Lakehead University: A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation in Canadian Higher Education

Lakehead University stands as one of Canada’s most distinguished public research universities, renowned for its unwavering commitment to student success, research excellence, and community engagement. Established on July 1, 1965, the institution traces its roots back to 1946 with the founding of the Lakehead Technical Institute and later the Lakehead College of Arts, Science, and Technology. Over nearly six decades, Lakehead has evolved into a comprehensive institution that offers a transformative educational experience while maintaining the intimate, student-centred atmosphere that sets it apart from larger universities.

Two Exceptional Campuses

Lakehead University operates two main campuses in Ontario, each offering a distinct yet equally enriching environment. The Thunder Bay campus, nestled in the heart of Northwestern Ontario on the shores of Lake Superior, is home to over 6,800 students. Its picturesque setting features fields and green spaces surrounding the campus, with buildings grouped around Lake Tamblyn and residence complexes along the McIntyre River. Underground tunnels connect many of the main buildings, ensuring easy access between classes and facilities regardless of the season. The Orillia campus, located just 90 minutes north of Toronto in Ontario’s picturesque Lake Country, opened its doors in September 2006 with a charter class of 104 students. In 2010, a state-of-the-art campus opened, making it the first campus in North America to be built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. Combined enrolment at the Orillia campus sites has grown to over 1,300 students. Beginning in Fall 2026, Lakehead will expand its presence with an innovative STEM Hub in Barrie, offering next-generation learning in computer science and engineering. Buy fake diploma online.

Academic Excellence and Research Leadership

Lakehead offers over 85 undergraduate and graduate programs across ten faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Natural Resources Management, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Law, and Science and Environmental Studies. The university is home to 12 Canada Research Chairs and hosts world-renowned research facilities, including the Paleo-DNA Laboratory—one of the top three of its kind worldwide—and the Biorefining Research Institute.

Several distinctive features set Lakehead apart from other Canadian universities. Its Faculty of Engineering is the only one in Canada where students can earn both a Bachelor of Engineering degree and an Engineering Technology Diploma in just four years. The Faculty of Business Administration holds AACSB international accreditation, making it the only internationally accredited business school in Northern Ontario. Additionally, Lakehead is one of only two universities in Canada designated as an Innovation & Economic Prosperity University, recognizing its achievements in innovation, technology transfer, and community development.

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National and Global Recognition

Lakehead’s reputation for excellence continues to garner national and international acclaim. The university has been ranked Ontario’s top primarily undergraduate university in the 2026 Maclean’s University Rankings. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, Lakehead placed second in Ontario and second in Canada among primarily undergraduate universities. Perhaps most impressively, the 2025 THE Impact Rankings placed Lakehead 90th overall among 2,318 participating institutions worldwide, maintaining its status as the top-ranked university with under 10,000 students in Canada and North America. This marks the sixth consecutive year Lakehead has remained in the top 10% of global universities for social impact.

Student Success and Career Outcomes

With over 60,000 alumni worldwide, Lakehead’s student-centred approach consistently delivers outstanding outcomes. More than 80% of classes have fewer than 50 students, and 60% have fewer than 30, creating a personalized learning environment where students collaborate closely with professors on real-world research projects. According to the Ontario University Graduate Survey, 93% of Lakehead graduates find employment within six months of graduation, rising to 96% within two years—with 93% working in roles directly related to their field of study.

A Diverse and Inclusive Community

Lakehead is home to over 1,800 international students from more than 90 nations. As a percentage of total student population, the university has one of the largest Indigenous student communities in Canada and offers numerous scholarships and bursaries for Aboriginal, First Nations, and Métis students. The university’s motto, *”Per Angusta Ad Augusta”*—”Through trials to triumph”—embodies the resilience and determination that define the Lakehead community.

As Lakehead celebrates its 60th anniversary, it continues to shape the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers who will strengthen the north, Canada, and the world.