Lakehead University is a public university with campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario. Through ApplyBoard, international students can apply to bachelor's and master's programs, with intakes in fall, winter, and spring.
Why Choose Lakehead University?
- Top-Ranked Undergraduate Experience: Maclean's 2026 university rankings placed Lakehead first among Ontario's primarily undergraduate universities, tied for first in student awards and student-to-faculty ratio.
- Two Ontario Campuses: Lakehead's main campus is in Thunder Bay, with a second campus in Orillia and a newer STEM Hub in Barrie; both Thunder Bay and Orillia accept international students.
- Coursework Master's Programs: Lakehead offers several one-to-two-year, course-based master's degrees, including Computer Science, Public Health, and Natural Resources Management, without a thesis requirement.
- A Global Student Body: Lakehead has over 2,300 international students from 96 countries, alongside strong research programs in natural resources and engineering.
Explore Lakehead University Programs
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Lakehead University Fees for International Students
Lakehead charges tuition by year of study, and first-year rates are higher than later years. For 2026-2027, most undergraduate degrees start at about CAD $31,750 to $42,000 in Year 1, and most master's programs charge a per-term rate. Because costs vary by program, check Lakehead's undergraduate and graduate fee tools for your exact program.
Note: These are 2026-2027 figures. Lakehead has not published 2027-28 rates yet. Tuition applies equally at the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses.
Lakehead's course-based master's programs are billed per term, over three terms a year. For example, the Master of Computer Science costs about $8,708 per term, and the MBA costs about $15,502 per term with a minimum annual program fee. Check Lakehead's graduate fee tool for your specific program.
Other Student Fees
Full-time students also pay ancillary fees of about $1,541 a year ($1,627 in Year 1) for most undergraduate programs, or about $1,656 a year for Engineering. All international students must also carry UHIP health insurance: about $948 for a September start (12 months), $632 for January, or $316 for May. Application fees are CAD $135 for undergraduate programs and CAD $125 for graduate programs, both non-refundable. See the full breakdown on the international tuition and fees page.
Note: International undergraduate applicants apply directly to Lakehead, not through Ontario's OUAC system. OUAC is used only for the one-year Bachelor of Social Work and the two-year Bachelor of Education.
International Student Scholarships
Lakehead automatically considers every international undergraduate applicant for an entrance scholarship.
Graduate students can also apply for a graduate assistantship, worth about $11,314 for master's students or $12,339 for doctoral students. See the international entrance scholarships page for full details.
Programs at Lakehead University
Lakehead offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate programs across business, science, engineering, education, health, and natural resources. Its course-based (non-thesis) master's programs are especially popular with international students looking for a focused, career-ready graduate degree.
Warning! Not every program is open at every intake, and Engineering admits in the fall only. Check Lakehead's current program list and available intakes before you apply.
Master's Programs
Master of Science – Computer Science (Course)
Master's, course-based
A non-thesis master's covering advanced software, data, and systems topics, for graduates of a computer science or related degree.
Master of Education – Educational Studies (Course)
Master's, course-based
Study curriculum, leadership, and educational theory, designed for educators and education professionals who want to advance their careers.
Master of Public Health (Course)
Master's, course-based
Study population health, health policy, and epidemiology, preparing graduates for roles in public health organizations and government.
Master of Natural Resources Management (Course)
Master's, course-based
Study forestry, conservation, and environmental policy, drawing on Lakehead's strength in natural resources research.
Master of Science – Electrical and Computer Engineering (Course, Optional Co-op)
Master's, course-based, optional co-op
Study advanced electrical and computer engineering topics, with an optional co-op work term to gain Canadian experience.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
Honours Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting
Degree, 4 years
Study financial and managerial accounting, auditing, and taxation, building toward a professional accounting designation.
Bachelor of Engineering – Civil Engineering
Degree, 4 years
Learn structural, environmental, and transportation engineering, preparing you for a career as a licensed professional engineer.
Bachelor of Engineering – Electrical Engineering
Degree, 4 years
Study circuits, power systems, and electronics, with lab-based courses and a capstone design project.
Honours Bachelor of Science – Computer Science
Degree, 4 years
Learn programming, algorithms, and software design, with electives in areas such as artificial intelligence and networking.
Honours Bachelor of Arts – Economics
Degree, 4 years
Study micro- and macroeconomics, statistics, and policy analysis, a common foundation for careers in business, finance, or government.
Bachelor of Education – Primary/Junior
Degree
Prepare to teach kindergarten through grade 6 in Ontario, combining education theory with practice teaching placements.
Pathway Program
Academic English Program (AEP)
English pathway, 6 levels
For students who meet Lakehead's academic requirements but not its English requirement. Higher levels let you take a university course alongside your English classes, and finishing the program meets Lakehead's standard English requirement.
Note: Lakehead offers more than 150 programs in total. Intakes and availability change often, and some programs move to a waitlist. Check the ApplyBoard platform for the programs and intakes currently open at Lakehead.
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements vary by program. The general requirements below are a guide. Always confirm the specific requirements for your program before applying.
- Bachelor's degrees: Secondary school graduation with a minimum 70% Canadian-equivalent average, plus any program-specific prerequisite courses. Transfer students need a minimum 60% average. Lakehead may request a WES evaluation for your transcripts.
- Master's programs: A 4-year bachelor's degree with at least a B (second-class standing) average over your last 20 half-courses (roughly your last 2 years of study).
- Transcripts and passport: Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions and a valid passport are required for every program.
English Language Requirements
Most international applicants must show proof of English language proficiency, and test results must be less than two years old. Lakehead accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo, CAEL, and the Michigan English Test. Most undergraduate and master's programs require IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80, PTE 58, or Duolingo 120. Nursing, the consecutive Bachelor of Education, the JD, and the Master of Education require a higher IELTS score of 7.0. Check the English proficiency requirements page for your program's exact minimum.
Tip! If you don't meet the English requirement, Lakehead automatically considers you for its Academic English Program (AEP). An IELTS score of 6.0 places you in Level 5, where you can take one university course alongside your English classes.
Check Eligibility and Start Applying
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How to Apply to Lakehead University Through ApplyBoard
You apply to Lakehead University through the ApplyBoard platform. The application fee is CAD $135 for undergraduate programs and CAD $125 for graduate programs, both non-refundable. Lakehead recommends a September start for most undergraduate programs, since Winter course choice is limited, and Engineering admits in the fall only.
Note: Recommended graduate application dates are February 1 for Fall intake and January 15 for Spring intake; some programs, such as Clinical Psychology, close earlier. Check your program page for the exact date, since Lakehead has not published a single fixed undergraduate deadline.
Before you apply, prepare the following documents:
- Valid passport (biographical page)
- Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo)
- For master's programs: your bachelor's degree transcript and any program-specific documents
Submit your application through the ApplyBoard platform. Choose your program, campus, and intake. Popular programs, especially Lakehead's course-based master's degrees, can fill quickly, so apply as early as possible.
If you meet the requirements, Lakehead will send your Letter of Acceptance (LOA). Review it carefully, including your deposit deadline.
Undergraduate applicants pay a $500 confirmation deposit plus a $5,000 PAL deposit. Graduate applicants pay a $2,000 deposit. All deposits are applied to your tuition.
Warning! These deposits are non-refundable except where your study permit is refused. Keep your refusal letter if you need to request a refund.
After you pay your deposit, Lakehead issues your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) along with your Letter of Acceptance. You need both to apply for your study permit.
Use your LOA, PAL (if required), and deposit receipt to apply for a Canadian study permit. Lakehead graduates can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit after finishing a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree, since all are generally exempt from the PGWP field-of-study rule.
Lakehead offers on-campus residence at both Thunder Bay and Orillia, with 8-month contracts; apply early, as a $250 down payment secures your spot. Pay your remaining fees online through PayMyTuition, Convera, or Canadian online banking before you register for courses.
Frequently Asked Questions: Lakehead University
Lakehead University's main campus is in Thunder Bay, Ontario, with a second campus in Orillia and a newer STEM Hub in Barrie. Both Thunder Bay and Orillia accept international students.
Undergraduate applicants pay a $500 confirmation deposit plus a $5,000 deposit tied to their Provincial Attestation Letter request. Graduate applicants pay a $2,000 deposit. All are applied to tuition.
Yes, generally. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees are exempt from the Post-Graduation Work Permit field-of-study rule. You still need CLB 7 in all four English skills and must apply within 180 days of your program ending.
Yes. Lakehead offers on-campus residence at both its Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses, including residence halls with a meal plan and apartment-style options without one.
Yes. International students with a valid Canadian study permit are generally permitted to work up to 24 hours per week off campus during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks, subject to their permit conditions.
Lakehead University combines a top-ranked undergraduate experience with focused, course-based master's programs, across two welcoming Ontario campuses. If you are ready to explore programs and apply, your ApplyBoard expert can guide you through every step.
Explore Lakehead University Programs
Browse all available Lakehead University programs on the ApplyBoard platform and apply today.