Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at University of Toronto
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto is a prestigious award designed to recognize outstanding international students who possess remarkable academic achievements and creativity, as well as demonstrated leadership qualities within their schools.
The scholarship places special emphasis on the positive impact these students have had on their school and community, along with their potential to contribute positively to the global community.
Scholarship Details: Host Institution: University of Toronto, Canada Study Level/Field: Undergraduate programs offered at the University Number of Awards: Approximately 37 students are selected as Lester B. Pearson Scholars each year.
Eligibility: To be eligible for the Pearson International Scholarship, you must be an international student (non-Canadian) requiring a study permit. You should be in your final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June 2026. Additionally, you must be commencing your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027. Students who are already attending post-secondary studies or starting their studies at another institution in January 2027 cannot be considered for the scholarship.
Scholarship Value and Duration: The scholarship covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and comprehensive residential support for four years.
Application Process: Applications for the scholarship will open in September 2026. To become a Pearson Scholar, you must first be nominated by your school and then apply for undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. Here’s how to apply:
- Obtain a nomination from your school. High schools that have not been contacted or verified should submit an application for nomination rights.
- Apply for admission to the University of Toronto for the September 2027 intake. Ensure you complete your application before the recommended deadline of 7th November 2026.
- Once the University receives your nomination and admission application, you can proceed to complete the online Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application.
- The deadline for school nominations is 30th November 2026, and the student admissions deadline is 15th December 2026. The scholarship application deadline is 15th January 2027.
For more detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship, please visit the official scholarship website at http://future.utoronto.ca/pearson/about#about.
(FAQs) – Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto
What is the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program?
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program is the University of Toronto’s most prestigious scholarship for international undergraduate students. It recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership, while making a positive impact in their schools and communities. Each year, approximately 37 international students are selected as Pearson Scholars.
What does the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship cover?
The scholarship is fully funded for four years of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto. It covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Books and academic materials
- Incidental fees
- Full residence support for four years
The award is available only for first-entry undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto.
Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
To be eligible, applicants must generally:
- Be an international student who requires a Canadian study permit.
- Be in their final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June of the application year.
- Be nominated by their high school (each participating school may nominate only one student each year).
- Apply to an eligible undergraduate program at the University of Toronto and plan to begin studies in the following September.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic performance, leadership, and community involvement.
How do I apply for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship?
The application process involves three main steps:
- Obtain a nomination from your high school.
- Submit an application for admission to an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto.
- After being nominated and applying for admission, complete the online Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application using the personalized link provided by the university before the stated deadline.
Students cannot apply directly without first receiving a school nomination.
How competitive is the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship?
The scholarship is one of Canada’s most competitive undergraduate awards for international students. Only about 37 students worldwide are selected annually from a large pool of highly qualified applicants. Successful candidates typically have exceptional academic records, strong leadership experience, creativity, and a proven commitment to making a positive difference in their schools and communities.
Conclusion:
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto is a wonderful opportunity for exceptional international students to pursue their undergraduate studies in Canada. With full financial support and recognition of their leadership and academic abilities, the scholarship aims to empower these students to contribute positively to their communities and the global society. If you meet the eligibility criteria, consider applying for this prestigious scholarship to further your education at one of Canada’s leading institutions.