Indigenous STEM Access Program (ISTEM)
The Indigenous STEM Access Program (ISTEM) is an eight-month program intended for First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, or Inuit people who have not met the regular or mature student entry requirements for the programs in the Sciences at Lakehead University. The ISTEM Program is designed to provide the necessary skills and academic preparation for successful transition into first year studies in many of the programs in the faculties of Science and Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management and Health and Behavioural Sciences.
Our innovative programming honours and celebrates Indigenous heritage while providing culturally appropriate supports and services. Academic advising and tutoring are available, as well as other supports, such as Elder visits, cultural activities, personal counselling, and assistance with community connections for services such as housing and child care.
Admission Requirements & Application Details for the Indigenous STEM Access Program
The Indigenous STEM Access Program (ISTEM) is designed to provide First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, or Inuit students with the necessary skills and academic preparation to transition into many of the programs in the faculties of Science and Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management and Health and Behavioural Sciences. You must be fluent in English to attend this program.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the ISTEM must be First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, or Inuit, and be:
- Recent high school graduates NOT meeting the required admission criteria for programs in the Sciences (see Admission Requirements, Requirements for Admission to Undergraduate Degree Programs)
- Mature students, extraordinary students, or college/transfer students NOT meeting the required admission criteria for programs in the Sciences (see Admission Requirements, Requirements for Admission to Undergraduate Degree Programs)
Important Dates
Status of Application: Open (application being accepted for the next academic year)
Deadline to Submit Copies of Your Transcripts: Two (2) weeks after you apply
How to Apply
Please complete and submit the application package. There is no cost to apply!
Application Package
In addition, you must arrange for copies of official transcripts from all high schools, colleges, and universities that you have attended be sent to Lakehead University, if applicable.
If you need assistance with getting copies of your transcripts from your previous institutions, please contact the Program Coordinator, at coordinator.iap@lakeheadu.ca.
The program includes four academic preparation courses:
- Academic Communications and Writing ENGL1012, ENGL 1016
- Chemistry CHEM 1050, CHEM 1070
- Mathematics - Functions and Trigonometry MATH 1051
- University Seminar - Academic Skills UNIV 1015
In addition, 1.0 FCE of elective courses (up to 2.0 FCE maximum) will be taken based on availability. Electives may include:
- Planet Earth GEOL 1100 (0.5)
- Crust of the Earth GEOL 1130 (0.5)
- The Environment GEOG 1170 (0.5)
- Statistics MATH 0212 (0.5)
- Foundations of Kinesiology KINE 1110
Electives vary from year to year.
For descriptions of these courses, please search the course codes in the Timetable
With the support of faculty, staff, peers, and the community, your successful completion of the program (passing all courses with an overall minimum average of 60% average) will ensure your eligibility for admission.
More information about Payment Methods, and Payment Due Dates can be found here: Student Fees Information
All fees are displayed in Canadian Dollars ($CAD)
Arts (Includes, but is not limited to: ISTEM, ILIP, HB Mus, HBFA, Palliative Care, Dementia Studies, etc.)
Thunder Bay
| Year | Tuition | Ancillary Fees | Total | 1st Installment | 2nd Installment | 1.0 FCE Tuition | 1.0 FCE Total | 0.5 FCE Tuition | 0.5 FCE Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $5,984.51 | $1,473.19 | $7,457.70 | $3,728.85 | $3,728.85 | $1,196.90 | $1,331.31 | $598.45 | $665.66 |
2 | $5,955.86 | $1,389.06 | $7,344.92 | $3,672.46 | $3,672.46 | $1,191.17 | $1,325.58 | $595.59 | $662.79 |
3 | $5,915.30 | $1,389.06 | $7,304.36 | $3,652.18 | $3,652.18 | $1,183.06 | $1,317.47 | $591.53 | $658.74 |
4 | $5,398.29 | $1,389.06 | $6,787.35 | $3,393.68 | $3,393.67 | $1,079.66 | $1,214.07 | $539.83 | $607.03 |
| Year | Tuition | Ancillary Fees | Total | 1st Installment | 2nd Installment | 1.0 FCE Tuition | 1.0 FCE Total | 0.5 FCE Tuition | 0.5 FCE Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $6,597.93 | $1,473.19 | $8,071.12 | $4,035.56 | $4,035.56 | $1,319.59 | $1,454.00 | $659.79 | $727.00 |
2 | $5,955.86 | $1,389.06 | $7,344.92 | $3,672.46 | $3,672.46 | $1,191.17 | $1,325.58 | $595.59 | $662.79 |
3 | $5,915.30 | $1,389.06 | $7,304.36 | $3,652.18 | $3,652.18 | $1,183.06 | $1,317.47 | $591.53 | $658.74 |
4 | $5,398.29 | $1,389.06 | $6,787.35 | $3,393.68 | $3,393.67 | $1,079.66 | $1,214.07 | $539.83 | $607.03 |
| Year | Tuition | Ancillary Fees | Total | 1st Installment | 2nd Installment | 1.0 FCE Tuition | 1.0 FCE Total | 0.5 FCE Tuition | 0.5 FCE Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $30,236.00 | $1,473.19 | $31,709.19 | $15,854.60 | $15,854.59 | $6,047.20 | $6,181.61 | $3,023.60 | $3,090.81 |
2 | $30,235.65 | $1,389.06 | $31,624.71 | $15,812.36 | $15,812.35 | $6,047.13 | $6,181.54 | $3,023.57 | $3,090.77 |
3 | $30,235.65 | $1,389.06 | $31,624.71 | $15,812.36 | $15,812.35 | $6,047.13 | $6,181.54 | $3,023.57 | $3,090.77 |
4 | $29,825.98 | $1,389.06 | $31,215.04 | $15,607.52 | $15,607.52 | $5,965.20 | $6,099.61 | $2,982.60 | $3,049.80 |
| 2025-26 Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay) | Code | Amount |
| Lakehead University Services Fees | ||
| Athletic Building Fee (Wolf Den) | SABWF | 99.00 |
| Student Recreation and Wellness | SATHF | 141.80 |
| Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee | SCOMF | 25.00 |
| Health Services Support Fee | SHEAF | 96.76 |
| Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders Building | SCISF | 30.00 |
| Lakehead Services Subtotal: | 392.56 | |
| Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees | ||
| LUSU Capital Fund | SBLDF | 62.00 |
| LUSU Medical/Dental | SMEDF * | 435.00 |
| LUSU Bus Pass | SLBUS ** | 282.00 |
| LUSU Activity Fee | SLUSF | 164.00 |
| Aboriginal Programming Fee | SLRAB | 2.00 |
| AFCASA African Caribbean Student Association Fee | SLRAF | 0.50 |
| Nanabijou Fee | SLRNA | 5.00 |
| Social Action Fee | SLRSA | 2.00 |
| Sustainability | SLRSU | 6.00 |
| WUSC - World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students) | SLRWU | 7.00 |
| Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) Fee | SLCFS | 21.00 |
| LU Radio Fee | SRADF | 10.00 |
| LUSU Fees Subtotal: | 996.50 | |
| TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay) | 1389.06 |
* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance (SMEDF) policy is effective September 1, for the 12 months ending August 31. All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee. Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions. Opting out does not remove the fee from your student account. For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259
Co-op, Part-Time, Senior, and Graduate students are not covered, but may purchase the Plan.
** The LUSU Bus Pass Fee (SLBUS): All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.
| 2025-26 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year - Undergraduate Full-Time Students (Thunder Bay) | Code | Amount |
| Orientation & First Year Experience Fee | SORIE | 84.13 |
| Total Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay): | 1389.06 | |
| TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Students - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay): | 1473.19 |
| 2025-26 Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students - Per Course (Thunder Bay) | Code | Amount (1.0FCE) | Amount (0.5FCE) |
| Lakehead University Services Fees | |||
| Athletic Building Fee (Wolf Den) | SABWF | 19.80 | 9.90 |
| Student Recreation and Wellness | SATHF | 28.36 | 14.18 |
| Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee | SCOMF | 5.00 | 2.50 |
| Health Services Support Fee | SHEAF | 19.35 | 9.68 |
| Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders Building | SCISF | 6.00 | 3.00 |
| Lakehead University Services Subtotal: | 78.51 | 39.26 | |
| Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees | |||
| LUSU Capital Fund | SBLDF | 12.40 | 6.20 |
| LUSU Activity Fee | SLUSF | 32.80 | 16.40 |
| Aboriginal Programming Fee | SLRAB | 0.40 | 0.20 |
| AFCASA African Caribbean Student Association Fee | SLRAF | 0.10 | 0.05 |
| Nanabijou Fee | SLRNA | 1.00 | 0.50 |
| Social Action Fee | SLRSA | 0.40 | 0.20 |
| Sustainability Fee | SLRSU | 1.20 | 0.60 |
| WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Student) Fee | SLRWU | 1.40 | 0.70 |
| CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) Fee | SLCFS | 4.20 | 2.10 |
| LU Radio Fee | SRADF | 2.00 | 1.00 |
| LUSU fees Subtotal: | 55.90 | 27.95 | |
| TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees (Thunder Bay): | 134.41 | 67.21 | |
| 2025-26 Compulsory Ancillary Fees For Part-Time Undergraduate First Year Students: | Amount (1.0FCE) | Amount (0.5FCE) | |
| Orientation and First Year Experience Fee (Flat Fee - not per course) | SORIE | 84.13 | 84.13 |
| Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees (Thunder Bay): | 134.41 | 67.21 | |
| TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate First Year/First Course (Thunder Bay): | 218.54 | 151.34 |
| 2025-26 Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Orillia) | Code | Amount |
| Lakehead University Services Fees | ||
| Student Recreation and Wellness | SATHO | 113.46 |
| Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee | SCOMO | 25.00 |
| Health Services Support Fee | SHEAO | 96.76 |
| Lakehead Services Subtotal | 235.22 | |
| Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees | ||
| LUSU Capital Fund | SBLDO | 62.00 |
| LUSU U-Pass Fee | SLBUO | 160.00 |
| LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance * | SMEDO | 435.00 |
| LUSU Activity Fee | SLUSO | 164.00 |
| WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students) | SWUSO | 7.00 |
| CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) Fee | SCFSO | 21.00 |
| LUSU Fees (Orillia) Subtotal | 849.00 | |
| TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Orillia) | 1084.22 |
* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance (SMEDF) policy is effective September 1, for the 12 months ending August 31. All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee. Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions. Opting out does not remove the fee from your student account. For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259
Co-op, Part-Time, Seniors, and Graduate students are not covered but may purchase the Plan.
** The LUSU Bus Pass Fee (SLBUO): All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.
First Year Students
| 2025-26 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Full-Time Students (Orillia) | Code | Amount |
| Orientation & First Year Experience Fee | SORIO | 84.13 |
| LUSU and LU Services Fees Total | 1084.22 | |
| Total | 1168.35 |
| 2025-26 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students (Orillia) | Code | Amount Per Course (1.0FCE) | Amount Per Half Course (0.5FCE) |
| Lakehead University Services Fees | |||
| Student Recreation and Wellness | SATHO | 22.69 | 11.35 |
| Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee | SCOMO | 5.00 | 2.50 |
| Health Services Support Fee | SHEAO | 19.35 | 9.68 |
| Lakehead Services Fees Subtotal: | 47.04 | 23.52 | |
| Lakehead University Student Union Fees | |||
| LUSU Capital Fund | SBLDO | 12.40 | 6.20 |
| LUSU Activity Fee | SLUSO | 32.80 | 16.40 |
| WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students) | SWUSO | 1.40 | 0.70 |
| CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) Fee | SCFSO | 4.20 | 2.10 |
| LUSU Fees Subtotal: | 50.80 | 25.40 | |
| TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fee (Orillia): | 97.84 | 48.92 | |
| First Year Part-Time Orillia Students: | |||
| Orientation & First Year Experience Fee (Flat fee - Not per course) | SORIO | 84.13 | 84.13 |
| Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fee (Orillia) | 97.84 | 48.92 | |
| TOTAL Part-Time Per Course/First Course, First Year (Orillia) | 181.97 | 133.05 |
| 2025-26 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs except Engineering | Code | Amount |
| Lakehead University Services Fees | ||
| Student Recreation and Wellness | SATHG | 113.46 |
| Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee | SCOMG | 25.00 |
| Health Services Support Fee | SHEAG | 96.76 |
| Lakehead Services Subtotal: | 235.22 | |
| Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees | ||
| LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance * | SMEDG | 435.00 |
| LUSU Activity Fee | SLUSG | 164.00 |
| LUSU Capital Fund | SBLDG | 62.00 |
| WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students) | SWUSG | 7.00 |
| CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) Fee | SCFSG | 21.00 |
| LUSU Fees Subtotal: | 689.00 | |
| Georgian/Barrie U-Pass Fee ** | SLBUB | 199.04 |
| TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs except Engineering: | 1123.26 |
* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance (SMEDG) policy is effective September 1, for the 12 months ending August 31. All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee. Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions. Opting out does not remove the fee from your student account. For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259
Co-op students, Part-Time Students, Seniors, and Graduate students are not covered but may purchase the Plan.
** The Georgian/Barrie Bus Pass Fee (SLBUB): All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.
| 2025-26 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Full-Time Lakehead-Georgian (Barrie) - Non-Engineering | Code | Amount |
| Orientation & First Year Experience Fee | SORIB | 84.13 |
| LUSU and LU Services and Bus Pass Subtotal | 1123.26 | |
| Total | 1207.39 |
| 2025-26 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) All Programs | Code | Amount Per Course (1.0 FCE) | Amount Per Half Course (0.5 FCE) |
| Lakehead University Services Fees | |||
| Student Recreation and Wellness | SATHG | 22.69 | 11.35 |
| Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee | SCOMG | 5.00 | 2.50 |
| Health Services Support Fee | SHEAG | 19.35 | 9.68 |
| Lakehead Services Subtotal: | 47.04 | 23.52 | |
| Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees | |||
| LUSU Activity Fee | SLUSG | 32.80 | 16.40 |
| LUSU Capital Fund | SBLDG | 11.80 | 5.90 |
| WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students) | SWUSG | 1.40 | 0.70 |
| CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) Fee | SCFSG | 4.20 | 2.10 |
| LUSU Fees Subtotal: | 50.80 | 25.40 | |
| TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time (Per Course) Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs: | 97.84 | 48.92 |