Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, Canada • Founded 1965 • World Rank #2135
Updated Sep 2026
Overview
Lakehead University is a public university in Northwestern Ontario with its main campus at 955 Oliver Road in Thunder Bay, a second campus at 500 University Avenue in Orillia, and a STEM Hub in Barrie.
Describing itself as "Exceptional and Unconventional", the university hosts 11 Canada Research Chairs and research facilities including its Paleo-DNA Laboratory and Biorefining Research Institute. Its Faculty of Natural Resources Management delivers the Honours Bachelor of Science in Forestry, one of the university's signature programs, and its engineering programs award the Bachelor of Engineering together with a Diploma in Engineering Technology over four years.
Other flagship offerings include the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Honours Bachelor of Commerce at both campuses, the Master of Science in Forestry, a Master of Science in Computer Science with an Artificial Intelligence specialization and co-operative option, a 12-month full-time MBA, and a Master of Public Health available on campus in Thunder Bay or online.
Location & Contact
Find Lakehead University on the map and reach the right office through the contact channels listed below. Use these for general enquiries; specific departments often run their own contact pages.
Academic Details
Key statistics on Lakehead University's student population, faculty size, and external recognition. International vs domestic student split is often missing from these figures but matters for campus culture.
Academic Structures
Lakehead University's academic backbone. Endowed schools (named after donors) may differ from general units in funding levels, scholarships available, and curriculum focus.
Unit 9 items
- Faculty of Business Administration
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering Faculty of Forestry and the Forest Environment
- Faculty of Graduate Studies
- Faculty of Health and Behavioral Sciences
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Natural Resources Management
- Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
Programs Offered
Find a programme at Lakehead University by filter, or browse by degree level. Online and on-campus delivery modes differ in tuition, time commitment, and credential recognition — confirm which mode each programme runs in.
10 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada
Bachelor's Degree 6 programmes
Master of Business Administration 1 programme
How to apply to Lakehead University
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Lakehead University, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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1
Research programmes at Lakehead University
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Lakehead University runs 10 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Before applying to Lakehead University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Canada.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Lakehead University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.lakeheadu.ca). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (807) 343 8110. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lakehead University
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Lakehead University, drawn directly from institutional records.
When was Lakehead University founded?
Lakehead University was established in 1965 (approximately 61 years ago).
What city is Lakehead University in?
Lakehead University operates from Thunder Bay, Canada.
What is Lakehead University's control type?
Lakehead University is a public institution.
How big is Lakehead University's student body?
Lakehead University serves approximately 8,000-8,999 students.
What is Lakehead University's ranking?
Lakehead University is ranked #2135 globally and #37 in Canada.
How is Lakehead University organised academically?
The institution comprises 9 academic units.
Who recognises Lakehead University?
Yes, Lakehead University is recognised by Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities of Ontario.
How do I find Lakehead University online?
The institution's website is www.lakeheadu.ca.
Top-Ranked Universities in Canada
National rankings in Canada often weight different signals than international rankings. The leaders below typically top both, but the order can differ meaningfully.
Members of Universities Canada (UC)
Joint research grants among Universities Canada (UC) members create funded collaborations that often extend to graduate-student opportunities. The network listed below collaborates regularly with Lakehead University.
Faculties at nearby universities
Universities geographically close to Lakehead University are listed below — useful if commute, campus visits, or regional culture factor into your shortlist. Many students compare nearby options before committing to a final choice.
Where Else to Study Business Administration
Accreditation portability differs for Business Administration programmes across Canada. Professional accreditation (where applicable) matters more than institutional accreditation for regulated career paths.
Universities Compared with Lakehead University
Application tier strategy benefits from including peer institutions to Lakehead University: safety, target, and reach picks within a comparable academic band keep your outcomes diversified.
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