Lakehead University Overview
Lakehead University is a comprehensive public institution established in 1965, with main campuses located in Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario, Canada. Renowned for both research and teaching excellence, Lakehead serves over 8,300 undergraduate and graduate students across its two campuses. The university hosts ten faculties, including those dedicated to engineering, health and behavioural sciences, business administration, and education. Its strategic location in Northern Ontario provides students and researchers with a unique environment for academic and community engagement. This solid foundation affirms Lakehead’s credibility as an institution with both diverse academic offerings and a commitment to regional development.
Lakehead University’s academic strengths are particularly notable in fields such as engineering, environmental sustainability, Indigenous studies, health sciences, and business. The university operates the renowned Bora Laskin Faculty of Law and features one of Canada's top undergraduate engineering programs, as recognized by Maclean’s. Lakehead excels in experiential and interdisciplinary learning, integrating hands-on research with classroom instruction. As a member of the UArctic network and other global partnerships, Lakehead fosters active international collaborations, joint degrees, and research initiatives. The university’s research output is significant given its size—for example, it has ranked among Canada’s top 10 primarily undergraduate universities for research in Research Infosource’s annual rankings. Its commitment to community-focused research and knowledge mobilization further highlights Lakehead’s academic impact.
Student life at Lakehead University is enriched by over 70 clubs and student organizations covering academic, social, and cultural interests. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment, with robust support services that cater to a diverse international student population, which represents more than 80 countries. On-campus housing, modern athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces contribute to a vibrant campus culture. Students benefit from year-round events that celebrate global cultures, Indigenous heritage, and Northern Ontario’s natural environment. Lakehead’s emphasis on community engagement, diversity, and holistic student development ensures a dynamic and supportive extracurricular environment.
Guided by its mission to empower students as leaders and global citizens, Lakehead University is dedicated to fostering innovation, sustainability, and equity in all pursuits. The institution’s vision emphasizes accessible education and transformative research that advances regional and global wellbeing.
