101 – Lakehead University
University program information changes regularly. Refer to the application and the university’s website for the most up-to-date details.
Quick Links
- About Lakehead
- Admission Entry Points
- Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Residence Accommodations
- Learning Beyond the Classroom: Co-op, Internships, Field School, Placements and More
- Supporting Our Students
- Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
- Language Requirements
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- Access Programs
- Lakehead-Georgian Partnership
- Visit Lakehead
- Contact Information
About Lakehead
Lakehead University is no ordinary place. From the moment you step foot onto our campus in either Thunder Bay or Orillia and join our community of more than 8,500 undergraduate and graduate students, you will experience a personal education where you matter and can play a bigger role.
Our highly acclaimed, world-renowned faculty and researchers will know you by name and truly care about your academic growth and success. Our rigorous academic programs will allow you to thrive in a way that challenges you to think, not what to think.
We offer you learning opportunities that expand beyond the classroom and into our local communities, labs, the workplace and locations all over the world. Experience hands-on learning to develop knowledge and skills for your university years and beyond graduation. It is no wonder that 97.7% of Lakehead grads are employed within 2 years of graduation.
As one of Canada’s top 10 Undergraduate Universities (Maclean’s), Lakehead is a fully comprehensive university with over 65 programs to choose from.
Our innovative programs span 9 faculties:
- Business Administration
- Education
- Engineering
- Graduate Studies
- Health and Behavioural Sciences
- Law
- Natural Resources Management
- Science and Environmental Studies
- Social Sciences and Humanities
We offer several graduate programs at both the master’s and PhD levels that you can pursue after you complete one of our undergraduate programs.
Read more about our program offerings.
Our Campuses
Thunder Bay Campus
Our Thunder Bay Campus is home to more than 7,000 students and is situated in the heart of the city of Thunder Bay. Surrounded by green space and clear blue waters with buildings conveniently situated together on more than 100 hectares of land, Lakehead Thunder Bay provides a true campus feel.
The city of Thunder Bay is located on the north shores of Lake Superior and is the largest urban centre between Winnipeg and Toronto. Serviced by 3 major airlines, Thunder Bay is a short 90-minute flight from Toronto and prides itself on an unbeatable quality of life. Live theatre, festivals, a vibrant arts and culture scene and unlimited outdoor activities await.
Orillia Campus
Welcome to Lakehead Orillia, a young and growing campus that is home to more than 1,500 students. With state-of-the-art classrooms, computer labs and study spaces, our Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified campus is the perfect location to live and learn.
Located on the shores of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe, Orillia is a vibrant city with the amenities of a large urban centre, yet with small-town charm. Less than a 90-minute drive from Toronto, or just 20 minutes north of Barrie, you will be surrounded by beautiful open spaces and waterfront trails that lead to incredible local shopping, cuisine and recreation opportunities.
Admission Entry Points
We have year-round admission and will accept applications for studies beginning in September, January, May and July for most programs.
View a complete list of application deadlines.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
We are committed to helping you fund your university education. We provide more than $11 million in scholarships and awards to our students annually.
Lakehead University Renewable Academic Entrance Scholarships
We offer one of the top entrance scholarship programs for Canadian high school students in the country. We automatically consider high-ranking Canadian high school students; there is no application required. We will extend Academic Entrance Scholarships in 2 rounds:
- May 2023 (Round 1)
- July 2023 (Round 2)
| Academic Average | Offer after Round 1 | Offer after Round 2 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95%+ | $4,000 | Free tuition | If you received a Round 1 offer of $4,000 but do not meet a Round 2 average for free tuition, you will receive a $4,000 renewable offer. These scholarships are renewable for up to 4 years, providing you achieve a 90% average in each academic year; if your average is between 80% and 89.9%, renewable at $2,500 per year for each subsequent year. |
| 90-94.9% | $2,500 | $2,500 | Renewable for up to 4 years, providing you achieve an 80% average in each academic year. |
| 85-89.9% | $1,250 | $1,250 | Renewable for up to 4 years, providing you achieve an 80% average in each academic year. |
| 80-84.9% | $750 | $750 | Renewable for up to 4 years, providing you achieve an 80% average in each academic year. |
We will award qualified students the best scholarship from either of the 2 rounds; your offer can never go down.
Read more about entrance scholarships and eligibility requirements.
Lakehead University Presidential Scholarships
We award the Lakehead University Presidential Scholarships annually to up to 2 outstanding Canadian high school students who have achieved a minimum 90% average, demonstrated leadership qualities and made significant contributions to their high school and community. Valued at $30,000 ($7,500/year x 4 years).
Read more about scholarship application details.
Destination Lakehead Bursary
Our exceptional entrance bursary program provides you with funds to help pay for your education if you are entering directly from high school. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how we can further support your education.
Value: Up to $3,000
- General Bursary up to $2,000, and/or
- Travel Bursary up to $1,000
Read more about bursary application details.
Residence Accommodations
Welcome to your new home away from home. Living in residence is a huge part of your life as a Lakehead student. From your very first day, you will meet new people from all around the world and establish friendships that will last a lifetime.
We guarantee a space in residence to all high school students who receive an offer of admission and who have met the residence application requirements by no later than June 1, 2023. After this time, high school students will continue to receive priority until our residence facilities reach capacity.
The Thunder Bay campus offers first-year students dorm-style, single occupancy rooms and a full meal plan, including vegetarian, halal, vegan and gluten-free options. Each residence “House” of 30 students includes a study room, lounge and laundry facilities.
Upper-year students have the option of apartments, townhouses or Residence Halls. Apartments and townhouses offer you the independence of living and cooking on your own.
Our Orillia Campus Residence features a modern dorm design where you have your own single room and share a bathroom with only 1 other person. A full meal plan is included with the accommodation package; you can choose either a 5- or 7-day meal plan. Each residence “House” of 40 students includes a study room, lounge and laundry facilities.
Read more about residence at the Thunder Bay Campus.
Read more about residence at the Orillia Campus.
Learning Beyond the Classroom: Co-op, Internships, Field School, Placements and More
Enrich your education both inside and outside the classroom by taking your expertise into our local communities, the lab, the workplace or even around the world. Gain practical, hands-on experience through a variety of experiential learning opportunities available across all our undergraduate programs.
Invest in a co-op work term. Alternate your academic studies with periods of work experience and deepen your knowledge, while you earn additional money and build your resumé for the future.
Internships allow you to translate the concepts and principles you learn in the classroom into practical skills in the workplace.
Looking for field placements? Many of our programs offer integrated practicums and placements, or the opportunity for field schools and trips.
Alternatively, consider immersing yourself in the dynamic culture of another country while completing your degree. During an international exchange, you remain a Lakehead student while you invest your time in a core or optional component of your curriculum. Gain global competencies to enhance marketability and give yourself a competitive edge after graduation.
Read more about Career Services and co-op.
Supporting Our Students
Your success matters to us. We are committed to supporting you as you transition to life as a university student and throughout your studies.
Whether you are a new student arriving on campus for the first time, getting ready to graduate or anything in between, Student Central provides you with a more convenient way to conduct your business and access support in one central location. Here you will be able to access everything you need – from enrolling at Lakehead through to course registration, financial support, academic advising and so much more. Our dedicated, cross-trained Student Central Professionals can solve issues from start to finish with consistency of service and answers. This holistic approach allows us to focus on you!
You can find us in the University Centre (beside the Agora) on our Thunder Bay campus and in Simcoe Hall on our Orillia Campus. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, except for Tuesdays, when we open at 10:00 am. We currently offer services via phone and email:
- call Student Central at 807-343-8500 or 1-800-465-3959 or
- email Student Central.
The Student Success Centre has many programs and support services in place to help you achieve your academic and personal goals while you study at Lakehead University. We provide academic support through:
- tutoring services,
- career exploration,
- co-operative opportunities and
- leadership development.
Register for an Academic Skills Workshop on note-taking, time management and exam preparation, or take advantage of our group tutoring, and writing and math support. Career exploration and advising, including help with resumé writing, interview preparation and job searching, are other ways we can support you as you prepare for your future career.
Other supports include:
- Health & Wellness
- Sports & Recreation
- Lakehead University Student Union
- Residence Life
- Student Accounts
- Indigenous Student Services Centre
- Lakehead International
Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
SAS coordinates services and facilitates academic accommodations for students with disabilities and/or medical conditions.
We collaborate with students, staff and faculty to develop strategies for successful learning experiences, while maintaining academic standards. We offer a supportive atmosphere and deliver our services in a respectful, confidential manner.
Email SAS in Thunder Bay or call 807-343-8047.
Email SAS in Orillia or call 705-330-4010, ext. 2103.
Language Requirements
If English is not your first language and you cannot verify that you recently studied in an English-language school system for more than 3 years of full-time study, we will require you to present proof of English-language proficiency.
If you meet our admission requirements, but your English-language proficiency test scores fall below the minimum required scores, we may consider you for admission through the Lakehead Academic English Program (AEP). Offered at both our Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses, the AEP prepares you for academic studies. Our program targets all 4 language areas: Reading, writing, listening and speaking. You will improve your ability to:
- read academic materials,
- write essays,
- take notes and
- give presentations.
Read more about our English-language proficiency requirements.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
An IB Diploma with a minimum total score of 24 is required. You may complete program-specific prerequisites at the Higher Level or Standard Level.
Read more about IB admission requirements.
Note: Higher scores may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces.
Advanced Placement (AP)
If you are a high school student taking AP courses, you may be eligible to receive university credit.
Read more about AP admission requirements.
Access Programs
We are the university of choice for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. At Lakehead, we know the transition to university is a significant one. To ease the transition into university-level studies, we are proud to offer 3 access programs that provide transition pathways to many undergraduate degree programs in an academically, socially and culturally supportive environment.
These preparatory programs are a unique blend of courses that assist Indigenous students with maintaining their heritage while furthering their education. The programs include the:
- Indigenous Transition Year Program,
- Indigenous STEM Access Program and
- Indigenous Nurses Entry Program.
Read more about Indigenous access programs.
Lakehead-Georgian Partnership
Lakehead University and Georgian College, located in Barrie, Ontario, offer you a one-of-a-kind education. Explore our innovative, 4-year combined degree-diploma programs. Our programs offer you the opportunity to earn a university degree and college diploma in 4 years of full-time study. Our innovative degree-diploma programs integrate theoretical learning with a blend of applied skills you need to be job-ready.
Read more about our integrated program offerings.
Visit Lakehead
A campus tour of either our Thunder Bay or Orillia campus is the best way for you to discover that Lakehead is where you belong. Experience for yourself what makes our campuses exceptional and unconventional places to study.
We offer in-person tours at both the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses. Not able to make it in person? Check out our campuses virtually – walk around our pathways and learn all about our student support services, faculties, labs, classrooms, residence and more.
Tours are available throughout the week.
Visit our website to check for current availability and register for a tour.
If you prefer to explore virtually on your own, visit us anytime. Take our Virtual Tour.
Contact Information
Thunder Bay Campus:
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay ON P7B 5E1
Orillia Campus:
500 University Avenue
Orillia ON L3V 0B9
Recruitment – Campus Tours
Telephone: 807-343-8010, ext. 7856 (Thunder Bay Campus)
Telephone: 705-330-4010, ext. 2150 (Orillia Campus)
Email: recruit@lakeheadu.ca
Student Central (Admissions, Financial Aid, Registration)
Toll-free: 1-800-465-3959 (within Canada)
Email: studentcentral@lakeheadu.ca
Questions? Ask Lakehead
