Lakehead University

Lakehead University: Courses, Admission, Tuition Fees, Scholarships and Study in Canada

Lakehead University is a public university in Ontario, Canada, with campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs across business, computer science, engineering, education, health sciences, sciences, social sciences, humanities and other fields.

For international students, Lakehead combines academic study with research, experiential learning, co-op opportunities in selected programs and dedicated international student services.

Lakehead University at a Glance

Information	Details
University	Lakehead University
Location	Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario, Canada
Institution Type	Public University
Main Campuses	Thunder Bay, Orillia
Language of Instruction	English
Undergraduate & Graduate Programs	85+
Popular Study Areas	Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Education, Health Sciences, Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities
International Undergraduate Tuition	Varies by program
Application Fee	CAD $135
IELTS	Generally 6.5 overall, no individual score below 6.0
General International Admission Average	Minimum 70% final overall average
Scholarships	International entrance scholarships and other awards

Lakehead states that international applicants generally need a minimum 70% final overall average, although specific programs can have additional requirements.

About Lakehead University

Lakehead University was established in Ontario and has developed campuses serving students in Northwestern Ontario and Central Ontario.

The Thunder Bay campus is located in Northwestern Ontario and provides a comprehensive university environment with undergraduate and graduate education, research facilities and student services.

The Orillia campus provides another Lakehead location and offers programs in areas including arts, sciences, education and business.

Lakehead describes its academic environment as student-focused, with opportunities for research, experiential education and community engagement.

Programs at Lakehead University

Lakehead offers programs across a wide range of disciplines. Students should check the individual program page because admission requirements, prerequisites and tuition can vary.

Business

Lakehead offers business education through the Faculty of Business Administration.

Students can study areas such as:

• Business administration
• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Management
• Economics

Business students can develop knowledge in management, financial decision-making, organizational behaviour and business strategy.

Computer Science

Lakehead offers Computer Science programs for students interested in software, computing and technology.

Students can study subjects including programming, algorithms, databases, computer systems and software development.

Depending on the program, students may also have opportunities for research and experiential learning.

Engineering

Engineering is another important area of study at Lakehead.

The university offers engineering education across multiple disciplines, giving students opportunities to develop technical and problem-solving skills.

Students interested in engineering should carefully check mathematics, physics and other prerequisite requirements for their intended program.

Health Sciences

Lakehead provides programs related to health and human wellbeing.

The university offers academic pathways in areas such as health sciences, kinesiology and nursing.

Professional programs such as nursing may have additional academic and English-language requirements compared with general undergraduate admission.

Education

Lakehead has a significant education portfolio, including undergraduate and graduate opportunities for students interested in teaching and education-related careers.

Applicants should check whether their intended education program has additional admission criteria or professional requirements.

Science

Students can choose from science programs covering areas such as biology, chemistry, physics and environmental science.

These programs can provide foundations for employment, research and further postgraduate study.

Social Sciences and Humanities

Lakehead offers programs in social sciences and humanities covering areas such as psychology, sociology, history, English, political science and related disciplines.

These programs can develop research, communication, analytical and critical-thinking skills.

Admission Requirements for International Students

Lakehead's admission requirements depend on the student's previous education and chosen program.

For general undergraduate admission, international applicants normally need a minimum 70% final overall average or equivalent.

Individual programs can have additional prerequisites. For example, programs in engineering, health sciences, nursing and other specialized fields may require particular subjects or higher academic standards.

Students should therefore check the exact requirements for their intended program rather than relying only on the general admission requirement.

English-Language Requirements

International applicants may need to demonstrate English-language proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption.

For most undergraduate programs, Lakehead lists:

IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, with no individual score below 6.0.

Some programs have higher English-language requirements. For example, certain professional programs may require stronger scores. Applicants should verify the requirement for their exact program before applying.

Lakehead accepts several other forms of English-language evidence, so students can review the university's official English-language proficiency page for the complete list.

How to Apply to Lakehead University

International students can follow several steps when applying.

Step 1: Select a Program

Choose the Lakehead undergraduate or graduate program that matches your academic interests.

Review the curriculum, prerequisites, career opportunities and available experiential-learning options.

Step 2: Review Admission Requirements

Check the requirements for your country or educational system.

Make sure you meet the required academic average and any program-specific prerequisites.

Step 3: Check English Requirements

Determine whether you need an English-language test.

If required, submit an accepted test such as IELTS and make sure the score meets the requirement for your program.

Step 4: Prepare Documents

Depending on the program and applicant background, documents may include:

• Academic transcripts
• Graduation certificate
• English-language test results
• Passport identification page
• Program-specific documents
• Additional academic documentation

Step 5: Submit the Application

Complete the application and pay the applicable application fee.

Lakehead's international admissions information currently lists an application fee of CAD $135.

Step 6: Monitor Your Application

After submitting the application, monitor your application account and email for requests for additional documents.

Step 7: Receive Your Decision

If admitted, follow Lakehead's instructions for accepting the offer, paying any required deposit and preparing for enrolment.

Tuition Fees for International Students

International tuition at Lakehead varies according to the program, course load and academic level.

There is no single tuition figure that applies to every international student.

Students should consider the following costs when preparing a study budget:

• Tuition
• Mandatory university fees
• Accommodation
• Food
• Books and supplies
• Health insurance
• Transportation
• Personal expenses

Because fees can change between academic years and differ by program, applicants should use Lakehead's current fee information when calculating their expected costs.

Scholarships for International Students

Lakehead provides scholarships and awards for international students.

International Entrance Scholarships

Eligible international students may receive entrance scholarships based on their academic performance.

The eligibility and award amount can depend on the student's admission average and academic background.

Students should check the latest scholarship conditions because award values and eligibility rules can change.

Other Scholarships and Awards

Additional scholarships can be available through Lakehead and individual faculties or programs.

Students should review the university's scholarship information and application deadlines to determine which awards they can apply for.

Some awards may be automatic, while others require a separate application.

Accommodation at Lakehead

Lakehead provides residence options for students at its campuses.

Living in university residence can give students convenient access to classrooms, campus facilities and student activities.

Accommodation costs vary depending on the residence type and meal-plan arrangement.

Students should apply for residence early and review the latest housing information before making travel arrangements.

International students can also consider private accommodation outside campus, particularly in Thunder Bay or Orillia.

Campus Life

Lakehead's campuses provide students with opportunities to participate in academic, social and recreational activities.

Students can become involved in:

• Student clubs
• Sports
• Recreation
• Volunteer activities
• Cultural organizations
• Academic societies
• Campus events

The university's smaller-campus environment can also provide opportunities for students to interact with faculty members and other students.

International Student Support

Lakehead provides services to help international students prepare for and adjust to studying in Canada.

Support can include:

• Immigration information
• Pre-arrival assistance
• Orientation
• Academic support
• Health and wellness resources
• International student advising
• Cultural and social activities

International students should make use of these services during the transition from their home country to Canada.

Research Opportunities

Lakehead is a research-focused university with research activity across multiple disciplines.

Students can encounter research opportunities in areas such as:

• Environmental sciences
• Health
• Engineering
• Natural sciences
• Social sciences
• Indigenous studies
• Business
• Education

Graduate students generally have additional opportunities to participate in faculty-led research and specialized projects.

Co-op and Experiential Learning

Lakehead provides experiential-learning opportunities, including co-op or work-integrated learning in selected programs.

These experiences can allow students to apply classroom knowledge in practical environments.

Availability varies by program, so students should check whether their intended degree includes a co-op option and understand its eligibility requirements.

Studying in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is Lakehead's largest campus location and is situated in Northwestern Ontario.

The city provides students with access to outdoor environments, recreational activities and a university community.

Students considering Thunder Bay should research accommodation, transportation, weather and living expenses before deciding where to study.

Studying in Orillia

Lakehead's Orillia campus is located in Central Ontario.

The campus offers students access to a smaller university environment while being situated within the broader Central Ontario region.

Students should check which programs are offered at Orillia because not every Lakehead program is available at every campus.

Career Opportunities

Lakehead's programs are designed to provide academic and practical preparation for different career pathways.

Depending on the program, students may gain experience through:

• Co-op
• Internships
• Research
• Laboratory work
• Community projects
• Experiential learning

Students should also investigate professional licensing requirements if they intend to work in a regulated profession in Canada after graduation.

Who Should Consider Lakehead University?

Lakehead may be relevant to students looking for:

• A public university in Ontario
• Campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia
• Undergraduate and graduate programs
• Computer science and engineering programs
• Business and health-related studies
• Science, humanities and social-science programs
• Research opportunities
• Experiential learning
• International student services
• Entrance scholarship opportunities

The appropriate choice depends on the student's intended program, academic background, budget, location preferences and future career plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lakehead University located?

Lakehead University has campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario, Canada.

Is Lakehead University a public university?

Yes. Lakehead University is a public university in Ontario.

Does Lakehead University accept international students?

Yes. Lakehead welcomes international students and provides dedicated international admissions and student-support services.

What is the general admission requirement for international students?

Lakehead generally requires a minimum 70% final overall average for international undergraduate applicants, although individual programs can have additional requirements.

What IELTS score does Lakehead University require?

For most undergraduate programs, Lakehead lists IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no individual score below 6.0. Some programs have higher requirements.

How much is the application fee?

Lakehead currently lists an international application fee of CAD $135.

Does Lakehead University offer Computer Science?

Yes. Lakehead offers Computer Science programs covering areas related to computing, programming, software and technology.

Does Lakehead University offer Engineering?

Yes. Lakehead offers undergraduate engineering programs across multiple engineering disciplines.

Are scholarships available for international students?

Yes. Lakehead offers international entrance scholarships and other awards. Eligibility and award amounts depend on the scholarship and applicant circumstances.

Does Lakehead have student residences?

Yes. Lakehead provides residence options at its campuses. Students should check the current accommodation options, costs and application deadlines.

Does Lakehead University have campuses in more than one city?

Yes. Lakehead has campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia.

Final Takeaway

Lakehead University is a public university in Ontario with campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs across areas including business, computer science, engineering, education, health sciences, science, humanities and social sciences.

For international undergraduate applicants, Lakehead generally requires a 70% minimum final overall average, while most undergraduate programs require IELTS 6.5 overall with no individual score below 6.0. Program-specific requirements can be higher.

International students should also account for tuition, accommodation, food, health insurance and other living costs when planning their budget. Lakehead provides scholarships, international student services, residence options and experiential-learning opportunities that can support students throughout their studies.

Before applying, prospective students should verify the latest program requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, application deadlines and English-language requirements directly through Lakehead University's official information.