Lakehead University

Due to Covid-19, Lakehead University has moved its spring/summer 2021 programs, including English language courses, online. Lakehead is planning for a return to primarily in-person learning starting in September 2021, including the many experiential learning opportunities such as fieldwork, placements and practicums. Students are encouraged to check the university's Covid-19 announcements page regularly for updates.

Lakehead is now accepting Duolingo English test scores as submission of English proficiency. To be accepted onto most undergraduate programs at the university, students need to score at least 110 in the Duolingo exam or 120 for selected programs such as nursing.

The university's support services are fully available online, including individual counselling and academic resources. Using its virtual platform, students can ask any questions about admissions, programs, student housing, tuition, and scholarships. As classes transition to in-person, supports will be offered in person, complemented by online services when beneficial for students.

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.

Recognized for its research excellence, Lakehead has been the only university to be rated as the top Canadian university for undergraduate research for five consecutive years (Research Infosource 2015 – 2019). Research facilities that students have access to include:

• Biorefining Research Institute
• Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and Sciences
• Paleo-DNA laboratories (one of the top three worldwide)
• 21 research chairs
• 27 research centres, institutes and centralized analytical facilities

Over 85 percent of classes at Lakehead have less than 50 students, and 50 percent of classes have fewer than 25 students. These small classes create a personalized learning experience, so students can become fully engaged with their learning.

The student to professor ratio of 15:1 at the Thunder Bay campus and 13:1 at the Orillia campus, so students are given 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.

The university is split into nine faculties. These are:

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. There are also options to specialize into upper years.

Education

Lakehead's innovative thinking and teaching is conducted through classes and over 100 days of in-school placement.

Engineering

The only Canadian university where you 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.

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: Aboriginal and Indigenous Law, Natural Resources and Environmental Law, and Sole/Small Town Practice with the Integrated Practice Curriculum (IPC).

Medical School

The medical school's courses help students improve clinical practices across working environments, including urban, rural, and remote communities.

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, including community activism and government.

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.

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 meet all the admission requirements for their program except the English language requirements may be admitted to their academic program on condition of completing Lakehead University's Academic English Program.

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.

International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship 2021-2022

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 amount awarded is dependent on a 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.

Both of Lakehead University's campuses have a variety of state-of-the-art facilities. This includes:

• Cutting-edge laboratories
• Computer labs
• Lecture halls
• Libraries
• Seminar-style classrooms
• Bookstore
• Cafeterias and cafes
• Student residences
• Student services offices

The Orillia campus is designed to LEED standards for environmental sustainability and students have access to all YMCA recreational facilities in the area.

The Thunder Bay campus houses over 10,000 square meters of recreational facilities, including a new International Center and lounge in the central hub of campus, as well as a beautiful river, lake, and walking paths.

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, there are also countless opportunities for students to get involved through the Students' Union.

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

Thunder Bay is situated on the shores of Lake Superior. Students there can enjoy a variety of arts, culture, music, shopping and more. There are also plenty of outdoor adventure activities available in the breathtaking natural surroundings.