The Indigenous Transition Year Program (ITYP) is intended for learners of Indigenous ancestry who have not met the regular or mature university entry requirements or who require academic preparation to become eligible for admission to a Lakehead University program.
The innovative programming honours and celebrates Indigenous heritage while providing culturally appropriate support services. Academic counselling and tutoring are also available, contributing to an environment conducive to success and support.
Over eight months, you will complete core courses in English, study skills, Indigenous Learning, Mathematics, and Science. You will develop:
- Essential research, study, and communication skills
- Knowledge about Indigenous history, traditions, and culture
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- University program planning abilities
- Applied Science and Math skills
With the support of faculty, peers and the community, your successful completion of the program will ensure your eligibility for admission to a Lakehead University program of your choosing*.
*Prerequisites apply for some programs. Check the Admissions page for more details or contact the Office of Admissions & Recruitment.
The program consists of a minimum of three and one-half full-course equivalents (3.5 FCEs) and 1.5 FCEs of non-credit courses.
(a) Indigenous Transition Year Program 1191 (non-credit)
(b) English 1012 and 1015
(c) General Science 0261
(d) Indigenous Learning 1100
(e) Mathematics 1130 and 1131 (non-credit)
(f) UNIV 1016
For entry consideration into Year 1 of any program for which a student meets the admission requirements, students must attain:
(a) A minimum mark of 50% in all graded courses and Pass in all Pass/Fail courses,
as well as,
(b) an overall average of 60% in the following courses: English 1012 and 1015, UNIV 1016, General Science 0261 and Indigenous Learning 1100.
The Indigenous Transition Year Program (ITYP) is an eight-month full-time preparatory program which has been designed to provide North American Indigenous students (First Nation, Inuit or Métis), who might not meet the regular or mature student admission criteria, the opportunity to pursue a university education in an academically, socially, and culturally supportive environment. You must be fluent in English.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the ITYP, you must be of North American Indigenous descent and a:
- High school student who has obtained their high school diploma (e.g., Ontario Secondary School Diploma) but does not meet the admission requirements for one of our degree programs, or
- Mature student who has been out of high school for at least two years and has not attended another post-secondary institution.
Important Deadline Dates
Status of Application |
Open (Currently Accepting Applications for the Next Academic Year) |
Deadline to Submit Copies of Your Transcripts |
Two (2) weeks after you apply |
Please complete and submit the application package. There is no cost to apply!
Download the Application Package
In addition, you must submit copies of your official transcripts from all high schools, colleges, and universities that you have attended, if applicable. You can upload copies using your myInfo student portal. You gain access to myInfo shortly after applying. We will send you your username and temporary password in our acknowledgement email. If you encounter issues with accessing myInfo, try to recover your account.
Alternatively, you can mail copies of your official transcripts to Lakehead University. Our mailing address is:
Lakehead University
Enrolment Services - Undergraduate Admissions
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 5E1
If you need assistance with getting copies of your transcripts from your previous institutions, please contact Fionna Farquhar, the Indigenous Access Programs Coordinator, at coordinator.ityp@lakeheadu.ca.
For questions regarding the program, feel free to contact Fionna Farquhar, the Indigenous Access Programs Coordinator, at coordinator.ityp@lakeheadu.ca.