Student Opportunities At Lakehead University

Lakehead University gives students opportunities through experiential learning, smaller academic communities, research exposure and campus locations that connect study with real-world problem solving. For international students, the main advantage is the chance to build practical experience while studying in Canada.

Experiential Learning

Lakehead promotes hands-on learning across its student experience. Depending on the course, students may find opportunities through labs, fieldwork, placements, co-op routes, applied projects, community-based learning, research tasks and professional practice.

Students should check the exact program page for:

• Co-op or placement availability
• Field placements or practicum components
• Lab or studio requirements
• Capstone projects
• Research assistant opportunities
• Industry-linked assignments
• Professional accreditation requirements

Barrie STEM Hub Opportunity

For the September 2026 intake, the Barrie STEM Hub is an important new opportunity for students interested in engineering and computer science. It is planned as a hands-on learning environment in downtown Barrie, with programs connected to technology, engineering, applied research and regional employer needs.

This can be useful for students who want STEM study in Ontario but prefer a smaller setting than Toronto, while still keeping access to the Greater Toronto Area within reach.

Research And Innovation Exposure

Lakehead is known for research connected to sustainability, health, natural resources, Indigenous and northern issues, clean water, technology, education and community impact. Students in science, engineering, health, environmental and graduate programs may benefit from research-led teaching, labs, supervisors and applied projects.

For postgraduate students, this matters when selecting a thesis, project route, supervisor or future PhD pathway.

Career Development Support

Lakehead's career services and student support can help students prepare for Canadian job applications. International students should use this support early because Canadian employers often expect a clear resume, targeted applications, interview examples and evidence of communication, teamwork and reliability.

Useful career-building steps include:

• Building a Canadian-style resume
• Attending employer and career events
• Applying for campus roles or volunteering
• Joining academic or cultural societies
• Preparing for co-op or placement applications
• Creating a LinkedIn profile
• Practising interview answers

Campus And Community Life

Thunder Bay, Orillia and Barrie each offer a different student lifestyle. Thunder Bay gives a larger Lakehead campus feel, Orillia offers a close-knit central Ontario environment, and Barrie gives STEM students a downtown waterfront setting from Fall 2026.

Students can build confidence through clubs, sports, volunteering, student ambassador roles, cultural groups and community events. These activities also help improve employability because they create examples for teamwork, leadership and communication.

How Students Can Make The Most Of Lakehead

Students should start preparing before arrival. The best results usually come when students confirm their course location, understand the fee and visa timeline, apply for housing early, attend orientation and connect with career support during the first term.

For the September 2026 intake, students should also check whether their chosen program is open, whether there is a co-op or experiential learning route, and whether scholarship consideration applies automatically or needs a separate step.