Lakehead University

With over 85 undergraduate and graduate programs, Lakehead University offers students the best of a nurturing, transformative, smaller-sized university experience with excellence in research and teaching.

Established over 50 years ago, the university has an inclusive community where all student successes are celebrated. Over 1,800 international students from over 90 nations are enrolled at Lakehead.

Experiential learning opportunities such as internships, co-operative education, field school and practicums allow students to 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 Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario. Opening in Fall 2026, Lakehead's innovative STEM Hub in Barrie, Ontario, will offer next-generation learning in computer science and engineering. Both campuses offer students cutting-edge facilities, teaching and research excellence, student accommodation, comprehensive student supports, and a variety of social activities and events, all within the beautiful, natural environment.

Lakehead is the #1 university in North America with under 10,000 students (Times Higher Education Global Impact Rankings 2025). Lakehead University is a top 3 research university in Canada (Re$earch Infosource 2024) and is one of two universities in Canada designated as an Innovation & Economic Prosperity University, recognizing achievements in innovation, technology transfer, and community development. Its business school is AACSB internationally accredited, and the Faculty of Engineering is the only one in Canada where students earn both a degree and a diploma in just four years, making graduates highly sought after in the industry.

Recognized for its research excellence, Lakehead has 12 Canada 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)
• 14 research centres and institutes

Over 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.

Business Administration

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 offering an engineering diploma and degree in four years. Courses blend theoretical and hands-on learning, such as co-operative education, to achieve 96.4 percent employment within 2 years. Students can 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 clinical placements starting in first year.

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

Trinity School of Medicine is open to graduates of Lakehead University, including international learners. It provides the pathway opportunity to becoming a licensed medical doctor in Canada and the United States.

Natural Resources Management

Courses that balance sustainability of the ecosystem as well as social, economic, and environmental issues in the boreal forest setting of northwestern Ontario. 100 percent faculty graduate employment rate. Undergraduate students in Forestry may complete the HBScF+MBA in 5 years.

Science and Environmental Sciences

Offering programs in anthropology, applied life sciences, earth sciences, geography, computer science, earth sciences, economics, and more.

Social Sciences and Humanities

Offering programs including criminology, media, film, and communications. Courses develop students into work-ready graduates with successful careers in a variety of industries.

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 may be conditionally 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.

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.

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 2026-2027

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.

All of Lakehead University's 3 locations offer students unique learning environments and opportunities.

The Thunder Bay campus–with central buildings clustered around a beautiful river and lake–is complete with libraries, lecture halls, seminar-style classrooms, research labs, cafes, cafeterias, a bookstore, residences, and a full suite of student support services. The Thunder Bay campus houses 10,000+ m² of recreational facilities, with gyms, 50m pool, weight & cardio areas, 200m indoor track & field. In the centre of campus is the International Centre that holds regular activities throughout the year. Take a video tour of the Thunder Bay campus.

Lakehead's Orillia campus is designed to LEED standards for environmental sustainability. With residence just minutes from the cafeteria, bookstore, and main academic area with full student supports, the Orillia campus features a beautiful Learning Commons, science lab, light-filled classrooms and small-group learning spaces as well as a Telepresence Room. Students have access to the world-class Orillia Recreation Centre with an aquatic centre, gym, & fitness centre. Take a video tour of the Orillia campus.

Lakehead's Barrie STEM Hub is in the heart of downtown Barrie (one of Canada's safest cities) and near the shores of Lake Simcoe. Built in consultation with local industrial partners, the Hub is designed to offer students hands-on, impactful learning with smaller class sizes, close mentorship in a high-tech environment. Students may choose to live in the supportive Georgian Green residences, just a short bus ride away, and will enjoy all of the urban amenities that the city has to offer.

On the shores of the world's largest freshwater lake and surrounding boreal forest, Thunder Bay is a vibrant city hub for northern Ontario, offering unparalleled recreational opportunities. Orillia and Barrie, only 60-90 minutes from Toronto, are in Lake Country, with plenty of recreational and cultural activities for any season.

Opening in 2026, Lakehead University's Barrie STEM Hub will offer a next generation learning environment focused on engineering and computer science. Located in the heart of downtown Barrie, the STEM Hub delivers education in a purpose-built setting focused on what matters most: innovation, mentorship, and real-world experience.

With mentorship from expert instructors, deeper engagement and stronger peer-to-peer collaborations, Lakehead's degree programs are designed with the future in mind. Academic learning experiences will be fully aligned with current and emerging industry needs, ensuring students are employment-ready for careers in the computer science and engineering sectors.

The Barrie STEM Hub offers Lakehead University technology and engineering degrees at the bachelor, masters and doctoral levels, including Electrical Engineering (BEng), Mechatronics Engineering (BEng with diploma in Engineering Technology), Software Engineering (BEng with diploma in Engineering Technology), Computer Science (HBSc) (MSc), and Electrical & Computer Engineering (MScs) (PhD).

The STEM Hub is where tomorrow's engineers, computer scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators begin shaping the future through hands-on, high impact learning in an intimate, high-tech environment. With smaller class sizes, close mentorship, and strong connections to local industry, the STEM Hub empowers students to explore, innovate, and launch successful careers in STEM fields.

For additional information, visit the university website.

Lakehead University has representatives in many parts of the world to talk to students and parents both in person, at education events, or online. Find a Lakehead advisor by 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.