Lakehead University crest

Lakehead University

Thunder Bay, Canada Founded 1965 World Rank #2135

Updated Sep 2026

Overview

Acronyms: LU
Founded: 1965
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #2135
Rank in Canada: #37
Motto: Ad Augusta per Angusta
Colours: Royal blue and gold
Mascot: The Thunderwolf
Front view of Lakehead University
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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.

Address: 955 Oliver Road
Postal Code: P7B 5E1
Phone: +1 (807) 343 8110
Fax: +1 (807) 343 8023
Social Media:

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.

Recognition: Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities of Ontario
Admission Requirements: Ontario Secondary School applicants need the OSSD with a minimum of six Grade 12 U or M courses (including program-specific prerequisites) and a minimum 70% overall final average calculated on the top six Grade 12 U/M courses; higher averages may be required for competitive programs. International applicants need successful graduation from a senior secondary school program equivalent to Ontario Grade 12 - generally the same academic preparation required for university entrance in their home country - with a Canadian-equivalent minimum of 70% overall (60% for university-transfer applicants); country-specific and IB equivalencies are published separately. Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the undergraduate English language proficiency minimums (all undergraduate programs except Nursing, the two-year Bachelor of Education and the Juris Doctor): IELTS 6.5 with no individual score below 6.0, TOEFL 4.5 overall with no section below 4.0 (for tests completed as of January 2026; TOEFL iBT 80 with no component below 19 for tests taken prior to January 2026), Duolingo English Test 120 with no sub-score below 115 (tests after July 1, 2024), PTE Academic 58 with no component below 50, CAEL 60, Cambridge Academic English 176 with no individual score below 169, or Michigan English Test 85. Ontario high school applicants apply through OUAC (form 101 or 105); applicants from outside Ontario, including international applicants, apply directly on the Lakehead University Undergraduate Application, except for Social Work and the Bachelor of Education, which are applied to through OUAC.
Student Enrollment: 8
Academic Staff Range: 300-399
Campus Setting: Rural
Memberships & Networks
Universities Canada (UC) Council of Ontario Universities (COU) University of the Arctic (UArctic) Canadian University Society for Intercollegiate Debate (CUSID) Association of University Forestry Schools of Canada (AUFSC) Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) Canadian University Press (CUP)

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

Master's Degree 3 programmes

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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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