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CANADA · THUNDER BAY & ORILLIA

Lakehead University

public · Founded 1965 · Languages: en

In short

Lakehead University in Ontario, Canada, offers over 100 undergraduate and 40 graduate programs with a focus on personalized learning and research. It is recognized for its affordable living costs in Thunder Bay and its #1 North American ranking for global impact among smaller universities.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1965
Students: 8,500
International students: 1,800
Acceptance rate: 70%
Tuition (intl): €18–26k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Thunder Bay & Orillia, Canada

Lakehead University is a dynamic, learner-centred institution with campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia, Canada. It offers over 100 undergraduate and 40 graduate programmes emphasizing hands-on learning and a personalized educational experience. The university is known for its strong research focus, hosting Canada Research Chairs and advanced facilities including the Paleo-DNA Laboratory and the Biorefining Research Institute. With over 8,500 students, including nearly 1,800 international students from more than 90 nations, Lakehead provides a global perspective within a close-knit community where faculty know students by name. In the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, Lakehead has placed first in North America among universities with under 10,000 students for its contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Lakehead University offers a full campus experience with varsity athletics (the Thunderwolves), student clubs, residence life, and a rich variety of social and cultural activities in both Thunder Bay and Orillia.

Why study here

Personalized education in small classes where faculty know students by name and career mentorship is embedded in every programme.
Ranked #1 in North America (under 10,000 students) for global impact by Times Higher Education — a leader in sustainable and community-focused research.
Home to world-class research facilities including the Paleo-DNA Laboratory, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and Biorefining Research Institute.
Thunder Bay offers one of the most affordable student lifestyles in Canada with unrivalled access to Lake Superior and northern wilderness.
A diverse, welcoming community with nearly 1,800 international students from 90+ countries and strong Indigenous academic programming.

Student life

Campus life at Lakehead University revolves around a strong sense of community and school spirit — the Thunderwolves. Students can join over 60 clubs and societies, compete in varsity or intramural sports, and take advantage of the athletics complex, climbing wall, and outdoor recreation programmes. Thunder Bay's location on Lake Superior opens up canoeing, kayaking, skiing, and hiking right from campus. First-year students are encouraged to live in residence to build connections. Both campuses have active student associations, Indigenous cultural centres, and mental health support services.

Fees

InternationalInternational undergraduate tuition is approximately CAD 24,000–32,000 per year depending on programme. Graduate programmes range from CAD 18,000–28,000 per year. Nursing and Engineering programmes carry higher fees.

HomeDomestic tuition for Ontario students is approximately CAD 6,000–9,000 per year for most undergraduate programmes.

LivingLiving costs in Thunder Bay are among the most affordable of any Canadian university city. Students typically budget CAD 12,000–15,000 per year for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.

Mandatory ancillary fees of approximately CAD 1,200–1,800 per year cover health and dental insurance, athletics, and student services. First-year residence students in Thunder Bay must purchase a mandatory meal plan.

Admissions

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalentCompletion required

Grade 12U or M coursesMinimum 6 courses including programme-specific prerequisites

Overall final averageMinimum 70% (top 6 Grade 12 U/M courses); competitive programmes require higher

IELTS6.5 overall (6.0 in each band) for most programmes; 7.0 for Nursing

TOEFL iBT85–100 depending on programme

CAEL60 overall

Rankings

Times Higher Education 2025 Global Impact Rankings#1 in North America (under 10,000 students)

QS World University Rankings1001+

University scholarships

International Undergraduate Entrance ScholarshipCAD 2,000–5,000 per year (renewable)

Indigenous Student BursariesCAD 1,000–3,000

Graduate Teaching AssistantshipsCAD 8,000–15,000 per year

President's ScholarshipCAD 5,000 (one-time, high-achieving entrants)

Accreditation

Lakehead University is a publicly funded institution accredited by the Ontario government. Professional programmes hold their respective accreditations: Engineering programmes are accredited by Engineers Canada (CEAB), Business programmes by AACSB, and the law school by the Law Society of Ontario.

For international students

Canada

Student visa & funds

International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.

Working while you study

Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.

After you graduate

Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.

English tests

IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuaryMay

This Master of Science (M.Sc.) program in Biology is offered by the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies. It provides advanced research opportunities across various areas of biological sciences, with potential collaborations with departments like Anthropology, the Biorefining Research Institute, and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. The program is equipped with modern laboratories, animal care facilities, unique field sites, and access to diverse analytical services. Research themes span from globally significant theories to practical applications in environmental biology, wildlife management, and human health. Students are encouraged to connect with potential supervisors before applying to discuss research interests and opportunities. The program requires completion of all requirements within six terms (two years) of continuous registration.

Master's

Level

Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.

CIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada

Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)

For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated tuition fees for international students at Lakehead University?

International undergraduate tuition fees range from approximately CAD 24,000–32,000 per year, depending on the program. Graduate programs typically range from CAD 18,000–28,000 annually, with Nursing and Engineering programs incurring higher fees. Mandatory ancillary fees of CAD 1,200–1,800 per year also apply.

How affordable is living for students in Thunder Bay?

Thunder Bay offers some of the most affordable living costs among Canadian university cities. Students usually budget between CAD 12,000–15,000 per year for accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.

What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?

For most programs, an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0) is required. Some programs, like Nursing, may require a higher score of 7.0. TOEFL iBT scores typically range from 85-100 depending on the program.

What academic qualifications are needed for admission?

Most undergraduate programs require the completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent with a minimum overall average of 70% in six Grade 12 U or M courses. Competitive programs like Nursing and Engineering have higher average requirements.

Does Lakehead University offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, Lakehead University offers an International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship ranging from CAD 2,000–5,000 per year, which is renewable. Other scholarships and assistantships are also available for graduate students.

Last updated 3 July 2026