Post-Diploma Transfer Pathway

Each student transferring to a post-diploma Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) program undertakes the Summer Diploma-to-Degree Program.

This is an 8-week full-time intensive online program designed to prepare students to enter into their post-diploma BEng. This is delivered synchronously via Zoom, with in-class participation and online tests/quizzes embedded in the learning experience.

The 2026 Summer Diploma-to-Degree program schedule is now available – including dates, times, and course schedules.

Every student is assigned four courses out of the seven outlined below based on the BEng program they are entering.

Select from the list of our six post-diploma Bachelor of Engineering programs to see the summer courses students can expect to be assigned.

Any students who are assigned different courses for the summer program will be informed by the Faculty of Engineering during the admissions process.

ENGI 3021: Engineering Analysis A
Application of algebra, series, and calculus to the analysis of engineering problems.

ENGI 3022: Engineering Analysis B
Application of advanced analysis techniques to engineering problems, including the use of differential equations, Laplace transforms and matrix algebra.

ENGI 3053: Engineering Analysis C
Application of matrix methods, Fourier series, Fourier transform and Laplace transform to linear differential equations for engineers.

ENGI 3014: Engineering Chemistry
Basic principles and relationships of chemistry as applied to engineering.

ENGI 3015: Engineering Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
Applications of the principles of statics, kinematics, dynamics and strength of materials to engineering problems.

ENGI 3016: Engineering Mechanics
Fundamental laws of thermodynamics and their application to engineering.

ENGI 3017: Electronics
Electronics and its applications to instrumentation and controls.

Post-diploma transfer students will be assigned supplemental courses (previously known as “make-up” courses). 

Provided that the Engineering Technology Diploma program of the applicant is directly aligned with the Bachelor of Engineering discipline they are entering, there will be a minimum of two supplementals and a maximum of six supplementals - which can be spread out over the two academic years of the post-diploma BEng degree to ensure students can graduate in two years.

To determine the assignment of supplemental courses, the Faculty of Engineering undertakes an individual assessment of the diploma transcript(s), and any other post-secondary transcripts submitted by the applicant, to determine supplemental courses that need to be completed in order to graduate with a post-diploma Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree.

The following are the minimum requirements for admission to any of the six post-diploma Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) programs offered by the Faculty of Engineering:

• Applicants must have a Diploma in Engineering Technology from a community college or the equivalent with; (a) an average of at least 70 per cent (GPA = 3.0 on 4 point scale, B grade) in the final year of their program, or (b) a cumulative average of at least 70 per cent (GPA= 3.0 on 4 point scale, B grade) in their program to be eligible for admission consideration.
• Applicants must have one or more years of relevant industrial experience acquired after the completion of a Diploma in Engineering Technology from a community college or equivalent with; (a)  an average of at least 65 per cent (GPA = 2.5 on 4 point scale, C+ grade) in the final year of their program, or (b) a cumulative average of at least 65 per cent (GPA= 2.5 on 4 point scale, C+ grade) in their program to be eligible for admission consideration.

Please note that we typically do not require high school transcripts from applicants to our post-diploma Bachelor of Engineering programs, unless we request them from you.

To apply for one of our post-diploma Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) programs, prospective students should do so via the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) website.

Once a student has applied, they need to send their unofficial transcripts via email to: docs.admission@lakeheadu.ca (please include full name and OUAC reference number)

Students who meet the admissions requirements will receive a conditional offer, which will outline the next required steps to accept the offer and enrol in courses.

We accept post-diploma applications on a rolling basis from late September onwards each year. We encourage students to apply before May 1 in order to complete their enrolment prior to beginning the 8-week online Summer Diploma-to-Degree program.

To apply for one of our post-diploma Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) programs, applicants must be enrolled in the final year of, or have graduated from, an eligible Engineering Technology Diploma program offered by a diploma-granting institution in Canada. Please note, that the post-diploma pathway is designed for students from an Engineering Technology Diploma program.

There are currently over 200 diploma programs where graduates are eligible to transfer to at least one of our post-diploma Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) programs.

Please contact us directly if you wish to clarify whether your Engineering Technology diploma program makes you eligible to apply.

If your diploma program is not listed, you may still be eligible to apply. Please contact us to find out more.

Please select an institution using the drop-down menu to display the list of Engineering Technology Diploma programs.

What is a post-diploma Bachelor of Engineering program?

Our post-diploma Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) programs have been designed to offer a pathway into the third year of a BEng degree for graduates of eligible Engineering Technology Diploma programs, following completion of an 8-week online Summer Diploma-to-Degree program. This provides transfer students with the opportunity to complete a CEAB-accredited BEng degree in two years.

How long does it take to complete the degree?

Our post-diploma BEng pathways are designed to enable students to complete their degree in two academic years, following completion of the 8-week online Summer Diploma-to-Degree program.

Can I do the program virtually or via distance learning?

Only the 8-week Summer Diploma-to-Degree program is offered online. The two academic years of the Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree are delivered in-person at our campus in Thunder Bay.

Is this transfer pathway available at the Barrie STEM Hub?

Currently, the post-diploma BEng pathway is only offered at our Thunder Bay campus.

How many post-diploma transfer students are there in each year?

Every summer, we welcome over 200 transfer students from all across Canada enrolling in one of our post-diploma BEng degrees. As a transfer student, you will be learning and living alongside students with a similar academic background as diploma graduates from colleges and polytechnics.

How big is Lakehead’s Faculty of Engineering?

We have around 800 undergraduates, and 300 graduate students. While some Canadian universities have over 8,000 engineering students, we are proud to offer a smaller academic community where we support one another to achieve our ambitions.

How many courses can I expect per semester?

Please consult the course listing for the BEng you are looking to enter. Typically, students have 5-6 courses per semester (including engineering electives and non-engineering electives). Students who are assigned supplemental courses may have additional courses.

Where can I see the full list of courses for each BEng program?

Go to the program page for the BEng discipline that you are considering, and choose the link to the full list of courses published in Lakehead University’s academic calendar.

Can I go on to do a Master’s degree after completing a post-diploma BEng?

Yes. We have many students who complete the post-diploma BEng pathway that go on to study for Masters and PhD degrees in Engineering either at Lakehead University, or at other universities in Canada and elsewhere.

How do I find out if my Engineering Technology Diploma program is eligible for transfer to Lakehead?

We now have a full list of eligible Engineering Technology Diploma programs available on our website.

If your diploma program is not listed here, please contact us.

What are the admissions requirements?

The following are the minimum requirements for admission to any of the six post-diploma Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) programs offered by the Faculty of Engineering:

• Applicants must have a Diploma in Engineering Technology from a community college or the equivalent with; (a) an average of at least 70 per cent (GPA = 3.0 on 4 point scale, B grade) in the final year of their program, or (b) a cumulative average of at least 70 per cent (GPA= 3.0 on 4 point scale, B grade) in their program to be eligible for admission consideration.
• Applicants must have one or more years of relevant industrial experience acquired after the completion of a Diploma in Engineering Technology from a community college or equivalent with; (a) an average of at least 65 per cent (GPA = 2.5 on 4 point scale, C+ grade) in the final year of their program, or (b) a cumulative average of at least 65 per cent (GPA= 2.5 on 4 point scale, C+ grade) in their program to be eligible for admission consideration.

How competitive is it to get into the program?

If you meet the admissions requirements, then you can expect to receive a conditional offer to study for one of our post-diploma Bachelor of Engineering programs. If you do not meet the admissions requirements, we may be able to offer you a place in Year 1 provided that you meet Lakehead University's general admissions requirements.

I have an Engineering Technician Diploma, am I eligible for the post-diploma pathway?

Our post-diploma Bachelor of Engineering programs offering entry into third year are designed for graduates of Engineering Technology Diploma programs from diploma-granting institutions in Canada.

Students in Engineering Technician Diploma programs can still apply to study for a Bachelor of Engineering program at Lakehead, and we can potentially offer credit for some of the diploma courses they have completed. However, they are not eligible to undertake the post-diploma pathway, and will need to start in Year 1.

What is the Summer Diploma-to-Degree program?

Each student transferring to a post-diploma Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) program undertakes the Summer Diploma-to-Degree Program. This is an 8-week full-time intensive online program designed to prepare students to enter into their post-diploma BEng. This is delivered synchronously via Zoom.

When can I register in the summer courses?

You can register in the Summer Diploma-to-Degree courses starting in February. If you receive your offer prior to February, then you will receive a reminder to begin the registration process. To register in courses, you must have accepted your offer and paid your confirmation deposit.

Can I skip the summer program and start in September?

Every post-diploma student must undertake the Summer Diploma-to-Degree program that is specially designed to prepare students with the knowledge they need to begin their BEng. There can be exemptions made for students who complete their diploma during the summer semester, to allow them to start in September.

Can I combine the online summer program with a full-time job?

The Summer Diploma-to-Degree program is a full-time intensive academic program delivered synchronously 5-6 days each week. We strongly encourage students to avoid seeking to combine this program with other full-time commitments.

Is there an Orientation for post-diploma transfer students?

Yes. Students in the Summer Diploma-to-Degree program begin with a virtual Orientation that includes academic guidance and information on all the services and extracurricular activities available at Lakehead. In addition, transfer students are also invited to the in-person Engineering Orientation at the beginning of the academic year, and all the activities and events organized by Lakehead University to welcome new students to campus.

What are supplemental courses?

Supplemental courses, previously known as "make-up" courses, are assigned to ensure that post-diploma transfer students complete all the requirements to graduate with an accredited Bachelor of Engineering degree. These can be undertaken over the two academic years of the post-diploma pathway.

How many can I expect to be assigned?

Typically students are assigned a minimum of two and a maximum of six supplementals. This is determined following an individualised assessment of diploma transcripts, which takes place once an applicant has accepted their offer and paid their confirmation deposit.

Will I still be able to graduate in two years?

We have designed our post-diploma BEng pathways to enable transfer students to complete their degree in two years. Students can reasonably complete their degree in this timeframe with 1-2 additional courses during their regular fall and winter semesters, and they can also potentially take courses in the summer between their first and their second year at Lakehead (between Year 3 and Year 4 of the BEng) depending on course availability.

When do applications open?

Applications open each year in late September each year. You should apply using the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) website.

When is the deadline to apply?

We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the academic year. We strongly advise applicants to apply before May 1 to provide time to complete the process prior to the beginning of the Summer Diploma-to-Degree program in June.

Do I need to wait until I graduate to apply?

No. You can apply in the final year of your diploma program. We only need your unofficial transcripts for the courses you have completed so far to assess your application. If you are applying in the fall, please remember to send us your updated transcripts including winter term registrations when that is available.

How long after graduating from my diploma can I apply for the post-diploma BEng?

We do not have a fixed time limit after you complete your diploma before transferring to a post-diploma BEng degree. We typically advise students to do so within 3-4 years of completing their diploma.

Can I apply to more than one post-diploma program?

Yes. You have the option to apply for more than one post-diploma Bachelor of Engineering program.

What if my diploma discipline doesn't match the BEng that I want to study?

Please consult our list of eligible diploma programs. If your diploma program does not match the post-diploma BEng discipline you are looking to enter, you can still apply but you may not be eligible to enter the program in Year 3.

Can I apply from outside Ontario?

Yes. We have applicants each year from diploma students across Canada including other provinces and territories.

When will I receive an offer?

You will be able to follow the progress of your application online. One you have applied via OUAC you will receive an acknowledgement email from Lakehead University with instructions on how to set up your online student myInfo account, that includes access to the application portal and your LakeheadU email. 

Through myInfo, you can check the status of your application, including the status of any required supporting documentation. Check your Lakehead email account regularly for updates on your application. You will be informed officially once an admission decision has been made.

Do you need my high school transcripts?

No. We typically only require your college transcripts unless we specifically request them from you.

What is the tuition for post-diploma BEng programs?

For information regarding tuition and fees, please review Lakehead University's tuition calculator.

This includes information for domestic students and international students.

There is also a cost estimator available to help prospective students understand the total cost of their degree, including housing, ancillary fees, books, food and health insurance.

Transfer students entering a post-diploma BEng program will be required to pay tuition and fees for two academic years, and the Summer Diploma-to-Degree program.

The tuition and fees Summer Diploma-to-Degree program are charged on the basis of three part-time courses. To determine the tuition/fees please select "part-time" on the tuition calculator, that will indicate the cost for three courses.

Are there any scholarships or bursaries available for transfer students?

Yes. We offer dedicated scholarships and bursaries for transfer students. Please note, that students entering the post-diploma BEng pathway are not eligible for Lakehead's entrance scholarships.

Do I have to pay extra for supplemental courses?

For full-time students, tuition and fees are paid per semester (not per course).

Is there co-op available?

Yes. All post-diploma Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degrees at Lakehead offer co-op. This is typically between Year 3 and Year 4 of the degree, which for transfer students is between their first and second year of the 2-year post-diploma BEng program.

Can I do an MBA with a post-diploma BEng?

Yes. All post-diploma students have the option to undertake a Masters of Business Administration (MBA), offered by Lakehead's Faculty of Business, alongside their BEng degree. Typically, this will require three years of study, to graduate with both a BEng and an MBA.

Can I do post-diploma BEng with co-op and MBA?

Yes. That's also an option. You can do a joint BEng + MBA, with Co-op. This will extend the length of your studies.

As a transfer student will I be able to find accommodation on campus?

We have a range of student accommodation available at our campus in Thunder Bay and the Barrie STEM Hub, including halls of residences, shared apartments and shared townhouses. Applications for residences open in February/March each year.

What clubs and societies do you have for post-diploma students?

At Lakehead we have many different clubs and societies, that are all open to post-diploma transfer students. We have a series of engineering-specific groups, so please check those out and feel free to connect with them before you join us

Are these post-diploma BEng degrees accredited?

Yes. Our post-diploma BEng degrees are accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) in the same way as traditional four-year degrees.

Currently, all five of our established Bachelor of Engineering degrees are accredited by the CEAB. Our BEng Mechatronics Engineering will be assessed in 2027 once the first cohort of students has graduated from the program.

Can I go on to become a professional engineer after graduating?

Yes. The CEAB accreditation means that graduates of our Bachelor of Engineering programs satisfy the academic requirements to apply for professional engineering licensure. Please review the Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) website, or the regulatory body in your respective province/territory, for more details on how to apply to become a professional engineer.

What is accreditation and why is it important?

The process for accrediting an engineering program is undertaken by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB), a working Board of the Engineers Canada (EC), that sets the standards for the education and accreditation of engineering programs in Canada.

Accreditation by the CEAB means that engineering graduates from the program have the academic qualifications necessary for registration as a professional engineer (P.Eng.) in Canada.

Accreditation of engineering degrees is important for a number of reasons. First, it ensures that engineering programs meet high standards of academic quality and rigor, and that graduates have the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for successful engineering practice. Accreditation also provides assurance to employers, professional associations, and the public that graduates of accredited engineering programs have met rigorous standards of education and are qualified to practice engineering. Accreditation also helps to facilitate the mobility of engineers across national and international borders, as accredited engineering programs are recognized as meeting the standards of other countries that are signatories to the Washington Accord.

How long does it take to become a Professional Engineer after I graduate?

In Ontario, to apply for a P.Eng. licence you are required to obtain a minimum of 48 months of acceptable, verifiable professional engineering experience. Further details are available on the PEO website.

For other Canadian provinces and territories, please consult the Engineers Canada website.

Do I need a BEng degree to become a professional engineer?

An accredited Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree is the best and fastest route to becoming a professional engineer. Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) provides a detailed overview of the application process.