Institutional Rankings
On the Rise!
Our reputation speaks for itself. For over 50 years, Lakehead University is where students and researchers have come to succeed and discover what’s next. Innovators and leaders: people defying limitations and challenging conventions.
We are committed to advancing research, scholarly and creative work; providing a transformative learning experience that positions graduates for success; and finding solutions to the world’s greatest societal challenges through academic programming, research and collaboration.
But, don’t just take our word for it.
Among the Best in the World
The 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings have once again placed Lakehead University in the top 10% globally for universities making an impact through a commitment to sustainability and positive societal change.
Lakehead is the top-ranked university with under 10,000 students in Canada and North America.
This ranking reflects key operational initiatives, curricular programming and research projects that focus on addressing sustainability and inequality.
Lakehead is a world leader in:
- 11th in the world and 3rd in Canada for SDG1: No Poverty
- 12th in the world and 2nd in Canada for SDG15: Life on Land
- 20th in the world and 4th in Canada for SDG14: Life Below Water
The 2024 THE Impact Rankings evaluated 1,963 post-secondary institutions from over 125 countries including 24 Canadian universities.
To view Lakehead’s full results, visit the university’s Times Higher Education profile.
| Canadian Ranking | Global Ranking | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Ranking | 12 | 101-200 |
| SDG 1: No Poverty | 3 | 11 |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 4 | 37 |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 3 | 101–200 |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | 4 | 20 |
| SDG 15: Life On Land | 2 | 12 |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | 11 | 84 |
11th in No Poverty
Our campuses are located in regions in which the median income is below the provincial and national average. As one of the largest employers, post-secondary institutions and economic hubs in Northwestern Ontario and Simcoe County, Lakehead has a direct impact on the economic and social resiliency in the regions it serves.
12th in Life on Land
Lakehead has a unique role to play in contributing to the advancement of life on land. Through dedicated programming focused on developing future leaders in areas including natural resources management and environmental sustainability, and through collaborative local and international research partnerships and ongoing community education, we are actively contributing to sustainably manage forests, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.
20th in Life Below Water
Located along the shore of Lake Superior, and surrounded by rivers and small inland lakes, the University's setting provides a natural laboratory to gain the skills and knowledge to protect and advocate for our most valuable resource. Through partnerships such as the Lake Superior Living Labs, and collaborations with organizations such as the International Institute for Sustainable Development Experimental Lakes Area, our faculty researchers and students continue to study lakes and watersheds to understand how human populations affect freshwater systems, and work towards innovative solutions focused on climate action.
37th in Clean Water and Sanitation
Lakehead University is ranked 37th in the world for its work to enhance water sustainability. We are committed to sustainable management of water resources, wastewater and ecosystems, and acknowledge the importance of equitable access to affordable drinking water. Through policy, innovative programs and workshops, and collaborative initiatives, the university strives to raise awareness and understanding of responsible water stewardship.
84th in Partnerships for the Goals
Lakehead is ranked 84th in the world for its work to develop strong local, regional and international partnerships that support sustainable development across various sectors. We understand the importance of a collaborative effort for advancing knowledge exchange and cooperative strategies with government agencies, community organizations, industry partners, Indigenous communities, and citizens in the communities we serve. By seeking expertise, resources, and best practices to address complex global issues, Lakehead University is dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.