Entrance Scholarships, Awards & Bursaries for Future/New Students
Lakehead University provides over $11 million annually to students in the form of scholarships, bursaries and awards.
Our Entrance Scholarships recognize the hard work and effort our future students put in to their studies, prior to enrolling at Lakehead. That is why we offer one of the leading scholarship programs for future students in the country.
Take a closer look at the various Entrance Scholarships & Awards available to you as a new student to Lakehead - be sure to check out the criteria and any applications and deadline dates.
Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships & Awards
Entrance Scholarships (Domestic Students) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Lakehead University offers one of the top entrance scholarship programs to direct from high school Canadian students in the country. Canadians studying outside of a provincial high school will be considered on an individual basis. Academic Entrance Scholarships 2023-2024
Who Is Eligible? Academic Entrance Scholarships are automatically awarded, with no application required, to scholars entering Lakehead University directly from a recognized Canadian high school curriculum. Are Entrance Scholarships Renewable? Yes – students awarded a renewable Academic Entrance Scholarship must maintain a minimum 80% or 90% average in each academic year, according to the terms found in the Scholarship Offer. A normal full course load is required in each year of study. * A $4,000 offer will be provided in May if the student’s top 6 average of U or M midterm and/or final marks are greater than 95%. ** Free Tuition is provided if a student received an offer of $4,000 in May and they maintained their average at least with a 95% average in the top 6 U or M final course marks. If the student’s average drops below 95% and they received a Round 1 offer of $4,000, you will receive a $4,000 renewable entrance scholarship. The $4,000 and free tuition scholarships are renewable provided a 90% average is achieved in each academic year. If a student’s university academic average falls between 80.0% - 89.9%, the student will receive an amended scholarship valued at $2,500 / year for each subsequent academic year for the remaining term of the scholarship. † Renewable providing an 80% average is achieved in each academic year. How and When Are Entrance Scholarship Offers Made? Entrance Scholarship averages are calculated at two separate times throughout the year. May: Top six (6) Grade 12 U or M midterm and final academic marks will be used at the time of the scholarship offer. July: Top six (6) Grade 12 U or M final marks will be used at the time of the scholarship offer. If you are from a different province, you must ensure your transcript is provided to the Office of Enrolment Services - Undergraduate Admissions as per the following:
Can The Value Of My Entrance Scholarship Offer Change? Yes, your scholarship offer can always improve! Your final Entrance Scholarship value will be the best value from either of the two rounds. What does Free Tuition cover? Free Tuition covers Tuition only. Compulsory Ancillary Fees must still be paid to the University by the published due date(s). Questions about ancillary fees can be directed to accounts@lakeheadu.ca Terms and Conditions | ||||||||||||||||||||
Entrance Scholarships (International) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Please visit the Lakehead University International student webpage for information concerning international entrance scholarships. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Presidential Scholarship | ||||||||||||||||||||
In our continued commitment to recognize outstanding high school students, Lakehead University is pleased to offer up to two Presidential Scholarships annually. Value: Up to 2 scholarships valued at $30,000 ($7,500/year for 4 years) Eligibility:
Application Process:
Application Deadline: April 25 annually Additional Information:
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Northwestern Ontario & Simcoe County Citizenship Scholarship | ||||||||||||||||||||
Awarded to 10 graduating students from eligible high schools in Northwestern Ontario and Simcoe County who model good citizenship within their high school and community. Value: $3,000 (payable in 1st year only) Eligibility:
Application Process:
Deadline: March 15 annually Additional Information:
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Alumni Association of Lakehead University Entrance Award | ||||||||||||||||||||
If one of your immediate family members is a graduate of Lakehead University, then consider applying for the Alumni Association of Lakehead University Entrance Award. Value: $10,000 ($2,500/year for 4 years) Eligibility:
To view the eligibility criteria and conditions of the award, please visit the Alumni Association page at the following link: Lakehead University Alumni Association. Application Process: The Lakehead University Alumni Association reviews applications and selects the recipient. To apply, please visit the Alumni Association page at the following link: Lakehead University Alumni Association Application Deadline: April 30 annually | ||||||||||||||||||||
Entrance Athletic Scholarships for Varsity Athletes | ||||||||||||||||||||
Value: Up to $5,000 Eligibility: Available to entering student athletes in Thunder Bay with a minimum admission average of 80%, who meet CIS and OUA eligibility criteria, and who will be members of a 2024-2025 Lakehead University Varsity team are eligible for consideration. You are encouraged to contact the Lakehead University Department of Athletics for more information: Lakehead University Athletics 955 Oliver Road Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1 Phone: (807) 343-8213 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Specialist High Skills Major Award | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Province of Ontario created the specialist high skills major (SHSM) program to help meet the needs, interests, and strengths of all students, engaging them in learning and better preparing them for graduation and beyond. That is why Lakehead University has created the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Award and made it available to students entering directly from high school and who have a SHSM designation on their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Our SHSM Award is designed to help you continue exploring your interests and set your own path. Value: Up to $500 (payable in 1st year) Eligibility:
Application Process: Click here to download the Specialist High Skills Major Award Application - Available September 2024 Email application to awards.safa@lakeheadu.ca by the posted deadline. Deadline: April 15 annually | ||||||||||||||||||||
Transfer Award | ||||||||||||||||||||
Transfer Award If you are a transfer student that will be registered in full-time undergraduate studies at Lakehead University in a diploma or first degree program, you may be eligible for the Transfer Student Award. Value: up to $1000 Eligibility:
Application Process: To apply for the upcoming academic year, login into Lakehead University's myServices. Part 1- Complete the Transfer Award application on myServices > Admission > Apply for Financial Aid > Transfer Award Application Part 2- Complete the Mature/Transfer Student Bursary application on myServices > Admission > Apply for Financial Aid > Mature/Transfer Student Bursary Application Both applications must be submitted by June 30. Late submissions will not be accepted. Part 3- Email an unofficial or official copy of your transcript (that includes your final grades from the winter if applicable) by June 30 to awards.safa@lakeheadu.ca with the following subject heading: Transfer Award- [Last Name], [First Name]. Please include your Lakehead student number in the email. Deadline: Open March 1- June 30 annually Additional Information: The award is offered on the basis of academic performance in post-secondary studies and demonstrated financial need. The value depends on the quality and number of eligible students in a given year. Students must login to myServices with their user name and password to apply (see Application Process above). The login information is provided by Lakehead University, Office of Admissions in the Thank You for Applying acknowledgement email. |
Undergraduate Entrance Bursaries
While our Entrance Scholarships recognize academic merit, our Entrance Bursaries provide a form of financial assistance based on financial need. Review the various Bursaries available and be sure to submit your application!
Campus Tour Bursary |
Whether you are visiting us for a Campus Tour or a Campus Open House, we offer up to $500 in financial assistance to prospective students who are currently in grade 12 and travelling from a distance to come experience what it is like to be a student at Canada's #1 Value Added University. The application must be submitted within three weeks of your campus visit, or three weeks after you have submitted an application for admission to Lakehead University, whichever is later. You must visit campus by July 15, 2025. There is no better way to find out if Lakehead University is the right place for you than to see it for yourself. Hundreds of students and their families visit Lakehead every year from across Ontario and the rest of Canada. We know how important it is for you to have the opportunity to explore the campus, check out residence, meet with your future professors and get a feel for our cities! Value: Up to $500 Eligibility:
*For those visiting campus during the summer prior to their Grade 12 year, we consider students to be in Grade 12 once successful completion of Grade 11 has occurred. Application Process: Complete the Campus Tour Bursary Application. Please complete your application with attachments of original receipts within 3 weeks of your visit to the Office of Student Recruitment. Deadline: July 15 annually Awarding of Bursary: Enrolment Services - Student Awards & Financial Aid will notify you of your eligible bursary amount. In order to receive the bursary, you must register and attend a full-time undergraduate program at Lakehead University starting September 2025. The bursary will be credited to your Lakehead University Statement of Account and applied towards your tuition fees for the 2025-2026 school year. For more information on the Campus Tour Bursary, please contact Enrolment Services - Undergraduate Recruitment at (807) 343-8500 or by email at recruit@lakeheadu.ca. |
Destination Lakehead Bursary |
Lakehead University's exceptional entrance bursary program can provide students entering directly from high school funds to help pay for their education. This is an excellent opportunity to see how Lakehead can further support your education. Value: Up to $3,000
Eligibility:
Application Process: To apply for the upcoming academic year, login to Lakehead University's myServices > Admission > Apply for Financial Aid > Entrance Bursary Application. Deadline: Open January 1 to June 30 annually Awarding of Bursaries: Initial round of entrance bursary offers to be extended on April 15 with the final round occurring on June 30. Early applications will be approved within 5 business days following the April 15 deadline allowing students to plan their budget for the upcoming fall/winter academic year. Approved bursaries will be credited to the qualified students Lakehead University account as of the first day of classes. |
Mature & Transfer Student Bursaries |
Are you a mature or transfer student who will be attending Lakehead University in the fall semester? If yes, then you will want to apply for this opportunity. The Transfer and Mature student bursary is available for students that are coming to Lakehead University, but not directly from high school. Value: Up to $1,000 Eligibility:
Application Process: To apply for the upcoming academic year, login to Lakehead University's myServices > Admission > Apply for Financial Aid > Mature/Transfer Student Bursary Application. Deadline: Open from March 1st to June 30th annually. |
Youth-in-Care Tuition Waiver |
One waiver will be available for a student starting at the Thunder Bay campus and one at the Orillia campus. To be considered, applicants must:
To learn more about the Youth-in-Care tuition waiver please visit: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/studentcentral/financing-budgeting/yic_waiver |