General Admission Requirements & Application Details for International Students
General Admission Requirements To be considered for admission as an International Student, you must currently reside outside of Canada and you are not a Canadian citizen. To meet the General Admission Requirements to Lakehead, you will need the following:
- Successful graduation from an academic secondary school program or equivalent (For most countries, the same academic preparation as is required for university entrance in that country is required for consideration. Refer to Admission Requirements by Country.)
- Program-Specific Prerequisite courses completed at the senior level (e.g. Grade 12);
- Equivalent of a minimum 70% overall final average (Canadian)
- 60% overall final average (Canadian) for University transfer applicants
Note: Meeting the minimum admission requirements is not a guarantee of admission.
Note: Should your academic background not reflect your true potential for success, the Academic Support Access Program acts as an entryway for students whose academic average falls slightly below the required admission average. Applicants are automatically considered for admission to the Academic Support Access Program, subject to program eligibility.
In addition to the General Admission Requirements, please also review the Program Specific Pre-requisites to determine what particular courses you will require from your academic background. Pre-requisite courses must be completed at the senior level (e.g. Grade 12).
Program Specific Requirements
To determine your program-specific prerequisite requirements, choose from the drop-down menus below:
How to Apply
If you are an international student interested in full-time or part-time studies at Lakehead University, or if you are using an approved agency or pathway partner, you can apply directly through the Lakehead University Undergraduate Application.
If you are interested in the One-Year Honours Bachelor of Social Work program or the Two-Year Bachelor of Education program, you can apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre.
If you would like to apply to Academic English Program (AEP) only, and not any other academic program at Lakehead, apply through the Lakehead University Undergraduate Application (program code AZE, under ‘special student programs’).
Required Documentation
Applicants are to submit the following required documentation as part of the application process.
- Official Transcripts
- Applicants to One-Year Social Work, Bachelor of Education (Consecutive), and Technological Education programs are required to submit a Document-by-Document International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) from World Education Services (WES) Canada for verification as part of the admission process. Lakehead University may request a WES assessment for applications to other programs at our discretion -the Admissions Office will inform you if one is required for your application.
- If you are studying in a private high school, a school profile will be required.
- Course Syllabi (if applicable)
- Language Proficiency Requirements (if applicable)
- Consent Form & Reference Letter (Nursing transfer applicants only)
If you are applying to our Media, Film & Communications or our Music programs, you will need to satisfy additional requirements. Learn more about the Media, Film & Communications portfolio requirement and the Music audition and theory test requirements.
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit refers to the number of course equivalents you may be awarded towards your Lakehead degree based on previous (accredited) post-secondary studies. International students that have studied at the college or university level are required to submit institutionally prepared course syllabi in order to be considered for transfer credit. Transfer credit assessments are completed after an Offer of Admission has been accepted.
Procedures & Eligibility for Transfer Credit:
- A minimum grade of 60% (Canadian) must be achieved in accredited degree level courses in order for transfer credit to be considered. A grade of 70% (Canadian) is required at the college level.
- Official transcripts and institutionally prepared course syllabi (in English) must be submitted to Undergraduate Admissions in order to process the transfer credit request.
- Undergraduate Admissions administers the awarding of transfer credits.
- Up to a maximum of 15 full credits towards a four-year Bachelor’s degree program, and a maximum of 10 full credits towards a three year Bachelors’ degree program may be granted.
- The amount of transfer credit received depends on a number of factors including grades, previous course work, the program applied to at Lakehead University.
- Students entering through our Academic Support Access Program will be considered for transfer credit on a case-by-case basis.
- Students are encouraged to regularly visit their Lakehead University Email and/or Student Portal accounts to check the status of their transfer credit assessment request.
- A minimum of 8 weeks from the date of receipt of all documentation (ie: official transcripts, course syllabi) is required by Undergraduate Admissions to complete a transfer credit assessment.
Additional information about Transfer Credits is available.
Important Deadline Dates
Lakehead University will continue to accept applications and reserves the right to close admission to any program, prior to or after the deadline date quoted, upon all places being filled by qualified applicants. Therefore, applicants are advised to apply and submit the required documentation as soon as possible.
Start Terms
Lakehead University is a two-term academic institution with an eight-month academic year (September to April). Lakehead offers full course equivalent credits (two term courses) and one-half course equivalent credits (one term courses). Most of our undergraduate programs are designed with courses that are calendared as full course equivalent credits, or half course equivalent credits that require successful completion of a Fall session prerequisite course. Because almost all of our programs require that a student begin their program of study at Lakehead University in the Fall session (September), it is recommended that a student begin their program of study in the Fall session (September).
As a result, students who choose to begin their academic studies in the Winter session will find the course selection extremely limited and will be restricted to attending on a part-time basis until the following Fall academic session. Most study permits require that the applicant is a full-time student.
Therefore, it is recommended that you re-apply for Fall admission. If you decide that you would still like to begin your studies in the Winter (January) term, the original offer of admission (Letter of Acceptance) that was sent to you is valid for beginning your studies in either the Fall or Winter terms. This is the document that you will require for your study permit application.
About Lakehead University
Dynamic, modern, and highly learner-centred, we acknowledge all of our students as valued leaders of tomorrow, whose education and success are most paramount to our institution. Both campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia promise the total university experience: a blend of academic excellence and opportunity with a rich variety of social and recreational activities. We also promise excellence in research; Lakehead is the proud host to 11 Canada Research Chairs and revolutionary facilities such as our world-renowned Paleo-DNA Laboratory and our Biorefining Research Institute.
Accessibility
Lakehead University is committed to excellence in serving all those in our community including those with disabilities. Information on the University’s policies, practices and procedures relating to the Customer Service Standard are available on the website and can be made available in an alternate format upon request from the Office of Human Resources. Upon request, other documents, policies or procedures can be made available in an alternate format by contacting the appropriate department. Should you require assistance, please contact either:
Board of Governors
- View or download a PDF of the Board of Governors Bylaws
- View the Board of Governors meeting schedule, meeting agendas and minutes
- View the Board of Governors membership list, including terms, and members bios
- View the Board Committee Terms of References and membership
- Links to University and Board documents and other useful tools for Board members
Interested in becoming a Board member?
CLICK HERE
The Board of Governors exercises its governance, oversight, and public accountability duties through leadership and delegation in strategic planning, financial stewardship, ethical integrity, and risk management regarding the University’s objectives and purposes, assets, and affairs. Nominations for consideration are accepted year-round.
Strategic Plans & Initiatives
Sixty years ago, Lakehead University committed to transforming our regions and communities through access to exceptional education closer to home. Today, we are a place of progress and curiosity, where learning and research break down barriers, drive innovation, and create space for local solutions to complex challenges that can make a significant difference in the world.
The new 2025-2030 strategic plan builds on six decades of momentum to shape the next chapter of Lakehead University – a chapter of evolution.
Informed by many voices, this plan positions us as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, the exchange of ideas, collaboration and innovation, and community development across northwestern and central Ontario. Shaping the EvoLUtion outlines new opportunities to advance student success, research and scholarship, societal impact, and community engagement.
People – their learning, success, and well-being – are at the heart of this strategic plan, guiding us in meeting the needs of the communities we serve now and into the future. Together, we will continue to evolve what has made Lakehead University a special place for so many.
The Engagement Process
The new five-year strategic plan is the result of collaboration between the Board of Governors and senior leadership, with extensive consultation with students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and business and industry partners.
Over the last 12 months, 1,200 internal and external stakeholders were consulted on the key themes of the strategic plan through facilitated sessions, an online survey, and a dedicated email address where feedback could be provided. Through this engagement, stakeholders shared their vision for Lakehead’s future and the role the university will play in shaping the exchange of ideas in a changing world.
We are grateful for every community member who shared ideas, responded thoughtfully to surveys, and participated in town hall meetings, workshops, and forums. Thank you for playing a role in shaping our future.
History
The academic and professional pursuit of History is the process of bringing the past to life. The study of History encompasses all aspects of human experience, from wars to celebrity culture, and is constantly evolving as our knowledge and perspectives advance.
As a History student you will have the flexibility to pursue your own interests within the discipline and the ability to regularly collaborate with your professors due to our small class sizes. Our courses provide you with various approaches to the study of History and the necessary skills to analyze any issue within its historical context. You will examine historical topics from North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa and South Asia including:
- Aboriginal History
- Digital History
- Environmental History
- Gender History
- International Development
- Political History
- Medical History
- Military History
- Social History
You may choose to combine your History degree with a degree in English, French, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, Women’s Studies, Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism and Concurrent Education. Double majoring allows you to apply your History knowledge to a particular subject and focus your studies from first year onward. Various certificate options are also available. Students can also choose as part of their history degree to do Specializations in Public History or Military History.
Lakehead Advantage
Our Community Placement course is a great way to gain experience working in a history or heritage-related career and make professional connections. This course balances seminar classes and assignments with 150 hours of work experience to effectively prepare you to enter the field post-graduation. Our Public History Field School is another unique feature of the program, taking you to a unique destination to study historical sites and monuments from a range of chronological periods.
In addition to our double degree options, we offer the ability to combine your degree(s) with a number of certificates:
Our three-year Bachelor of Arts (History Major) is also offered online adding to our flexible programming and education options to fit your lifestyle.
Transfer Options
It’s easy to transfer to Lakehead. Our pathway and general transfer policies are designed to help you maximize your credits from your current or previous studies at either college or university – or even both. There are a number of ways to transfer to Lakehead. Let us help you achieve your degree completion goals. For more information regarding specific admission requirements from college or university, check out the “Admissions Requirement” tab above and select your most recent level of study.
Tuition & Fees
A Guide for Incoming International Students
To help you navigate the online tools and websites associated with fees and important dates, please use this guide below:
Cost Estimator
Important Dates
Below is a helpful list of the most important dates you will need to know as a student. Bookmark these websites as you will refer to them regularly.
Fee Payment Dates
Payment deadlines are in mid-August, mid-December, early May, and early July (depending on when you begin your studies). For detailed payment deadlines, visit our Payment Due Dates website.
Academic Dates & Holidays
For a list of academic dates (such as the first and last day of classes, exam period, etc), please visit:
For a list of other important dates (such as holidays, convocation ceremonies, etc), please visit:
Fall/Winter Semester registration begins in June-July (depending on your level of study).
Spring/Summer Semester registration begins late January-February (depending on your level of study).
You will be sent a notification to your Lakehead email when course registration opens.
Study Periods
- Fall Semester (September – December)
- Winter Semester (January – April)
- Spring Semester (May – June)
- Summer Semester (July – August)
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary by level of study, by academic year and by program. Use our online fee calculator (linked below) to view your fees. Note: Tuition fees are typically announced around May for the following academic year. Below are the fees for the current academic year.
2025-2026 Fall/Winter Tuition Fees
Fee Payment Dates
Payment deadlines are in mid-August, mid-December, early May, and early July (depending on when you begin your studies). For detailed payment deadlines, visit our Payment Due Dates website.
Scholarships
If you are receiving an Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship or a Graduate Assistantship, this will be noted on your Letter of Acceptance. Your scholarship or funding amount will appear in your “My Financial Profile” section of myInfo as a deduction from the amount you owe.
How to View Your Financial Account
You can view your student account (payments due and payments you have made made) through your myInfo portal. Your academic fees will be visible on your student account after you register for courses. Your Residence fees will be visible on your student account after your Residence registration is approved. Note: If you require documentation of your student fees before registering for classes, please contact our International Accounts Officer at international.accounts@lakeheadu.ca.
Log into your myInfo account (using the Lakehead University user name and password you were given when you applied) at any time to view your charges and payments. Click on the “Student” section on the left navigation, look for “My Financial Profile” (as shown below), then select “My Account Info”.
Ancillary Fees
Ancillary fees are mandatory fees that support programs and facilities that improve a student’s experience and education. For example, they include Athletic Building Fund, Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee, and Student Union to name a few. Ancillary fees vary depending on your program and campus.
- Undergraduate Ancillary Fees – Complete the online form on the Undergraduate Fees Calculator, then click the Ancillary Fees link below the chart to see the total of your ancillary fees.
- Graduate Ancillary Fees – Complete the online form on the Graduate Fees Calculator, then click the Ancillary Fees link below the chart to see the total of your ancillary fees.
Health Insurance
Undergraduate & Graduate International Students
Every international and exchange student must be enroled in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). All students should be enroled for as long as they will be studying at Lakehead. The fee for this insurance plan will be automatically billed to your student account upon registration and is due with your first instalment.
Cost of UHIP (2024 – 2025)
- September Start: $756 for 12 months (September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025)
- January Start: $504 for 8 months (January 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025)
- May Start: $252 for 4 months (May 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025)
If dependents are joining you (spouse or children), you are required to enroll them in UHIP as well at the same rates. Your UHIP card will be emailed to your Lakehead University email address once you are enrolled.
Please email Christopher Gallinger at uhip@lakeheadu.ca if you have any questions.
Most of the health clinics in Thunder Bay and in Canada will accept your UHIP and will directly charge to your insurance. However, in some cases you may be required to pay upfront, and then fill out a UHIP Claim Form to get a reimbursement of your amount.
English Language Centre Students
As a student in the English Language Centre, you will be automatically registered to receive health insurance through guard.me. guard.me coverage is $1.95 per day (approximately $238 per semester). Learn more about guard.me coverage.
Optional LUSU Medical Insurance Plan
The LUSU (Lakehead University Student Union) Medical Insurance Plan gives you additional coverage for dental, prescription medication, eye care, etc. to supplement UHIP. For details, please visit the Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Medical Insurance plan website.
- Undergraduate Students: The cost for the LUSU Medical Insurance Plan is automatically included in your ancillary fees. Only Full-Time Undergraduate students belong to this plan.
- Graduate Students are not automatically enrolled in the LUSU Medical Insurance Plan. To register for the health plan, please visit the Lakehead University Student Union Office in early September for further information about and deadline dates to enrol in this plan.
- English Language Students do not need to opt into the LUSU Medical Insurance Plan because they will have similar coverage through guard.me.
Residence Fees
On-Campus Residence
On-campus residence costs depend on the accommodation style you choose. Some options include a mandatory meal plan; others allow you to cook for yourself and do not include the cost of food. For details on all the residence options, or if you haven’t yet registered for Residence, visit the links below: PAYING YOUR RESIDENCE FEES
Thunder Bay Campus:
Explore all of the Housing Options available to you: Residence Halls (including meal plan), Apartments (with optional meal plan), Townhouses (with optional meal plan).
Once you’ve selected your desired housing style, view our:
- Residence Fees
- Meal Plans: These amounts are included in your rates if you choose Residence Halls, or extra if you choose Apartments or Townhouses.
Register for Residence: Thunder Bay Campus
Orillia Campus: Explore the Residence Halls (which include a meal plan) at our Orillia campus. See the links below for further information:
Register for Residence: Orillia Campus
Barrie STEM Hub:
Students of Lakehead’s new Barrie STEM Hub may choose to explore options for housing through our partner, Georgian-Green Student Rez.
Explore Housing Options for Barrie STEM Hub Students
Register for Residence: Barrie STEM Hub
How Can I Pay My Fees?
Lakehead University offers several ways for international students to pay their fees. For more details, please visit Paying Student Fees.
Cost Estimator
These are estimated costs for one academic year of full-time study: September – April for undergraduate programs; September – August for graduate programs. Questions or concerns regarding Student Fees and Payments can be directed to Accounts Receivable
| Tuition 1: | N/A |
| Ancillary Fees 1: | N/A |
| Books/Supplies 2: | $1,000.00 |
| Housing 3: | N/A |
| Food 4: | N/A |
| UHIP 5: | N/A |
| Total: | $1,000.00 |
International Scholarships & Awards
Take advantage of one of Canada’s most generous university scholarship programs. We make paying for your university degree easier so you can focus on your education.
International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships
Non-Canadian citizens who are entering Lakehead University from a high school, or who are transferring from an international college or university, will be considered for the Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships. The scholarship is available to the top international students applying to Lakehead University for 2026-2027.
International Entrance Scholarships 2026-2027
Automatically considered. No scholarship application is required.
| Academic Average (Canadian Equivalent) | IB Average | Scholarship Total4 (in Canadian dollars) | Scholarships Available |
|---|
| 90.0%+ | 35+ | $40,000 ($10,000 x 4 years)1 | Limited |
| 80.0% – 89.9% | 30-34 | $30,000 ($7,500 x 4 years)2 | Limited |
| 75.0% – 79.9% | 28-29 | $6,000 ($6,000 in Year 1 only)3 | Limited |
1 Renewable provided a 90% average is achieved in each academic year. If a student’s university academic average falls between 80.0% – 89.9%, the student will receive an amended scholarship valued at $7,500 CAD/year for each subsequent academic year for the remaining term of the scholarship.
2 Renewable provided an 80% average is achieved in each academic year.
3 Non-renewable, one-time only scholarship awarded in Year 1.
4 Maximum length of scholarship term is 4 academic years or until the first degree is awarded, whichever occurs first. To be considered eligible for scholarship consideration, recipients must be entering Years 1, 2, or 3 of a minimum 4-year undergraduate degree program. Recipients whose status changes and may be charged domestic fees will have their scholarship value reassessed to equate to the domestic entrance scholarship grid and regulations available at that time.
How and When are Entrance Scholarship Offers Made?
Entrance Scholarship averages are awarded based on the Canadian equivalent of your average used for admission consideration. Scholarship Offers will included in a student’s Letter of Acceptance.
Can my entrance scholarship be applied to my academic English program costs?
No. Your Entrance Scholarship will be applied to your first-year tuition to an undergraduate degree program once you have successfully completed Lakehead University’s Academic English Program.
*Please note that all of the above scholarship values, eligibility requirements, and criteria are subject to change without notice.
International Graduate Scholarships
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate Assistant appointments may be offered to some full-time graduate students (including Visa students) at a rate of $11,314.28 (2025-26) at the Master’s level; and $12,338.50 (2025-26) at the Doctoral level. A regular appointment constitutes a maximum of 270 hrs of work over the Fall and Winter terms, averaging not more than 10 hours of work per week. Representative duties, include but are not limited to: preparing classes, teaching, demonstrating, leading seminars, supervising laboratories, marking, consulting with students, holding assigned office hours, setting tests, examination and lab sets, conducting field trips, and providing other academic support assistance. A graduate student is eligible to hold a maximum of two full-time appointments at the Master’s level or four full-time appointments at the Doctoral level.
Faculty Research Awards for Graduate Students
Some graduate students may also receive a Faculty Research Award. This stipend may be paid to a full-time degree candidate for research or academic activities relevant and related to the student’s field(s) of study within the academic program. Faculty Research Awards are awarded by the student’s supervisor. Learn more about Graduate Scholarships & Awards
