Lakehead University is a public research university in Thunder Bay, on the north shore of Lake Superior, with a second campus in Orillia. It's known for engineering, computer science, business, forestry and education, and its graduate computer science and engineering programmes attract many international students. Living costs are low compared with southern Ontario.
Thunder Bay, Canada
Official website: lakeheadu.ca
Public research university in Ontario
Thunder Bay and Orillia
1965
CA$24,000 – CA$32,000
International students, undergraduate and graduate
CA$11,000 – CA$14,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on lakeheadu.ca before you apply.
MSc Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
16 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, May
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MSc Management
Masters DegreeDuration
16 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
Bachelor of Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
Lake Superior on the doorstep.
Graduate engineering and computing with several intakes.
Low rent for an Ontario university city.
Graduates join engineering, mining and IT employers across Ontario.
University graduates can apply for a post-graduation work permit.
Northern immigration pilots can help graduates stay.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Limited programmes
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Limited programmes
The Thunder Bay campus is large and green, with residences and a nature trail beside the McIntyre River.
Thunder Bay is a city of about 110,000 with low rent, cold winters and great hiking and skiing.
Letter of acceptance from Lakehead University
Ontario provincial attestation letter
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
Lakehead's graduate programmes set deadlines for each intake, often months ahead. Undergraduates should apply through OUAC by spring for September.
Most programmes start in September; some graduate programmes also in January and May.
A Canadian study permit. Start with the letter of acceptance from Lakehead University and, where required, the provincial attestation letter, then apply to IRCC online. Allow a few months, as processing times vary by country.
Computer science, electrical and computer engineering, management and engineering are popular. Graduate entry needs a four-year degree and IELTS 6.5.
Lakehead offers entrance scholarships and graduate funding in some programmes. Check the awards page.
