
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a highly competitive and prestigious scholarship program offered by the University of Toronto to recognize outstanding international students with exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership qualities. Each year, approximately 37 students are named Pearson Scholars and receive full tuition coverage for four years, including books, incidental fees, and residence support. The scholarship is tenable only at the University of Toronto for first-entry undergraduate programs. To be eligible, students must be nominated by their school and meet specific academic and extracurricular criteria. With the increasing number of inquiries and applicants worldwide, the competition for this prestigious scholarship is expected to grow significantly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of scholarships awarded each year | 37 |
| Who can apply? | International students with a Canadian student visa |
| Who can nominate? | High schools |
| Number of nominations per school | 1 |
| Application deadline | November 8, 2024 |
| Scholarship award notification date | End of April every year |
| Number of essays | 2 long, 2 short |
| Total word count | 1800 |
| University application deadline | Mid-December |
| Scholarship application deadline | Mid-January |
| Scholarship coverage | Tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years |
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Nomination by school
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a highly competitive and prestigious award, with only around 37 students selected each year from a pool of applicants from 170 nations and regions. The scholarship is open to international students who are in their final year of high school or have graduated from high school no earlier than the previous year.
The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, leadership qualities, and the potential to contribute to the global community. The selection process involves each high school nominating their top candidate, with only one nomination allowed per school. The nominated student becomes the sole applicant for the scholarship from that school.
To be eligible for nomination, students must meet the scholarship criteria, which include academic excellence, creativity, leadership, and a demonstrated impact on their school and community. The school's guidance counsellor is typically involved in the nomination process, and schools are encouraged to put forward the student who best exemplifies the qualities of a Pearson Scholar.
Once a student has been nominated by their school, they will receive a private link to access the scholarship application. The application includes several essays, with the main essay focusing on the student's accomplishments, contributions, and how these experiences have shaped them. The student will also need to submit all necessary documentation by the specified deadline, which is typically in November.
The University of Toronto, which offers the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, does not interact with agencies or educational "agents" in recruiting students or offering scholarships. The university has also warned applicants to exercise caution when researching scholarship opportunities due to fraudulent emails offering assistance with applications.
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Application process
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a prestigious and competitive award that recognises outstanding students from across the globe. The scholarship is tenable only at the University of Toronto for first-entry, undergraduate programs. Each year, approximately 37 students are named Lester B. Pearson Scholars.
To become a Pearson Scholar, you must first be nominated by your high school. Schools can nominate one student per year, and the student must be their top candidate. Once nominated, you will receive an email with instructions on how to apply through the OUAC portal, the central application system for Canadian universities.
The application process involves submitting a nomination letter from your school, with no recommendation letters required. You will also need to complete a series of essays, including a central essay of about 800 words, discussing your accomplishments, contributions, and experiences, as well as a self-recommendation letter. There will also be shorter essays of around 100 words each, answering specific questions.
In addition to the essays, you must apply to undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto by the specified deadline. Once you have been nominated and have applied to the university, you will receive a personalised, secure link to the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship application.
It is important to note that the scholarship application deadlines may differ from the university application deadlines. The scholarship application typically requires about a month to complete, and the essays can total around 1800 words. The university application deadline is usually in mid-December, while the scholarship application is often due by mid-January.
Make sure to carefully review all the requirements and deadlines for the application process to ensure your submission is complete and on time.
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Eligibility criteria
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program is a prestigious scholarship offered by the University of Toronto to honour Lester B. Pearson, a former Canadian Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner. The scholarship is designed to recognise and encourage international students with exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership qualities who have the potential to contribute positively to the global community.
To be eligible for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- International Students: Applicants must be international students, i.e., non-Canadians requiring a study permit or Canadian student visa. The scholarship is open to students from 170 countries.
- Academic Achievement: Candidates must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and have a good academic record. They should be in their final year of high school or have graduated from high school by June of the application year.
- Creativity and Leadership: Applicants should showcase their creativity and leadership potential, as recognised by their school and within their community.
- Nomination by School: Students must be nominated by their school. Each school can nominate only one student, who becomes the sole applicant from that school.
- Undergraduate Studies: Applicants must apply to first-entry, undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. The scholarship is tenable only at this university.
- Application Deadline: The scholarship application typically has a deadline of mid-January, and students must submit their applications before this date.
It is important to note that the use of generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, is prohibited when creating content for the University of Toronto undergraduate award applications, including the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship.
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Acceptance rate
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 1.68% in 2019. This rate is even lower than Harvard's acceptance rate for the Class of 2025. The scholarship is awarded to 37 incoming undergraduate students at the University of Toronto each year, and nominations are accepted from high schools worldwide, with each school allowed to nominate one student annually. The application process involves submitting academic scores, references, and a statement of purpose (SOP), with preference given to applicants demonstrating leadership qualities and creativity in their school or community. The scholarship covers four years of tuition, residence, and other expenses for undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto.
The scholarship is open to international students who are non-Canadians studying in Canada on a student visa. Applicants must demonstrate academic success, creativity, and a desire to learn new skills. They should also showcase their leadership skills and their positive impact on their school and community. The scholarship committee evaluates applicants based on their essays, which are the only means for the committee to assess the candidates.
To apply for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, students must first be nominated by their high school. The nomination process involves schools submitting a nomination form, and once nominated, students receive an email instructing them to apply through the OUAC portal, the central application system for Canadian universities. After registering and submitting their university application, students receive the scholarship application, which includes essays totalling around 1800 words. The scholarship application deadline is typically in mid-January, and results are announced around mid-April.
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships offered by the University of Toronto. It covers the cost of attendance and living expenses in Canada, including books, incidental fees, and other charges. The scholarship is highly sought-after, and the low acceptance rate underscores the importance of having realistic expectations and exploring alternative scholarship opportunities.
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Benefits
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a prestigious and highly sought-after scholarship for international students. The scholarship is named after Lester B. Pearson, a former Canadian Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner, also known as the father of contemporary peacekeeping. The scholarship is a testament to his legacy and aims to recognise outstanding students who embody his spirit of excellence and positive impact on the global community.
Full Financial Support:
The scholarship covers tuition fees, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years of undergraduate studies. This comprehensive financial support ensures that recipients can focus on their academic pursuits without the burden of financial constraints.
Recognition of Outstanding Academic Achievement:
The scholarship recognises students with exceptional academic achievements and a proven track record of success. This recognition not only validates the hard work and dedication of the recipients but also sets them apart as high-achieving scholars on a global platform.
Encouragement of Creativity and Leadership:
Lester B. Pearson Scholars are distinguished by their creativity and leadership qualities. The scholarship encourages and fosters these skills, understanding their importance in shaping innovative and impactful individuals who can make a difference in their communities and the world.
Opportunity to Study at a Prestigious University:
The scholarship is tenable only at the University of Toronto, one of the world's leading universities. Recipients gain access to top-notch educational resources, renowned faculty members, and a diverse, multicultural community. The University of Toronto offers a range of undergraduate programs, providing scholars with a strong foundation for their future endeavours.
Global Recognition and Networking Opportunities:
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a highly competitive and renowned award, attracting applicants from numerous countries. Being named a Lester B. Pearson Scholar opens doors to global recognition and networking opportunities. It connects recipients with a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for learning and making a positive impact.
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Frequently asked questions
Each year, approximately 37 students are selected as Lester B. Pearson Scholars.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
To be eligible, students must be international students enrolled in their final year of senior secondary school or have graduated no earlier than the previous year. They must also demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership qualities.
First, you must be nominated by your school. After receiving a nomination, you can apply to the University of Toronto and complete the online scholarship application by the specified deadline.
The scholarship application deadline is typically in mid-January, but it may vary from year to year.



































