If you’re an international student preparing to start an undergraduate program at Lakehead University either at the Thunder Bay or Orillia campus in the 2026- 27 academic year, the International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships offer a significant opportunity to lower your study expenses in Canada. This guide breaks down what the scholarships include, the eligibility criteria, how awards are determined, their duration, and helpful tips to boost your chances of being selected.
What is the International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship?
The International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship at Lakehead University is a special award created to support international students who have strong academic results and wish to begin an undergraduate degree in Canada. This scholarship is aimed at students who have performed very well in high school or in previous studies and want to continue their education at Lakehead’s Thunder Bay or Orillia campus.
Lakehead University is known for giving generous entrance scholarships to international students, and this award is one of the largest and most valuable options available to new undergraduates from outside Canada. The scholarship is based completely on academic merit, which means your grades from high school (or your IB results) are what determine whether you receive the award and which level you qualify for.
One major advantage of this scholarship is that you do not need to complete a separate application form. Many universities require students to apply for scholarships through extra essays, statements, or application portals. But at Lakehead University, the process is simple: once you submit your admission application and your academic transcripts, the university automatically reviews your grades. If your grades meet or exceed the required scholarship levels, you will receive an offer of a scholarship along with your admission letter or soon after.
This automatic assessment makes the scholarship more accessible and less stressful for international students. You only need to focus on making a strong admission application and submitting accurate academic records. Lakehead will take care of the rest.
Scholarship Value (2026/27)
For the 2026/27 academic yearand in previous years the scholarship is awarded based on your final high school average, converted to the Canadian grading system, or your International Baccalaureate (IB) average. The scholarship is divided into three main tiers. Each tier gives a different amount of tuition reduction and each has different rules about renewal.
Below is the rephrased breakdown:
| Academic / IB Average (Canadian Equivalent) | Scholarship Value | Notes / Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 90% and above (or IB 35+) | CAD 40,000 total → CAD 10,000 per year for 4 years | Renewable each year if you maintain the required average at Lakehead |
| 80–89.9% (or IB 30–34) | CAD 30,000 total → CAD 7,500 per year for 4 years | Renewable each year under Lakehead’s academic rules |
| 75–79.9% (or IB 28–29) | CAD 6,000 (Year 1 only) | One-time award, non-renewable |
This scholarship is applied directly to your tuition fees, and for the two top tiers, the award can be renewed for up to four years of your undergraduate degree. If you enter in Year 2 or Year 3 of a 4-year program, you can still receive the scholarship for however many years remain, provided you maintain the required average.
The scholarship cannot be carried beyond your first degree. It ends once you complete your bachelor’s program or after four years whichever comes first.
Check the terms and condition guideline
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Lakehead University International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship, you must meet all of the following criteria:
You must be a non-Canadian citizen, meaning you must apply as an international student.
You must be entering your first undergraduate program from an international high school or an international post-secondary institution.
You must plan to study a 4-year degree program at Lakehead University (or enter into Years 1–3 of a 4-year program).
You must meet the academic grade requirement for one of the scholarship tiers.
Your grades must be converted to the Canadian grading system, which Lakehead University does automatically.
You must provide official transcripts, certified copies, or verified academic documents.
If you meet these conditions, you will automatically be reviewed for scholarship eligibility after your admission application is submitted.
How to Apply (2026/27 Entry Step-by-Step)
The scholarship application process is simple and automatic. Here is the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Apply for Admission
Choose your preferred undergraduate program at Lakehead University and apply as an international student. Upload all required academic documents such as official transcripts, certificates, and evidence of your final or predicted grades.
Step 2: Wait for Your Admission Decision
After applying, wait for Lakehead to assess your documents. If you are accepted, the university will review your academic results to determine whether you qualify for the International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship.
Step 3: Receive Your Scholarship Result
If you meet the grade requirements, your scholarship offer will come together with your admission letter or shortly after. The offer will tell you which scholarship tier you received, how much you will get each year, and the renewal rules.
Step 4: Accept Your Offer
To claim the scholarship, you must accept your admission offer and complete all required steps by the deadline. Make sure to confirm your place as early as possible.
Step 5: Maintain Your Grades
For renewable scholarships (the $10,000 and $7,500 tiers), you must maintain good academic performance every year. If your grades fall below the required average, the scholarship may be lowered to the next tier or removed completely.
Step 6: Plan Your Budget
The scholarship helps with tuition, but you must still pay for living costs such as rent, food, transportation, books, health insurance, and travel. These expenses can add up, so create a realistic budget and explore other financial support if needed.
For more information about the scholarship, check the official website.
Scholarship Renewal Rules
The renewal rules are important because they determine whether you will continue to receive the scholarship each year.
CAD 10,000 per year tier (90%+ entry average): You must maintain a high academic average each year at Lakehead.
CAD 7,500 per year tier (80–89.9% entry average): You must maintain the required average at Lakehead to continue receiving the award.
CAD 6,000 tier (75–79.9% average): This award is not renewable. It only applies to your first year of study.
If your yearly average falls below the required level, the university may reduce your award or stop it completely based on their scholarship policies.
What the Scholarship Covers
Here are the main benefits of the scholarship:
It reduces tuition fees significantly, especially for students in the 90%+ and 80–89.9% tiers.
Scholarship amounts are predictable, meaning you know exactly how much you will receive each year if you maintain the required grades.
No extra scholarship application, which reduces stress and saves time.
Open to many academic programs, including business, science, engineering, arts, and more.
What the Scholarship Does NOT Cover
It is important to note what the scholarship does not pay for:
Housing or rent
Food and groceries
Transportation costs
Health insurance
Flight tickets and travel costs
Visa or study permit fees
Personal expenses
Books and supplies
The scholarship mainly covers tuition reduction only. Students must budget separately for living costs, which can be high depending on the city and lifestyle.
Financial Planning Tips
Even with the scholarship, international students must plan ahead:
Tuition savings are strong, especially for top-tier students, but living costs in Canada can still be high.
Create a realistic budget for housing, meals, transportation, and personal needs.
Maintain good academic performance every year to keep your renewable scholarship.
Consider part-time work if your student visa allows it (usually up to 20 hours per week during school).
Look for external scholarships, funding from your home country, or family support.
How to Increase Your Chances of Receiving the Scholarship
Since the scholarship is automatic and based on grades, here are ways to boost your chances:
Submit accurate, official transcripts early.
Aim for higher grades, as even a small change like 89.9% vs 90% can move you to a different tier.
Apply early so you receive your admission and scholarship decision sooner.
Provide predicted grades if final exam results are not ready yet.
Make sure Lakehead has clear grading scale information from your school.
Conclusion
Lakehead University’s International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship is a generous and fair program that provides large financial support to international students who have strong academic performance. It makes studying in Canada more affordable and gives students a clearer path toward earning a university degree. While the scholarship reduces tuition costs, students must still plan for living expenses, travel, and other personal costs. With proper planning, strong academics, and early application, this scholarship can significantly ease the financial burden of studying abroad and help you focus on your education and future goals.