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Lakehead University

Lakehead University is a place where ambition meets opportunity and where a degree leads to real-world impact. A fully comprehensive institution, Lakehead is known for small class sizes, hands-on learning, and unparalleled research opportunities. Our student-first approach has earned us an international reputation—including being named #1 in Ontario and Top 6 in Canada among primarily undergraduate universities by Maclean’s magazine in 2026 and the #1 university in North America (under 10,000 students) for our commitment to sustainability and social justice in the Times Higher Education 2026 Global Impact Rankings. With one of Canada’s most generous international undergraduate entrance scholarship programs, Lakehead is pleased to offer up to $10,000 CAD per year for high-achieving students.
With campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia—and a new STEM Hub in Barrie—Lakehead offers vibrant, close-knit learning environments free from the noise and pressures of major urban centres. Students are surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes where education extends beyond the classroom and into the great outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, skiing, or simply finding space to think, Lakehead provides a uniquely balanced and enriching university experience. 
With more than 85 career-focused programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level, including the recent launch of our Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, Lakehead is a training ground for graduates who think critically and drive meaningful impact in their communities and around the world. 
With one of Canada’s most generous undergraduate entrance scholarship programs, Lakehead is pleased to offer up to $10,000 CAD per year for high-achieving students. 
High-Quality Programs that Put Students in the Driver’s Seat
Lakehead offers diverse programs for domestic and international students including English as a Second Language (ESL) and bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in: Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, Social Sciences and Humanities, and Science and Environmental Studies, as well as veterinary education delivered in partnership with the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College.
Lakehead was ranked #1 in Ontario for student awards by Maclean’s magazine in 2026 with one of the country’s most generous undergraduate international entrance scholarship programs, and we are recognized internationally for teaching excellence—100% of students participate in experiential learning and our graduates have a 97.9% employment rate within two years of graduation (above the provincial average of 92.6%).
Exceptional Research Focused on Finding Solutions
Lakehead is consistently ranked among the top Undergraduate Research Universities in Canada. Our researchers have a global network of collaborators from approximately 30 countries and every student—from first-year undergraduates to postgrads—has dynamic research opportunities.
Lakehead’s research fields include social justice, sustainability, health care, biotechnology, material science, clean-water technologies, and Indigenous and pan-northern issues. 
Our research institutes contribute to solving critical global challenges, including our internationally acclaimed Biorefining Research Institute and Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health.
Key Facts:

Undergraduate and graduate research opportunities across all disciplines
21 Research Chairs
World-class research facilities
#1 in cross-sector Artificial Intelligence Publications (Research Infosource 2025, primarily undergraduate category)
#2 in Canada for Research (Research Infosource 2025, primarily undergraduate category)
Community-based research opportunities
97.9% of students employed within two years of graduation (above the provincial average of 92.6%)

Lakehead University | World University Rankings | THE

Times Higher Education

Overview

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Welcome to Lakehead

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Lakehead University

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