Lakehead University

Lakehead University’s mission to be an innovative comprehensive university that provides an education that is about how to think, not what to think, is increasingly relevant in today’s society.

As a comprehensive regional university with campuses in Northwestern Ontario and Simcoe County, Lakehead University offers a truly Canadian experience, developing the next generation of highly skilled leaders and future changemakers equipped with the skills and experience required to address real-world problems.

Lakehead University’s approach to high-quality programming, combined with our small class sizes and focus on research and innovation, offers unique opportunities for faculty, students, and diverse community organizations, and other partners to collaborate in new and innovative ways to address grand societal challenges.

Lakehead is committed to being a leader in sustainability – a pluralistic and inclusive concept encompassing human and ecological health, social justice and equity, Indigenous rights, secure livelihoods, workplace well-being, and stewardship of vibrant and resilient communities.

Lakehead’s Thunder Bay campus is situated beside Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake, and next to the boreal forest, uniquely positioning it to contribute a northern voice to drive critical discussions on sustainability. Lakehead Thunder Bay offers a comprehensive university experience, combining cutting-edge laboratories, libraries, and learning spaces with fantastic recreational facilities, and a variety of student-centred lounges to promote educational and social engagement. Thunder Bay is a culturally diverse city known for its breathtaking natural environment and unparalleled access to outdoor recreation, while also boasting vibrant arts and culture, and a dynamic local food and entertainment scene.

Lakehead Orillia is located in the heart of Ontario's Lake Country, offering year-round opportunities for recreation, culture, and heritage. With a unique interdisciplinary arts and science program, Lakehead Orillia offers majors including business, criminology, education, environmental sustainability, and media studies.

High-Quality Programs that Prepare students for Success

Lakehead University offers a broad range of programs to international students including English as a Second Language (ESL) Studies, and bachelor, master’s, and PhD degrees across faculties including: Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, Social Sciences and Humanities, and Science and Environmental Studies. 

Lakehead continues to be recognized nationally and internationally for excellence in teaching and the high calibre of Lakehead graduates. Maclean’s magazine has consistently ranked Lakehead University one of the top 10 universities in Canada that prepares students for employment, and as one of the top 10 undergraduate universities in the country. 

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The scope and quality of Lakehead University’s research is only a part of the reason why Lakehead has been ranked the #1 Undergraduate Research University in Canada 5 years in a row (2014-2019) and #1 in Not-For Profit Research Income in Canada in 2021. Its fields of research are wide-ranging, including social justice, sustainability, health care, advanced technologies, and broad culturally significant work related to Indigenous and pan-northern issues. 

Lakehead University is deeply committed to community-engaged research approaches that tackle vital issues that really matter to people, communities, and the planet. Our researchers work with institutions and governments around the world, as our discoveries and innovations contribute to more sustainable, prosperous and healthy communities.

Developing global perspectives through ongoing internationalization of Lakehead University campuses, curricula, and increased experiential learning opportunities across disciplines is a central tenet of our Strategic and Academic Plans. Our Researchers are part of a global network of collaborators and partners, including over 100 memoranda of understanding and agreements with institutions from approximately 30 countries.

Lakehead’s research expertise continues to be far-reaching and ever-evolving. Some examples of this are in the areas of environmental biotechnology, biomedical and molecular biotechnology, as well as in material science, polymer physics, biophysics, and clean water technologies. Lakehead’s internationally-acclaimed Biorefining Research Institute develops transformative, cost-effective, and environmentally sound technologies and bioproducts from renewable forest resources, and is an active research partner in the Bioeconomy. Those are just a few examples of our commitment to strive for research excellence.

Research and Innovation at Lakehead University engages students in dynamic research opportunities from their first year as undergraduates through postgraduate studies and is committed to the integration of teaching and research, and the development and support of a culture of entrepreneurship.

Some key facts:

• Undergraduate research opportunities across all disciplines
• World-class research facilities
• $22 million in external research funding
• Applied community-based research opportunities
• 63 industry partnerships around the world
• 25 Research Chairs