Overview

Lakehead University is a vibrant and forward-thinking institution that provides a transformative educational experience for students.

　　Offering over 85 undergraduate and graduate programs, Lakehead is recognized for providing a student-centred learning experience with exceptional teaching. It has also partnered with Georgian College to offer four degree plus diploma programs at its campus in Barrie, Ontario.

　　Established over 50 years ago, the university has an inclusive community where all student successes are celebrated. Over 1,500 international students from over 80 nations are enrolled at Lakehead.

　　Students are provided with experiential learning opportunities where they can apply classroom learning in practical environments. The small student-to-professor ratio enables students to learn through an innovative combination of academic mentorship, practical learning, and modern research.

　　Recognized as one of the country's most beautiful campuses (Huffington Post), Lakehead has two campuses in Ontario, in Thunder Bay and Orillia. Both offer students cutting-edge facilities, teaching and research excellence, student accommodation, co-operative education options, comprehensive student supports, and a variety of social activities and events, all within the beautiful, natural environment.

　　The university is renowned worldwide for its research excellence. Its business school is internationally accredited by the AACSB, and the Faculty of Engineering is #1 in Canada for universities in its category, according to Times Higher Education 2022. Lakehead University is the #1 university in North America under 9,000 students (Times Higher Education Global Impact Rankings 2023).

　　

What's new

Lakehead is now one of six universities in the province and the first in Northern Ontario to offer a degree in Mechatronics Engineering. One of the fastest-growing fields in engineering, Mechatronics is the design of robotics, control systems, and electromechanical systems.

　　Lakehead furthered their global reach by introducing two international partnerships: one with triple-accredited Rennes School of Business in France and another with Trinity School of Medicine. Students studying Business at Lakehead can now attend Rennes in year 3 of their 4-year program and will earn an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Lakehead and a bachelor's in management from Rennes.

　　Along with priority application review, a waived application fee and scholarships exclusively available to Lakehead students, Trinity School of Medicine will provide its students the opportunity to become licensed medical doctors in both Canada and the United States.

　　Lakehead University has representatives in many parts of the world to talk to you both in person, at education events, or online. Find a Lakehead advisor in your region.

　　In addition to this, Lakehead International Live events take place regularly. This offers prospective students the opportunity to ask questions to current students, professors, and other Lakehead experts in real time.

　　

Teaching quality

Recognized for its research excellence, Lakehead has 20+ research chairs. Professors are active researchers in their field, and often engage undergraduate and graduate students in their research projects. Research facilities that students have access to include:

　　Biorefining Research Institute Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and Sciences Paleo-DNA laboratory (one of the top three worldwide) 26 research centres, institutes and centralized analytical facilitiesOver 80 percent of classes at Lakehead have fewer than 50 students, and 60 percent of classes have fewer than 30 students. These small classes create a personalized learning experience, so students can become fully engaged with their studies, and can take advantage of unique opportunities to collaborate alongside professors on real-world research projects. This unparalleled experience helps students become highly employable in their future career or graduate school.

　　Work-integrated education is woven throughout Lakehead's curriculum across many disciplines. Opportunities include field school, community-based learning, co-operative education, and internships where students can use the skills, theory and knowledge acquired in the classroom in real-world situations.

　　

Department structure

Lakehead University offers a comprehensive range of programs including the following:

　　

Business Administration

An AACSB-accredited business school that combines co-op and work-integrated learning. Students receive a strong business foundation and leave highly equipped for the professional world.

　　

Education

Lakehead's innovative approach and teaching is conducted through classes and 105 days of in-school placement.

　　

Engineering

The only Canadian university where students can earn an engineering diploma and degree in just four years. Courses blend theoretical and hands-on learning to ensure graduates are highly employable upon graduation. Students can also combine their degree with business for a BEng+MBA in 5 years.

　　

Health and Behavioural Sciences

Home to several departments and schools, students can choose from a variety of health-related programs which balance theory with labs, internships, and placements.

　　

Law

Lakehead's law school focuses on three key areas. These are: indigenous law, natural resources and environmental law, and small firm and solo practice with the Integrated Practice Curriculum (IPC).

　　

Pathway to Medical School

Open to graduates of Lakehead, including international students, Trinity School of Medicine offers its students the opportunity to become licensed medical doctors in both Canada and the United States.

　　

Natural Resources Management

Courses that balance sustainability of the ecosystem as well as social, economic, and environmental issues. The graduate employment rate from this faculty is 100 percent.

　　

Science and Environmental Sciences

There are several programs offered in the faculty including: anthropology, applied life sciences, bioinformatics, biology, chemistry, computer science, earth science, economics, environmental science, geography and water resource science.

　　

Social Sciences and Humanities

This faculty offers a range of programs, including criminology as well as media, film, and communications. Courses develop students into work-ready graduates with successful careers in a variety of industries.

　　

Undergraduate entry requirements

To be considered for a place at Lakehead University, international students need to meet specific entry requirements.

　　

Academic requirements

As well as meeting the specific course requirements, applicants need to have graduated from a secondary school (or equivalent) and have a minimum of 70 percent overall Canadian average or equivalent, or higher for selected programs.

　　Depending on the program applied for, students may also need to meet program-specific pre-requisites.

　　

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English, or who have not studied in a school where English is the main language used, will need to prove their English language proficiency through an English language exam. For most undergraduate programs, applicants need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 (with no individual score lower than 6.0) or equivalent. Students who do not meet the English language requirements of their course but satisfy other entry criteria will be admitted onto their chosen program after completing the Lakehead University's Academic English Program.

New document submission procedure

Lakehead is now accepting electronically submitted official documents provided they are received directly from the issuing institution via email.

　　

Scholarships & funding

Lakehead University offers one of Canada's most generous scholarship programs to international students. By providing this extra financial support, Lakehead makes it easier for students to focus on their studies.

　　There are a limited number of scholarships on offer, so students are advised to apply to Lakehead as soon as possible to be considered. Students who apply to an undergraduate program are automatically considered for the entrance scholarships, so no additional scholarship application is required.

　　

International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship 2024-2025

The university offers international undergraduate students an award of up to CAD 40,000 towards their tuition fees. Non-Canadian applicants who are applying from high school or equivalent, or who are transferring from an international college or university will be automatically considered for the scholarship. The amount of scholarship available is dependent on the student's academic average. The award amounts are split into the following scores:

　　Scores of 90 percent or above can receive up to CAD 40,000 (CAD 10,000 over four years). Scores between 80 percent to 89.9 percent can receive up to CAD 30,000 (CAD 7,500 over four years). Scores between 75 percent to 79.9 percent can receive up to CAD 6,000 (CAD 6,000 for the first year only).All entrance scholarship averages are awarded based on the Canadian equivalent of a student's grade used for admission. International students considering Lakehead University are encouraged to apply to the university early so that they are considered for both rounds of scholarship entrance.

　　For terms and conditions of the scholarships and their renewability, please visit Lakehead's International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship page.

　　

Facilities

Both of Lakehead University's campuses have state-of-the-art facilities. These include:

　　Cutting-edge laboratories Computer labs Lecture halls Libraries Seminar-style classrooms Bookstore Cafeterias and cafes Student residences Student services officesThe Orillia campus is designed to LEED standards for environmental sustainability and students have access to recreational facilities in the city of Orillia.

　　The Thunder Bay campus houses over 10,000 square meters of recreational facilities, including a new Wolf's Den facility with gymnasium, 50m pool, weight & cardio/aerobic areas, 200m indoor track, indoor pro-grade artificial turf field, Sports Medicine Clinic, and more. In the central hub of the Thunder Bay campus is the university's International Centre and lounge, as well as a beautiful river, lake, and walking paths. Students can take a virtual tour around its beautiful campuses from the comfort of their own home.

　　Both campuses have on-campus residence options with student support and regular activities, so students feel part of the university community. There are also off-campus residence options close to campus, as well as homestay programs and temporary accommodation.

　　The International Centre holds regular activities throughout the year and encourages international students to join sports teams, academic clubs, and cultural societies. Helping students integrate into the university community, the students' union offers countless opportunities for students to get involved.

　　Students who live at Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses are also conveniently placed to experience the best of what Canada has to offer. Orillia is in Muskoka Lake and Cottage Country, with plenty of recreational and cultural activities for any season. In addition to this, Canada's largest city, Toronto, is only 150 kilometers away.