Institutional Rankings

On the Rise!


Our reputation speaks for itself. For over 50 years, Lakehead University is where students and researchers have come to succeed and discover what’s next. Innovators and leaders: people defying limitations and challenging conventions.

We are committed to advancing research, scholarly and creative work; providing a transformative learning experience that positions graduates for success; and finding solutions to the world’s greatest societal challenges through academic programming, research and collaboration.

But, don’t just take our word for it.

64th in the world for working towards un sustainable development goals
top ranked university in the world with under 10,000 students
1 in not-for-profit research income in canada
95% graduates are employed within six months
94% graduates are employed within two years
top 50% best global universities

Among the Best in the World


For 2022, Lakehead University is the highest ranked university in the world with fewer than 10,000 students for its global impact according to the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.

Lakehead placed in the top 70 in the world based on our efforts in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting the University’s commitment to social, cultural and environmental sustainability, and good health and well-being.

For the fourth year in a row, THE World University Rankings (2023) ranks Lakehead in the top 800 globally out of more than 1,600 participating institutions from 99 countries.

9th in No PovertyLakehead University ranked 9th in No Poverty

Our campuses are located in regions in which the median income is below the provincial and national average. As one of the largest employers, post-secondary institutions and economic hubs in Northwestern Ontario and Simcoe County, Lakehead has a direct impact on the economic and social resiliency in the regions it serves.

Lakehead University ranked 24th in life below land24th in Life Below Water

Located along the shore of Lake Superior, and surrounded by rivers and small inland lakes, the University's setting provides a natural laboratory to gain the skills and knowledge to protect and advocate for our most valuable resource. Through partnerships such as the Lake Superior Living Labs, and collaborations with organizations such as the International Institute for Sustainable Development Experimental Lakes Area, our faculty researchers and students continue to study lakes and watersheds to understand how human populations affect freshwater systems, and work towards innovative solutions focused on climate action.

Lakehead University is ranked 13th on Life on Land13th in Life on Land

Lakehead has a unique role to play in contributing to the advancement of life on land. Through dedicated programming focused on developing future leaders in areas including natural resources management and environmental sustainability, and through collaborative local and international research partnerships and ongoing community education, we are actively contributing to sustainably manage forests, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.