TRANSFOR-M (Transatlantic Forestry Master) International Dual Degree Program
TRANSFOR-M (Transatlantic Forestry Master) is a unique dual degree master program that provides master's students with knowledge in the fields of forestry and environmental management in both Europe and Canada.
After two years, it leads to two degrees: the Master of Forest Management (MFM) from the Faculty of Natural Resources Management (NRM) at Lakehead University and a master's degree from one of the following five participating universities in Europe:
- Bangor University (Wales, UK)
- University of Eastern Finland (Finland)
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (Austria)
- University of Padova (Italy)
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) (Sweden)
Program Details:
The goal of TRANSFOR-M is to train the next generation of forest and environmental managers and scientists on the specific cultural, historical, and socio-economic context of the Canadian and European natural resource sectors while understanding the global challenges of sustainable forest and environmental management.
TRANSFOR-M students are registered in the Master's program at Lakehead University for a two-year period but spend only one year at Lakehead with their second year being spent in Europe. Each student will pay the Lakehead tuition fees for two years and will receive a tuition fee waiver at the Host University in Europe.
Students in the program follow a study plan that takes advantage of complementary expertise at partner institutions to deliver an effective and globally oriented program in forestry and environmental management. The study plan is developed with the TRANSFOR-M Program Coordinator and outlines courses and thesis requirements during the 2-year program.
The study plan should have:
- Two years of studies, worth 120 ECTS credits in total (including an internship, where applicable)
- One Master Thesis or equivalent report worthy of at least 30 ECTS credits
Given that each degree would typically be 1 or 2 years long, getting both the Lakehead and international degrees would otherwise take three to four years of study to complete. This timeframe has been reduced to two years thanks to efficient credit transfer between Lakehead University and the partner European university which allows both degrees to be obtained in a shortened time frame while still fulfilling the individual program requirements for each institution's degree.
TRANSFOR-M Partner Universities and Degree Options:
Bangor University (Wales, UK)
School of Agricultural & Forest Sciences. Bangor University is a world-class research university which is located in a city rich in history and culture in a magnificent region. Visit Bangor University.
Degrees offered:
- M. Sc. Agroforestry,
- M. Sc. Conservation and Land Management,
- M. Sc. Environmental Forestry
University of Eastern Finland (Finland)
Faculty of Forestry. The University of Eastern Finland is one of Europe's premier institutions to study forestry, particularly boreal forests and forest technology. Visit the University of Eastern Finland.
Degrees offered:
- M. Sc. Agriculture and Forestry
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (Austria)
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (Austria). BOKU is a university dedicated to natural sciences, engineering, life, and social sciences. Visit the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences.
Degrees offered:
- M.Sc. Mountain Forestry,
- M. Sc. Water Management and Environmental Engineering,
- M.Sc. Applied Limnology
University of Padova (Italy)
One of the oldest universities in Europe, the University of Padova is a comprehensive university located in one of the richest cultural and historical regions of Italy, just outside of Venice. Visit the University of Padova.
Degrees offered:
- M.Sc. Forest Science
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) (Sweden)
SLU is a world-class international university with research, education, and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational establishments throughout Sweden. Visit the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
Degrees offered:
- M.Sc. with a major in Forestry - Programs: Euroforester, Forest Ecology and Sustainable Management
- M.Sc. with a major in Biology - Programs: Forest Ecology and Sustainable Management, Conservation and Management of Fish and Wildlife
- M.Sc. with a major in Bioeconomy Management - Program: Forest Bioeconomy
Looking for more information?
Contact Prof. Brigitte Leblon, Dean and TRANSFOR-M Program Coordinator:
Email: bleblon@lakeheadu.ca
Phone: 807-343-8010 ext 8672
Admission Requirements for Masters
Applicants for admission must be graduates of a recognized university, college, or institute as well as show evidence of scholarly achievement. Except where otherwise stated in the Admission Requirements of a particular program, degree students must have a four year bachelor's degree or its equivalent with at least second class standing (B) based on their last 20 half courses or equivalent.
For applicants from countries that follow a British-patterned grading system, please note:
- Overall standings are normally reported in lieu of an average. The CGPA can be determined on the basis of annual or overall standings as reported on the transcript or degree certificate.
- A minimum grade of B, or Second Class, Upper Division, is required.
- The National Diploma and Higher National Diploma are not recognized for admission to a graduate-level program.
- Be sure to include a copy of your institution grading scale when uploading your transcripts.
- An applicant holding a degree other than one in the discipline area to which admission is sought will be considered on the basis of courses taken and academic standing.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission. No candidate will be admitted unless the academic unit recommends admission. All applicants will be advised by the Office of Graduate Studies in writing of their admission status.
Academic Fees and Important Payment Information
Graduate Funding
At Lakehead University, we realize the importance of financial support for graduate students.
Therefore, financial assistance opportunities are available in several forms and are generally awarded to students by individual programs on the basis of academic promise and financial need.
The different funding options available include:
For your convenience, a searchable database of graduate scholarships, bursaries, and awards is provided below. Award eligibility, criteria, and application procedures for graduate funding is indicated for each award. Please use the general search tool to find available funding by program. Alternatively, you may also click the advanced search link to specify available funding by program level, award category and/or award amount.
Although financial support cannot be guaranteed to all graduate students in all programs, we encourage you to inquire about financial assistance with your Graduate Coordinator in your program of study. You may also contact the Graduate Funding Officer in the Faculty of Graduate Studies to learn more about your graduate funding options.
Conditions of Graduate Awards
Graduate scholarships are based on academic merit. Graduate bursaries are based on financial need, although there may be a merit component to the bursary. Where the award designates that an application is required, only those students who have submitted the specified application by the deadline will be considered for those awards. Late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered. Only successful applicants will be notified.
Recipients of scholarships, awards and bursaries must be registered in order to receive funding. Graduate awards are applied to any outstanding balance on the student's account. Students are entitled to their awards only after their fees are paid in full. Only students with credit account balances will be refunded the balance of the overpayment. Overpayment refunds of these awards will be issued at the end of September, January and May each year.
The University reserves the right to make changes without prior notice to the terms, conditions and award values listed in the University Calendar.
The most up-to-date internal awards and applications are on our new award system MyAwards
Graduate Studies Funding Database
Select any filter and click on Apply to see results
Required Application Documents
Except where otherwise stated in the admission requirements of a particular program, domestic degree students must have a four year bachelor's degree or its equivalent with at least (B) based on their last 20 half courses or equivalent. We recommend that International applicants have an overall standing of Second Class - Upper Division or higher.
Meeting the minimum application requirements does not guarantee admission. The Faculty of Graduate Studies will advise all applicants in writing of admission decisions once they are received from the program. Applicants are encouraged to regularly monitor their Lakehead University email and application portal for the most current information.
The first step in the application process is to complete the online graduate studies application form.
After you have submitted the online form along with the required $125 CAD application fee, you will be provided with an online account where you can complete the remaining steps of the application process which include uploading the required supporting documents and monitoring the status of your application.
Click here to Apply to Graduate Studies
After you have applied
After you have submitted the online application form, you can access your account here. Any change in your application status will be reflected in this portal.
Graduate Studies Reference Form
- An electronic reference form will be automatically sent by email to the references you identify on the graduate studies application form
- This form is requested in support of the applicant's ability to undertake advanced study and research
Official Transcript
Proof of Degree
Program Specific Supporting Documents (If required)
- For a list of program specific documents, please see this program's Additional Application Information section (if required, see above)
Official English Test Results (If required)
- For information about English test results, please see our Academic Calendar
Program Specific Application Information:
Please Note: Being invited to submit the TRANSFOR-M application does not guarantee that you will be offered admission to Lakehead University and the European degree.
Initial applications and interviews will be conducted by Lakehead's Dean of NRM and TRANSFOR-M program coordinator Prof. Brigitte Leblon.
Email: bleblon@lakeheadu.ca
Phone: 807-343-8010 ext 8672
1. Before 15 January: Contact the Lakehead University TRANSFOR-M program coordinator to arrange for an interview
Interviews may be conducted in-person or via Zoom. The purpose of the interview is to ensure all your questions are answered, and that you have a full understanding of the timeline and requirements for completing both the European and Lakehead University degree components of the TRANSFOR-M program. If the coordinator and yourself mutually agree that you are a good candidate for the program, you will be invited to submit a TRANSFOR-M application
2. By January 15, submit by email to the Lakehead University TRANSFOR-M program coordinator the following documents
- A completed application form
- Your CV using the enclosed form
- A letter of fewer than 2 pages detailing your motivation for pursuing this degree and the manner in which your previous education, work, and/or volunteer experience has prepared you to be successful in this graduate program, along with how this degree will help you with your future career/goals.
- Scanned transcripts and degree certificates
- Two letters of recommendation using the enclosed form. (Reference letters should be sent directly by the referee to the Lakehead University TRANSFOR-M Program coordinator)
Prof. Brigitte Leblon, Dean and TRANSFOR-M Program coordinator:
Email: bleblon@lakeheadu.ca
Phone: 807-343-8010 ext 8672
3. After receiving your acceptance letter for the TRANSFOR-M program, you can apply to Lakehead University and the European degree programs you selected.
For Lakehead University, please apply through the Graduate Studies website. Note: Application deadlines will vary by university.