Financial Assistance

Lakehead University offers a limited number of bursaries and loans to assist current international students in meeting unexpected financial challenges. In all cases, students are encouraged to first meet with an International Advisor to discuss their particular situation prior to making an application.

International Student Bursary Program

The Lakehead International Student Bursary Program is provided to both undergraduate and graduate students in the event of an unanticipated disruption to your financial situation. The Student Bursary Program is a grant, not a loan, which is paid directly into your account through the Lakehead Student Awards and Financial Aid office. The Student Bursary Program is to help pay the costs of tuition and student fees including health care, on a semester basis.  The bursary may or may not include an amount for payment of housing fees.

In order to apply for the Student Bursary Program, you must:

  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Demonstrate that you have exhausted all efforts to provide payment of tuition 
  • Be in good standing with Immigration Canada (CIC)
  • Pose a valid study permit (a copy will need to be provided with the application)
  • Maintain a required program grade point average
  • Provide letters of recommendation from Department professors and/or program Chairs

You are able to apply for the Student Bursary Program one time per year through the International Student Bursary Program application form. The forms are to be submitted to the International office with the appropriate documentation. 

Note: Priority will be given to students in their last year of studies.

To schedule a meeting with an advisor to discuss your financial situation, please send an email to internationaladvisor@lakeheadu.ca.

International Student Emergency Loans

The Emergency Loan program provides interest-free loans to Lakehead University International students for emergency use only. Loans provide short-term assistance to students who will be receiving funds in the near future.

Each emergency loan will be examined on a case-by-case basis. To be considered for the Emergency Loan, you are required to complete the Emergency Loan application form and submit it to Lakehead University International. Lakehead University International does not grant loans or bursaries for the following:

 

  • Travel expenses related to conducting or presenting research
  • Personal reasons such as sending money to family members
  • Non-emergency medical costs
  • Travel expenses to return home for vacation
  • Applications for visas to another country (i.e. the U.S.)

 

In order to be eligible to apply for the International Student Emergency Bursary Program, students must:

  • Be a currently registered international student
  • Be in good standing with Immigration Refugees Citizenship Canada (have a valid study permit, registered as a full-time student)
  • Demonstrate that they have exhausted all efforts to pay outstanding tuition fees
  • Be in good academic standing
  • Provide a detailed explanation and all supporting documents regarding their financial need (please see instructions below)

 

Priority will be given to students who:

  • Are in their final term or final year of study
  • Are not currently receiving additional scholarships, bursaries, grants, or awards
  • Has maintained a strong academic average
  • Are able to provide a letter of recommendation from their department Chair/Coordinator (upon request from Lakehead International)

 

International Student Emergency Bursaries may be awarded for:

  • Partial tuition fees would only be considered in rare unforeseen emergency only situations as tuition fees and inflation are considered a normal part of the student life cycle prior to application
  • Emergency travel costs (i.e. death of a family member, family emergency)
  • Unforeseen costs related to a medical emergency

 

In order to apply, please:

  • Ensure that you meet all of the eligibility criteria listed above.
  • Meet with an International Student Advisor to discuss your financial situation. If eligible, you will be given the application form.
  • Submit the International Student Emergency Bursary Application Form with all required supporting documents directly to the International Office.
  • Attend a mandatory interview with an International Student Advisor.

 

Please note: There is no guarantee that your application will be approved or approved in its entirety, please plan accordingly.


To schedule a meeting with an advisor to discuss your financial situation, please send an email to internationaladvisor@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University Student Union and Alumni Bursary

Lakehead University Student Union Bursary for an International Student (LUVBI)

The LUVBI is awarded to an international student who is enrolled in full-time undergraduate study at Lakehead University and demonstrates financial need.

Alumni Association of Lakehead University International Student Bursary (ALIBI)

The ALIBI is awarded to an international student on the basis of academic standing and financial need.

The application for these bursaries opens at the end of September. You will find the application on your myInfo portal.