Are you looking for a unique Canadian study abroad experience, where top-tier education meets a natural, affordable living environment? If so, then studying at **Lakehead University** is the perfect path for you. This isn’t just a university; it’s a community where students come first and have the chance to engage in research from their very first year.
Lakehead University: Quick Facts 2025
- Location: Thunder Bay & Orillia, Ontario
- Type: Public University
- Ranking: Top 1 Ontario and Top 5 in Canada among undergraduate universities (Maclean’s 2025).
- International Tuition: From ~$28,500 – $38,000 CAD/year.
- Main Intakes: January, September.
- Key Highlights: Strong Co-op programs, valuable automatic scholarships, small class sizes, high post-graduation employment rate.
Why is Lakehead University an Excellent Choice?
Lakehead University is consistently ranked among the top universities and offers unique benefits to international students:
1. #1 for Undergraduate Research & Student Support
According to Maclean’s 2025 magazine, Lakehead University is ranked as the **#1 undergraduate university in Ontario and Top 5 in Canada**. The university particularly excels in key categories like student-to-faculty ratio and student awards. This means that from your very first year, you’ll have unparalleled opportunities to engage in hands-on research projects with leading professors—a massive competitive edge for your career or further studies. Personalized support and small class sizes ensure you’re never just a number in a large lecture hall, creating the best environment for your holistic development.
2. Hands-on Learning with the Co-op Program
Lakehead’s Co-op (Paid Internship) program is highly acclaimed. Students have the opportunity to work in full-time, paid positions for 12 to 16 months at leading companies. This not only helps you earn income but also provides invaluable work experience and professional networking opportunities. Lakehead’s 96.7% post-graduation employment rate within two years is the clearest testament to the quality of education and career preparation the university provides.
3. A Diverse and Safe Community
Lakehead University attracts students from over 70 countries worldwide, creating a vibrant and diverse learning environment. Both the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses are known for being safe, friendly, and having a significantly lower cost of living than other major Canadian cities. This is where you can experience authentic Canadian life, surrounded by majestic nature and a welcoming community.
Key Faculties & Programs
Your **study abroad journey at Lakehead University** offers many options with its key faculties:
Faculty of Engineering
Lakehead’s Faculty of Engineering is a standout. With programs like Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Software, and Environmental Engineering, students are trained in an applied model that combines theory and practical experience. The faculty also has a unique strength in programs related to natural resources, which aligns perfectly with the university’s geographical location.
Faculty of Business Administration
Lakehead’s Faculty of Business Administration is accredited by AACSB International, a prestigious certification held by only about 6% of business schools worldwide. This ensures top-tier quality education, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the global business environment.
Faculty of Natural Resources Management
Given its unique location near forests and natural resources, Lakehead has a notable strength in programs related to natural resource management, particularly in Forestry and Environmental Conservation. Students learn and conduct research directly in outdoor laboratories—an experience you won’t find at many other universities.
Lakehead University Study Costs 2025-2026
Cost is one of the most critical factors. Studying at Lakehead offers a major financial advantage due to a significantly lower cost of living compared to major cities like Toronto or Vancouver.
Estimated Tuition & Living Costs (2025-2026)
- Tuition: From ~$28,500 – $38,000 CAD/year, depending on the program.
- Ancillary Fees: Approximately $1,260 – $1,330 CAD/year.
- Books & Supplies: Approximately $1,000 – $2,000 CAD/year.
- Living Costs (Thunder Bay): Estimated for a student renting a private room is around $1,883 CAD/month. This cost includes rent, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.
- Estimated Total Costs: An international student will need approximately $45,000 – $55,000 CAD/year to cover tuition and living expenses, which is an extremely competitive number compared to other universities of a similar caliber in Canada.
Valuable Automatic Scholarships
Lakehead University is known for having one of the most generous automatic scholarship programs for international students. When you apply to the university, you are automatically considered for a scholarship based on your GPA. Scholarship values can be up to $40,000 CAD (distributed over four years), significantly reducing your financial burden.
Life in Thunder Bay and Orillia
Choosing Lakehead means you get to experience life in two unique Ontario cities. Both offer a high quality of life, safety, and a welcoming community.
Thunder Bay Campus: Where Nature Meets City
Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Thunder Bay is a vibrant port city with over 110,000 residents. The expansive campus, surrounded by Lake Tamblyn and the McIntyre River, provides a stunning learning environment. Students in Thunder Bay can enjoy all the amenities of a large city while still having the familiar feel of a small town. You can easily participate in outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, fishing, and admiring the majestic beauty of the Sleeping Giant mountain.
Orillia Campus: Modern Charm Meets Classic Beauty
The Orillia campus is located in Ontario’s famous “Cottage Country,” just a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto. The modern campus, built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards, was the first university in North America to receive this certification. Orillia has a smaller, cozier community, ideal for students who want to focus on their studies in a quiet environment. The city is also known for its cultural festivals, charming small shops, and lakeside recreational activities.
Part-time Work and Career Opportunities
Working part-time is an effective way to cover your expenses and gain work experience in Canada. In Ontario, the minimum wage will increase to $17.60 CAD/hour from October 1, 2025. With a policy allowing part-time work of 20 hours/week during the academic year and full-time during breaks, you can earn a significant income.
Admission Requirements
To begin your **Lakehead University study abroad journey**, you need to meet the following basic Canada study abroad requirements:
- Academic Standing: High school graduation with a GPA of 75% or higher. Some competitive programs like Engineering may have higher requirements.
- English Proficiency Requirements:
- IELTS Academic: A minimum of 6.5 (with no band score below 6.0).
- TOEFL iBT: A minimum of 80 (with no section score below 19).
- Duolingo English Test (DET): A minimum of 110.
Post-Graduation Pathways to Permanent Residency
The ultimate goal for many international students is to gain permanent residency. By studying at Lakehead, you have a clear path to make this goal a reality.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
After graduation, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to work legally in Canada. The duration of the PGWP depends on the length of your program (up to 3 years for programs of 2 years or more). This is a crucial stepping stone for gaining valuable work experience and qualifying for permanent residency applications later.
Permanent Residency via OINP (Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program)
As a province, Ontario has its own nomination programs to help international students and skilled workers gain permanent residency. You can apply through OINP (Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program) streams like the Human Capital Priorities Stream or the International Student Stream, especially if you have full-time employment after graduation. Living and studying in a lower-cost area like Thunder Bay or Orillia also makes it easier to accumulate points in the federal Express Entry system.
Conclusion: Lakehead University – More Than a School
Choosing to **study at Lakehead University** means you are choosing a unique and valuable path. This is a place where you will not only earn a globally recognized degree but also gain practical research and work experience—all within a warm community and at an affordable cost. Lakehead University is not just a place to study; it’s where you begin a new journey, with memorable experiences and a wide-open future.
Are you ready to start your journey with a smart strategy and a strong mindset?
Thunder Bay & Orillia, Ontario (ON), Canada
