Lakehead University
Lakehead University operates campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario, weighing research experience, references, and personal statements alongside GPA in its graduate admissions process.
Institution size
Mid-sized
Min. CGPA floor
No fixed floor; holistic review
Tuition / yr
C$16k–C$20k
Type
Public university
Key Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario, Canada |
| Type | Public university |
| Institution size | Mid-sized |
| Rankings | Not typically featured in the QS/THE global top 800; recognised nationally within Canada, particularly for natural resources research. |
| Notable feature | Explicit holistic weighting of research experience and references alongside GPA |
| Official website | lakeheadu.ca |
Admission Requirements for Low CGPA and Backlog Applicants
- No single fixed minimum GPA emphasised; admissions weigh research experience, references, and personal statement alongside the transcript
- Requirements vary by programme and faculty
- Natural resources and engineering programmes among the university’s noted strengths
Tuition and Fees
| Item | Approximate Range |
|---|---|
| Graduate tuition (international) | C$16k–C$20k per year |
| Living costs (Thunder Bay/Orillia) | Below Toronto and Vancouver |
Figures are indicative and reviewed annually by the institution. Confirm current rates directly with the university before budgeting.
Programmes Offered
- Natural Resources Management
- Engineering
- Education
- Business Administration
- Health Sciences
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Nursing
This list covers the primary subject areas available; it is not the full course catalogue. Confirm the complete, current list of programmes directly on the university’s official course finder.
Degree Levels Offered
- Diploma / Certificate: Offered
- Undergraduate (Bachelor’s): Offered
- Postgraduate (Master’s / MSc / MA): Offered
- Doctorate (PhD): Offered
- Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Offered
- Short Courses: Offered
Availability of Short Courses and Post-Doctoral Fellowship positions can vary by department and is not always centrally advertised; confirm current openings directly with the relevant faculty.
Scholarships and Funding
- Graduate assistantships and entrance scholarships available in select departments
- Confirm current funding opportunities directly with the relevant faculty
Application Process
- Confirm the specific CGPA, GPA, or classification requirement for the target programme directly with the admissions office
- Complete required English proficiency testing (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) if applicable
- Prepare transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters or references, and a resume or CV
- Submit the application through the university’s official admissions portal and pay the application fee
- Await the admission decision and, once accepted, pay any required deposit
- Apply for the relevant student visa or study permit using the offer letter and financial documentation
Admission Outlook
Lakehead’s explicit weighting of research experience and references over a single GPA cutoff benefits applicants with relevant project or research work who might not clear a straight numerical floor at other universities.
Campus Life
Thunder Bay and Orillia offer significantly lower living costs than Ontario’s major cities, with a smaller, close-knit academic community.
International students generally have access to a dedicated international student office, orientation programming, and student clubs and societies. Housing options typically include on-campus or university-affiliated accommodation alongside private rental options; applicants should apply for housing as early as possible after accepting an offer, since availability varies by intake and city.
Other Essential Information
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical intakes | September (Fall) is the primary intake; many universities also offer January (Winter) and May (Summer) intakes with varying programme availability. |
| English language requirement | IELTS overall band 6.5 (no component below 6.0) is typical for graduate admission. |
| Student visa type | Study Permit |
| Post-study work options | The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows work authorisation matching the length of the completed programme, up to 3 years, for eligible degrees. |
Official Resources
- University homepage: lakeheadu.ca
Compare Lakehead University against other accessible universities on our Find a Course page, or contact us for help confirming eligibility.
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