The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (which is offered by the University of Toronto) was created to recognize exceptional international students.
Most especially students who have shown outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills, and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
This scholarship is named after Lester B. Pearson, a former Canadian Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, reflecting his legacy of global understanding and leadership.
About the Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded each year to about 37 international students who are entering their first year of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.
To be awarded the scholarship, you must be a student who has shown exceptional creativity and is recognized as a leader within your school.
You must also demonstrate the potential to contribute positively to the global community.
The University of Toronto offers many scholarships, and, the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is among the most competitive.
The scholarship attracts the brightest students from around the world.
Benefits of the Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship covers your:
- Full tuition fees for four years of undergraduate study.
- Books and learning materials are required for the program.
- Incidental fees and other academic costs.
- Full residence support for the duration of the undergraduate program.
It is a comprehensive financial support with which you can focus on your studies without financial stress.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be an international student (non-Canadian requiring a study permit).
- Currently, be in their final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June of the previous year.
- Be nominated by their high school (schools can only nominate one student per year).
- Apply to the University of Toronto for their first entry undergraduate program.
- Demonstrate academic excellence, creativity, and leadership abilities.
- Show a strong commitment to community service and a desire to contribute positively to the world.
Application process
- School nomination: To apply, you must be nominated by your high school. Each school can only nominate one student per year.
- Then apply to U of T: Submit an application to the University of Toronto for an undergraduate program. Ensure that U of T is selected as the first choice.
- Complete the Scholarship application: Once nominated and after applying to U of T, students will receive a personalized, secure link to complete the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application.
- Meet deadlines:
- School nomination deadline: Usually by November 30.
- U of T application deadline: Always by December 15.
- Scholarship application deadline: Usually by January 15.
Selection process
- Merit-based selection: The scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence, creativity, and leadership potential.
- Holistic review: After submitting all the applications, they’ll be review to check every applicant’s impact on their school and community, pus their potential to contribute to the global community.
- Competitive and prestigious: Only about 37 students worldwide receive this scholarship each year, that’s how competitive it is.
Tips for a strong application
If you want to win this scholarship, your application should:
- Focus on academic excellence: Maintain high grades and take challenging courses.
- Show leadership skills: You need to show leadership roles in extracurricular activities, volunteering, or community service.
- You must be creative and impactful: Highlight all your activities that have made a positive impact on others.
- Write a compelling essay: You must share your vision, goals, and how you plan to contribute to the U of T community and beyond.
- Apply early and thoroughly: This is very important. Make sure you meet all deadlines and submit a complete application.
How to apply
To apply for the scholarship, click here.
