact the university for current application fee; Document Evaluation Fee of CAD 75 for post-secondary applicants
- Documents RequiredOfficial transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and any program-specific documents
Graduate Admission
- Academic RequirementCompleted undergraduate degree from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 80 (min. 19 per section); some programs require higher scores
- Standardized TestsGRE or GMAT may be required for select programs such as MBA
- ReferencesTwo or three academic or professional reference letters typically required
- Additional DocumentsStatement of purpose, resume/CV, and research proposal (for thesis-based programs)
Recommended deadline for international undergraduate applicants for the September intake. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until seats are filled.
General deadline for graduate programs in MBA, Engineering, and Science for the Fall intake. Check individual program pages for specific deadlines.
Deadline for select undergraduate and graduate programs beginning in January. Not all programs offer a winter intake.
Deadline for select graduate programs beginning in May. Limited undergraduate programs available for this intake.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Lakehead University
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Lakehead University
Lakehead University offers competitive tuition rates compared to many Canadian universities. Fees vary by program and student status. The university is recognized as having one of the most generous entrance scholarship programs in Canada, ranked first in Ontario for student awards by Maclean's in 2025.
| Expense Category | Domestic Students (per year) | International Students (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | Contact university for current fees | CAD 25,000 - CAD 30,000 |
| Graduate Tuition | Contact university for current fees | CAD 23,000 - CAD 26,000 |
| Health Insurance (UHIP) | N/A | CAD 756 (12 months) |
| Books & Supplies | CAD 1,000 - CAD 1,500 (estimated) | CAD 1,000 - CAD 1,500 (estimated) |
| Total | Contact university for current total | Approx. CAD 27,000 - CAD 33,000 |
International Entrance Scholarships
Lakehead offers generous renewable entrance scholarships for high-achieving international undergraduate students, with awards automatically assessed based on admission average and included in the Letter of Acceptance.
- Award Value: Up to CAD 40,000 (over 4 years)
- Eligibility: Based on Canadian-equivalent admission average
- Renewable: Yes, renewable annually based on academic performance
Graduate Assistantships
Full-time graduate students, including international visa students, may be offered Graduate Assistant appointments providing stipends to support their academic and research work.
- Master's Stipend: CAD 11,314 per year (2025-26)
- Doctoral Stipend: CAD 12,339 per year (2025-26)
- Additional Funding: Ontario Graduate Scholarship (CAD 15,000); Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (CAD 50,000/year)
Campus and Facilities at Lakehead University
Campus and Facilities at Lakehead University
Lakehead's Thunder Bay campus spans 116 hectares, including 40 hectares of landscaped and protected land, with 39 buildings grouped around scenic Lake Tamblyn and the McIntyre River. Underground tunnels connect many of the centralized buildings, providing easy access between classes and facilities during the cold winter months.
Seminar-style classrooms, lecture halls, cutting-edge laboratories, and libraries form the heart of the Thunder Bay campus.
Two main athletic facilities featuring a 50-meter pool, gymnasium, 200-meter indoor track, climbing wall, and fitness areas.
The residence village sits on the banks of the McIntyre River, within a five-minute walk of all university buildings and athletic facilities.
Housing & Dining
Residence Options
The Thunder Bay campus offers 1,196 beds across three accommodation styles, while the Orillia campus features an additional 271-bed residence.
- Residence Halls for first-year students
- Apartments with full kitchens
- Townhouses including accessible units
Dining Services
Three cafeterias and dining halls serve the Thunder Bay campus, with meal plan options ranging from complete plans to kitchenette-based self-catering.
- Complete meal plans for residence hall students
- Flexible meal options for apartment residents
- On-campus cafes and food outlets
Student Life at Lakehead University
Student Life at Lakehead University
Lakehead University offers a vibrant, close-knit student experience with over 60 student clubs, intramural sports, cultural festivals, and leadership programs. Students can participate in Culture Days, Lunar New Year celebrations, the city's Holi Festival, and leadership opportunities like the Global Ambassador and Peer Mentor Programs.
Thunder Bay, Ontario: Gateway to Northwestern Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario: Gateway to Northwestern Ontario
Life in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay is a city of approximately 123,000 people located on the northwest shore of Lake Superior, serving as the largest inland port in Canada. The city offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and a welcoming community, making it an ideal setting for students who enjoy nature and an active lifestyle.
Outdoor Recreation
Thunder Bay is a year-round outdoor paradise with two alpine and two Nordic ski centres, sailing and windsurfing on Lake Superior, hiking at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and Kakabeka Falls, and activities like fat biking, ice climbing, and dogsledding.
Arts & Culture
The city is home to Fort William Historical Park, the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, theatres, concerts, and an annual blues festival, providing a rich cultural scene for students.
Affordability
Compared to major Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver, Thunder Bay offers a significantly lower cost of living, making it an attractive option for students managing their budgets.
Transportation & Access
Thunder Bay International Airport is just 10 km from campus, with daily flights via Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter connecting to major Canadian cities. The Trans-Canada Highway also runs through the city.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Where Lakehead Graduates Work
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
Lakehead's International Centre, located at the heart of the Thunder Bay campus, provides dedicated support including immigration advising, orientation programs, and the Global Ambassador and Peer Mentor programs to help you transition smoothly.
All international and exchange students must enrol in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), which is automatically billed to your student account. The annual cost is approximately CAD 756 for 12 months of coverage.
Lakehead's English Language Centre offers the Academic English Program (AEP) for students who need to strengthen their English proficiency before beginning their degree program. Conditional admission is available.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Lakehead University Worldwide Rankings
Lakehead University Worldwide Rankings
Lakehead University has earned national and international recognition for its commitment to undergraduate education, sustainability, and research. It was named the number one primarily undergraduate university in Ontario by Maclean's in both 2025 and 2026, and ranked among the top 100 universities globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Times Higher Education | #301-400 |
| Computer Science | Times Higher Education | #301-400 |
| Life Sciences | Times Higher Education | #501-600 |
| Mining & Mineral Engineering | Global Subject Rankings | #76 |
Features
Lakehead University is known for its student‑centered, experiential learning—100% of senior-year students engage in applied research and experiential learning like co‑op and community-based courses .It's also renowned for strong outcomes in graduate employment and impactful research, especially in environmental, Indigenous, and northern studies
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada P7B 5E1
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