Indigenous STEM Access Program (ISTEM)

The Indigenous STEM Access Program (ISTEM) is an eight-month program intended for students of North American Indigenous ancestry 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 counselling 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 Indigenous students with the necessary skills and academic preparation for successful 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

To be considered for admission to the ISTEM Program, you must be of North American Indigenous descent and be:

  • A high school graduate who has obtained their high school diploma (e.g. Ontario Secondary School Diploma) but does not meet the admission requirements for one of our degree programs, or a mature student who has been out of high school for at least two years.

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 submit copies of your official transcripts from all high schools, colleges, and universities that you have attended, if applicable. You can upload copies using your myInfo student portal. You gain access to myInfo shortly after applying. We will send you your username and temporary password in our acknowledgement email. If you encounter issues with accessing myInfo, try to recover your account.

Alternatively, you can mail copies of your official transcripts to Lakehead University. Our mailing address is:

Lakehead University
Enrolment Services - Undergraduate Admissions
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 5E1

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, two electives will be taken in areas of your interest. Electives include:

  • Planet Earth GEOL 1111 (0.5)
  • Crust of the Earth GEOL 1131 (0.5)
  • The Environment GEOG 1170 (0.5)
  • Animal Biology BIOL 1110 (0.5)
  • Plant Biology BIOL 1130 (0.5)
  • Physics PHYS 1113 and/ or 1133 (0.5, 0.5)
  • Statistics MATH 0212 (0.5)
  • Principles of Fitness and Wellness KINE 1710

Other program-specific electives are available. Please contact the Program Coordinator.

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: HBMus, HBFA, Palliative Care, Dementia Studies, NLIP)
Thunder Bay
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 FCE Total
1
$5,984.51
$1,294.78
$7,279.29
$3,639.65
$3,639.64
$1,196.90
$1,330.36
$598.45
$665.18
2
$5,955.86
$1,274.78
$7,230.64
$3,615.32
$3,615.32
$1,191.17
$1,324.63
$595.59
$662.32
3
$5,915.30
$1,274.78
$7,190.08
$3,595.04
$3,595.04
$1,183.06
$1,316.52
$591.53
$658.26
4
$5,398.29
$1,274.78
$6,673.07
$3,336.54
$3,336.53
$1,079.66
$1,213.12
$539.83
$606.56
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 FCE Total
1
$27,295.00
$1,294.78
$28,589.78
$14,294.89
$14,294.89
$5,459.00
$5,592.46
$2,729.50
$2,796.23
2
$27,295.00
$1,274.78
$28,569.78
$14,284.89
$14,284.89
$5,459.00
$5,592.46
$2,729.50
$2,796.23
3
$26,522.50
$1,274.78
$27,797.28
$13,898.64
$13,898.64
$5,304.50
$5,437.96
$2,652.25
$2,718.98
4
$26,522.50
$1,274.78
$27,797.28
$13,898.64
$13,898.64
$5,304.50
$5,437.96
$2,652.25
$2,718.98
In addition to the above, International Students must pay the mandatory University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) which is payable in full with your first installment. Please click here for more information about UHIP

2022-23 Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay)CodeAmount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Athletic Building FundSABFF70.00
Athletic Building Fee (Wolf Den) SABWF  99.00
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHF127.21
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMF25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAF66.89
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders BuildingSCISF30.00
Lakehead Services Subtotal: 418.10
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees   
LUSU Capital FundSBLDF54.00
LUSU Medical/DentalSMEDF *392.50
LUSU Bus PassSLBUS **215.00
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSF145.00
Aboriginal Programming FeeSLRAB2.00
AFCASA African Caribbean Student Association FeeSLRAF 0.50
Nanabijou FeeSLRNA5.00
Social Action FeeSLRSA2.00
SustainabilitySLRSU5.50
WUSC - World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SLRWU7.00
Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) FeeSLCFS18.18
LU Radio FeeSRADF10.00
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 856.68
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay)  1,274.78

* 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.


2022-23 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year
- Undergraduate Full-Time  Students (Thunder Bay)
 Code Amount
Orientation & First Year Experience Fee SORIE20.00
Total Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay): 1274.78
 TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Students - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay):
  1,294.78
2022-23 Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students - Per Course (Thunder Bay)CodeAmount (1.0FCE)
Amount (0.5FCE)
Lakehead University Services Fees   
Athletic Building FundSABFF14.007.00
Athletic Building Fee (Wolf Den)SABWF19.80 9.90
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHF25.4412.72
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMF5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAF13.386.69
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders BuildingSCISF6.003.00
Lakehead University Services Subtotal: 83.6241.81
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees   
LUSU Capital FundSBLDF10.805.40
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSF 29.0014.50
Aboriginal Programming Fee SLRAB0.400.20
AFCASA African Caribbean Student Association FeeSLRAF0.100.05
 Nanabijou Fee SLRNA1.00  0.50
Social Action FeeSLRSA0.400.20
Sustainability FeeSLRSU1.100.55
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Student) FeeSLRWU1.400.70
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) FeeSLCFS3.641.82
LU Radio FeeSRADF2.001.00
LUSU fees Subtotal: 49.8424.92
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees (Thunder Bay): 133.4666.73
    
2022-23 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)SORIE20.0020.00
Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees (Thunder Bay): 133.4666.73
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate First Year/First Course (Thunder Bay): 153.4686.73
2022-23 Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Orillia) Code Amount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHO101.79
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMO25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAO66.89
Lakehead Services Subtotal 193.68
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees  
LUSU Capital FundSBLDO54.00
LUSU U-Pass Fee SLBUO145.00
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance *SMEDO392.50
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSO145.00
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSO7.00
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) FeeSCFSO18.18
LUSU Fees (Orillia) Subtotal 761.68
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Orillia) 955.36

* 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

2022-23 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Full-Time Students (Orillia) Code Amount
Orientation & First Year Experience FeeSORIO20.00
LUSU and LU Services Fees Total 955.36
Total 975.36
2022-23 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students (Orillia)CodeAmount Per Course (1.0FCE)Amount Per Half Course (0.5FCE)
Lakehead University Services Fees
   
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHO20.3610.18
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMO5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAO13.386.69
Lakehead Services Fees Subtotal: 38.7419.37
Lakehead University Student Union Fees   
LUSU Capital FundSBLDO10.805.40
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSO29.0014.50
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSO1.400.70
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) FeeSCFSO3.641.82
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 44.8422.42
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fee (Orillia): 83.5741.79
    
First Year Part-Time Orillia Students:   
Orientation & First Year Experience Fee (Flat fee - Not per course)SORIO20.0020.00
Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fee (Orillia) 83.5741.79
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course/First Course, First Year (Orillia) 103.5761.79
2022-23 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs except Engineering
 Code Amount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHG101.79
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMG25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAG66.89
Lakehead Services Subtotal: 193.68
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees  
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance *SMEDG392.50
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSG145.00
LUSU Capital FundSBLDG54.00
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSG7.00
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) FeeSCFSG18.18
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 616.68
Georgian/Barrie U-Pass Fee **SLBUB181.38
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs except Engineering:
 991.74

* 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 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.

 


 

2022-23 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Full-Time Lakehead-Georgian (Barrie) - Non-Engineering
 Code Amount
Orientation & First Year Experience FeeSORIB20.00
LUSU and LU Services and Bus Pass Subtotal 991.74
Total 1011.74

 

2022-23  Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs except Engineering
 Code Amount Per Course (1.0 FCE)
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Student Recreation and Wellness 
SATHG20.36
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMG5.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAG13.38
Lakehead Services Subtotal: 38.74
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees  
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSG29.00
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSG1.40
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) FeeSCFSG3.64
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 44.84
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time (Per Course) Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs except Engineering:
 83.57