Lakehead University is your place to live and learn. Dynamic, modern, and highly learner-centred, they acknowledge all of their students as valued leaders of tomorrow, whose education and success are most paramount to the 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.
| Acronym | Lakehead U |
| Nickname | The Thunderwolves |
| Motto / Slogan | Ad augusta per angusta - "Achievement through Effort" |
| Colour | Royal Blue and Gold |
| Mascot | The Thunderwolf |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Undergraduate Programmes | |
| Postgraduate Programmes | 30 |
| Departments | 85 |
| Location | Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada |
| Address | Lakehead University 955 Oliver Road Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada P7B 5E1 |
To be recognized as an innovative comprehensive university that provides an education that is about how to think, not what to think.
To provide a transformative university experience that is far from ordinary.
Lakehead University's objectives include fostering academic excellence through critical thinking and transformational learning, promoting social responsibility, and leading in Indigenous education, sustainability, and social justice.
With intentionally small classes sizes, Lakehead students benefit from highly interactive and engaging learning with highly acclaimed faculty and researchers -- 85% of classes capped at 50 students. Close interactions and support from faculty means students thrive and reach their full potential. They prioritize learning to meet the unique needs of their students to support their success.
With campuses in Thunder Bay, Orillia and Barrie, Ontario, students have the best of living in a smaller city with big town charm and amenities. Their locations are surrounded by the beauty and nature of living in a quieter and more picturesque setting. Outdoor enthusiasts get ready – their locations offer unlimited outdoor activities to enjoy in all four seasons.
Maclean’s ranked Lakehead University as the #1 primarily undergraduate university in Ontario in the 2025 and 2026 University Rankings. For the fourth year in a row, Lakehead University has been included in the top half of the Times Higher Education list of the best universities from around the world.
96.2% of Lakehead graduates are employed within two years of graduation, with over 90% in their field of study. This is above the provincial average for any public university. Lakehead graduates gain a competitive advantage through intentionally small class sizes, access to hands on research and learning and accredited programs that make their graduates job ready.
View the Undergraduate Admission requirements page for detailed information about the General and Language requirements.
View the Admission requirements page for detailed information about the General and Language requirements.
FOR UNDERGRADUATE: Applications are made directly to Lakehead University via the Lakehead University Undergraduate Application.
FOR POSTGRADUATE: Applications are made directly to Lakehead University via the Graduate Application Portal.
Email: [email protected],[email protected]
Phone : +1 (807) 346-7859, +1 (807) 346-7848
Before becoming Lakehead University’s President & Vice-Chancellor in July 2023, Dr. Siddall served as President at Emily Carr University (ECU) beginning in 2018. Dr. Siddall is also a jazz vocalist, choral singer, and co-founder of the Guelph Jazz Festival.
Lakehead University evolved from the Lakehead Technical Institute (LTI), which was established in 1946. From LTI, Lakehead became the Lakehead College of Arts, Science and Technology in 1956. The Lakehead University Act was given Royal Assent by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in 1965, and Lakehead University was established. The first degrees granted by Lakehead University were in Arts and Science in 1965.
