About
Lakehead University is no ordinary place. From the moment you step foot onto our Thunder Bay or Orillia campus, you join our community of more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students. When you become a Lakehead student, you become a member of a diverse and dynamic community that will support you from the time you arrive through to graduation.
Our highly acclaimed, award-winning faculty will challenge you on how to think, not what to think.
Through hands-on learning opportunities, we offer individual academic experiences that expand beyond the classroom and into our local communities, labs, the workplace and locations all over the world. It is no wonder that 97.4% of Lakehead grads are employed within 2 years of graduation.
As one of Ontario’s top 3 Undergraduate Universities (2024 Maclean’s), Lakehead is a fully comprehensive university with more than 65 programs to choose from.
Our Campuses
Our Thunder Bay Campus is home to more than 6,750 students and is situated in the heart of the city of Thunder Bay. Surrounded by green space and clear blue waters with academic buildings located on more than 100 hectares of land, Lakehead Thunder Bay provides a true campus feel.
Our young and growing Orillia Campus is home to more than 1,990 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.
Programs
Learning Beyond the Classroom
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:
- Co-op work term
- Field placements
- International exchange
- Internships
Key Dates
Admission Points
We have year-round admission and will accept applications for studies beginning in September, January, May and July for most programs.
Deadlines
Admission Requirements
Group A Admission Requirements
If you meet the Group A applicant criteria, refer to our admission requirements for Group A applicants.
Group B Admission Requirements
Canadian High School Students From Outside of Ontario
If you are attending or have recently graduated from a high school in a Canadian province outside of Ontario, and have not completed any postsecondary studies at another institution, refer to our admission requirements for high school students from outside of Ontario.
Home-schooled Applicants
Home-schooled students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents (landed immigrants) are welcome to apply. Refer to our admission requirements for home-schooled applicants.
International Applicants
Lakehead University is home to more than 1,900 international students, representing more than 82 distinct countries around the world.
Pathways and Transfer Students
It is easy to transfer to Lakehead. Our pathway agreements and general transfer policies are designed to maximize your credits from your current or previous studies at either college or university – or even both.
Transfer credits will vary depending on whether you have been admitted through a specific pathway or through our general transfer agreements.
Mature Students
If you do not meet the general admission requirements and are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (landed immigrant) of Canada, you may be considered for admission as a mature student.
We can consider your application if you have not been engaged in full-time studies for at least 2 years, have completed less than 1 year at a community college and have never attended a university.
Other Admission Requirements
Indigenous Access Programs
We are the university of choice for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. To ease the transition to 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. Programs include:
- Indigenous Transition Year Program
- Indigenous STEM Access Program
- Indigenous Nurses Entry Program
International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP)
Supporting Documents
Transcripts
You are responsible for sending Lakehead University copies of your official transcripts from all secondary (i.e., high school) and postsecondary institutions that you have attended and are currently attending.
Language Requirements
If English is not your first language, you have the option to meet our English-language proficiency requirements by verifying that you have recently studied in an English-language school system for a designated number of years or through the submission of an English-language proficiency test score.
If your English-language proficiency test scores fall below the minimum required scores, we may consider you for admission through the Lakehead Academic English Program.
Supplemental Documents
Some programs may require supplementary documentation for admission consideration.
Your application will not be considered until documentation, as requested, has been provided.
Scholarships, Bursaries 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, including the:
- Lakehead University Renewable Academic Entrance Scholarships
- Lakehead University Presidential Scholarships
- Destination Lakehead Bursary
- Lakehead University Transfer & Mature Student Bursary & Award
Offers of Admission
Offers for Group A Applicants
If you are a Group A applicant, you can expect admission offers in rounds based on when your school releases your grades to us. The timeframes include:
- December – early round (normally based on Grade 11 marks)
- March – first round (normally based on Grade 12 first-term final marks)
- May – second round (normally based on Grade 12 first-term final marks and second-term midterm marks)
- July – final round (normally based on Grade 12 first-term and second-term final marks)
Offers for Applicants to Limited Enrollment Programs
If you apply to a limited enrollment program, offers of admission begin in March and extend throughout the spring. Limited enrollment programs include:
- Post Diploma Engineering
- Nursing
- One-Year and Year Three Honours Bachelor of Social Work
Offers for All Other Applicants
Depending on space availability, we will continue to accept applications and extend offers to qualified applicants until the start of the new academic term.
Generally, we extend offers of admission on a rolling basis to qualified applicants who have completed an application and submitted all supporting documentation.
You can expect an admission decision within 4 to 6 weeks of submitting a complete application.
Accessibility Services
Student Accessibility Services 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.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Under the purview of our Office of Human Rights & Equity, our vision to be a university that is plural and diverse in its content, structures and people is guided by our mission to institutionalize equitable and inclusive principles and practices to realize a university where diversity thrives.
Residence
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 2, 2025.
Otherwise, housing registration is on a first-come, first-served basis until residence facilities reach capacity. Register early to secure your housing preference.
Campus Tours and Events
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.
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.
Contact
Thunder Bay Campus:
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay ON P7B 5E1
Orillia Campus:
500 University Avenue
Orillia ON L3V 0B9
Recruitment – Prospect Inquiries, 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)
Student Central Inquiry Form