Lakehead University

Introduction

Founded in 1965, Lakehead University is a public research institution located in Ontario, Canada, with campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia and an additional STEM hub in Barrie. Recognized for its student-focused learning environment, strong academic quality, and hands-on research culture, Lakehead offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

The university is particularly well known for engineering, health sciences, natural resources, business, education, forensic science, and social sciences. With a diverse student body and a supportive campus community, Lakehead delivers a balanced academic experience that blends real-world learning with strong Canadian employability pathways.

To learn more about Lakehead University or begin your application, book a free consultation with LCI Group today.

Lakehead University Key Statistics

• International Students: Around 1,500
• Student-Faculty Ratio: Around 15:1
• Acceptance Rate: 83% on average

Lakehead University Accreditation and Affiliations

• Accredited by Universities Canada
• Accredited programs through CEAB (Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board)
• AACSB-accredited Faculty of Business Administration
• Member of the Council of Ontario Universities (COU)
• Affiliated with Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute, Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM University), and several industry and research partners

Academic Information

Lakehead University Programs Offered

Over 85 undergraduate programs and 45+ graduate programs, including professional degrees.

Lakehead University Popular Faculties and Schools

• Faculty of Engineering
• Faculty of Health & Behavioural Sciences
• Faculty of Science & Environmental Studies
• Faculty of Business Administration
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities
• Faculty of Natural Resources Management
• Northern Ontario School of Medicine (collaborative)
• Bora Laskin Faculty of Law

Lakehead University Top Program Areas

Engineering, Nursing, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Business, Education, Forensic Science, Social Work, Psychology, and Natural Resources.

Lakehead University Tuition Fees

Undergraduate International Students

CAD $25,000 to $30,000 per year on average

Graduate Programs

CAD $23,000 to $26,000 per year on average

Lakehead University Admission Requirements

Undergraduate

• High school diploma with competitive grades
• Math and science prerequisites for Engineering, Nursing, and Science programs
• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 80–90 / Duolingo 110+
• Supplemental requirements for Education, Law pathway, and Nursing

Graduate

• Bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance
• GRE/GMAT typically not required unless specified
• IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 80–90 / Duolingo 115–120+
• Program-specific prerequisites, research statements, or portfolios may apply

Lakehead University Rankings & Recognition

• QS World University Rankings 2026: N/A
• THE World University Rankings 2026: 1001-1200

Lakehead University Campuses

Lakehead University Thunder Bay Campus

The Thunder Bay campus is Lakehead University’s main and largest campus, located in Northwestern Ontario’s scenic region near Lake Superior. Surrounded by forests, lakes, and natural landscapes, it offers an immersive academic environment with modern facilities, specialized labs, and strong research infrastructure.

The campus hosts major faculties including Engineering, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Business, Education, Natural Resources, and Law, making it the academic centre of Lakehead. Students benefit from strong industry connections, co-op opportunities, and applied learning embedded in most programs.

With on-campus residences, recreation centres, event spaces, and easy access to outdoor activities, Thunder Bay provides a balanced lifestyle combining academic rigour and a close-knit community atmosphere that supports international student success.

Orillia Campus

Lakehead University’s Orillia campus offers a modern, eco-friendly academic setting located in Ontario’s scenic cottage-country region. Known for its LEED-certified buildings and contemporary learning spaces, the campus provides a community-oriented environment ideal for students seeking smaller class sizes and strong faculty interaction.

Orillia offers a range of programs across Business, Education, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Environmental Sustainability, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and experiential opportunities.

Students enjoy a calm and safe campus atmosphere while still being within driving distance of Toronto, giving them access to both nature and urban opportunities. The Orillia campus is suited for students who value personalized learning environments and a strong sense of campus identity.

Barrie STEM Hub

The Barrie STEM Hub is Lakehead’s specialized centre for science, technology, engineering, and applied research, developed through the Lakehead-Georgian partnership. Located in one of Ontario’s rapidly growing cities, the hub focuses on delivering industry-aligned STEM education with strong emphasis on innovation, hands-on labs, and employability.

Students benefit from proximity to regional tech industries, project-based learning, and transfer pathways between college and university programs. While smaller than Thunder Bay or Orillia, the Barrie hub offers a focused environment ideal for students pursuing technical fields or looking for a campus close to the Greater Toronto Area.

It provides access to modern facilities, collaborative classrooms, and a supportive academic community.

Lakehead University Support Services

International Student Support

• Visa and immigration support
• Pre-arrival and orientation programs
• Housing assistance
• Health, wellness, and counseling services
• Academic advising and student success programs

Career Services

• Co-op placements and internships
• Career advising and résumé support
• Job fairs and networking events
• Research assistantships and experiential learning options
• Strong industry connections across Ontario

Lakehead University Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Lakehead International Entrance Scholarships (CAD 6,000–40,000 for high-achieving applicants)
• Graduate Assistantships and Research Awards
• Need-based bursaries
• External scholarships from Canadian organizations

Study at Lakehead University

Lakehead University offers a balanced mix of academic excellence, career-focused programs, and an inclusive learning environment ideal for international students. Its strong performance-based programs, research opportunities, and access to co-op pathways make it a competitive choice for students seeking Canadian education with personalized support. With campuses in Thunder Bay, Orillia, and a STEM hub in Barrie, Lakehead provides multiple study environments and pathways tailored to different aspirations.

To explore your opportunities at Lakehead University, book a free consultation with LCI Group today and begin your application for upcoming intakes.