The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships at the University of Toronto offer an exceptional opportunity for outstanding international students to pursue their studies at one of the world’s leading universities, located in the vibrant and diverse city of Toronto. These scholarships aim to recognize students who exhibit exceptional academic excellence and creativity, as well as leadership qualities within their school communities.
Emphasizing the impact students have had on their school and local communities, as well as their potential to contribute positively to the global community, the scholarship program seeks to nurture future leaders and innovators.
Awarded annually, these scholarships are open to outstanding students from around the globe, including international students attending Canadian high schools. Regarded as one of U of T’s most prestigious and competitive awards for international students, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for a duration of four years. These scholarships are exclusively available for first-entry undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto.
Approximately 37 students are selected as Lester B. Pearson Scholars each year, representing the best and brightest talents from diverse backgrounds.
Notice: The University of Toronto is aware of fraudulent emails claiming to assist students with applications for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship program. Students are advised to exercise caution when researching scholarship opportunities and assessing communications regarding our programs. The University does not engage with recruitment agents or agencies. Students interested in applying for a Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship should follow the instructions provided on the official university website and submit their applications directly to the University.
How to Apply
To qualify as a Pearson Scholar, you must be nominated by your school and apply for undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. Consult your school’s guidance counselor to inquire about the nomination process. Once you’ve received a nomination and have submitted your application to the University of Toronto, you’ll receive a personalized, secure link to access the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship application.
Pearson Scholars are students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and creativity, are recognized as leaders within their school community, and show potential to make significant contributions to the global community in the future. They stand out from their peers not only for their academic achievements but also for their diverse interests, intellectual vigor, and positive impact on the life of their school and community.
About Eligibility
To qualify for the Pearson International Scholarship, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You must be an international student, meaning you require a study permit and are not a Canadian citizen.
- You must currently be in your final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June 2023.
- You must be commencing your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2024. Please note that students who are already attending post-secondary studies cannot be considered for this scholarship, and those starting their studies in January 2024 at another post-secondary institution are also ineligible.
Application Process
To apply for the 2024 Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, follow these steps:
- Receive a nomination from your school: High schools that have not been contacted or verified are required to submit an application to participate in the program. The application form is available on our website. Schools that have participated in previous years will receive access to nomination starting in early September.
- Apply to study at the University of Toronto: Begin your application for admission to the University of Toronto to start your studies in September 2024. Ensure you complete your application by the appropriate deadlines. Please note that you will be considered for the Pearson Scholarship based on your first choice of program at U of T. While you may apply for multiple programs and receive admission to all of them, the Pearson Scholarship, if awarded, will be restricted to your first choice of program at U of T.
- Complete the online Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application: Once you have received a nomination from your school and applied to the university, you will receive a private link to the scholarship application. Use this link to complete your application for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship.