lester b pearson international scholarship| Fully Funded

Lester b Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto (U of T) stands as Canada’s most prestigious and competitive award for international undergraduate students. Named in honour of Lester Bowles Pearson, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Prime Minister of Canada, this scholarship is a testament to the power of global citizenship and academic excellence. The program is designed to attract and recognize students from around the world who not only demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and creativity but also exhibit remarkable leadership qualities and a tangible commitment to making a positive difference in their global community. It aims to cultivate a network of global change-makers studying in one of the world’s most multicultural and research-intensive cities.

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This highly sought-after scholarship is more than just a financial aid package; it represents a comprehensive, fully funded opportunity that removes the economic barrier to pursuing a world-class education. For the approximately 37 students selected annually, the Pearson Scholarship covers all essential costs associated with a four-year undergraduate degree, including tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support. This extensive financial coverage allows Pearson Scholars to fully immerse themselves in the intellectual vibrancy of the University of Toronto, engaging in campus life and maximizing their educational experience without the burden of financial stress.

The unique structure of the Lester b Pearson International Scholarship emphasizes quality over quantity, as it requires a mandatory nomination from the student’s high school. Each secondary school worldwide is permitted to nominate only one exceptional student per year, ensuring that every applicant considered has already been identified by their local institution as its finest representative of academic prowess and potential for global impact. This rigorous, multi-stage application process which includes nomination, university admission application, and a separate scholarship submission highlights the seriousness of the selection committee’s commitment to finding truly exceptional and well-rounded candidates.

By investing in these global leaders, the University of Toronto reinforces its dedication to fostering international understanding and preparing students to tackle complex global challenges. The program actively seeks candidates whose impact on their school and community is already evident and whose future potential to contribute positively to the world is significant. Scholars who join the Pearson community benefit from dedicated enrichment and support programs housed within U of T’s Centre for International Experience, connecting them with a distinguished cohort of peers and mentors committed to excellence, innovation, and global service.

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Scholarship Summary

Scholarship Benefits

Lester b Pearson International Scholarship is a fully funded award covering the entire duration of the four-year undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto. The comprehensive benefits include:

• Full Tuition Coverage
• Book Allowance
• Incidental Fees
• Full Residence Support
• accommodation costs and a meal plan for four years.
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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Lester b Pearson International Scholarship, candidates must strictly adhere to the following requirements:

• International Student Status: Must be an international student (i.e., a non-Canadian requiring a study permit to study in Canada).
• Educational Enrollment: Must currently be in their final year of senior secondary school (graduating in 2025/2026 academic year) or have graduated no earlier than June 2025.
• Start Date: Must be applying to begin studies at the University of Toronto in September 2026.
• Exclusion: Students who are already attending a post-secondary institution or those starting their studies in January 2026 at any other institution are not eligible.
• Nomination: Applicants must be nominated by their high school. Each school is restricted to nominating only one student per year.
• Academic and Leadership Profile: Must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and proven leadership qualities within their school and community.

Required Documents

The application process requires two separate application submissions (university admission and the scholarship form). While the required documents for the scholarship application itself are accessed through a private link, the overall application process necessitates the following:

• Official School Nomination: Submission of a formal nomination by the high school principal, head of school, or guidance counsellor by the school deadline.
• Completed University Admission Application: Submission of the undergraduate application to the University of Toronto via the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) portal or the University of Toronto International Application (depending on application scenario).
• Academic Transcripts: Official copies of all necessary academic records from the secondary school.
• Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Application: The dedicated online scholarship form, which includes essays or supplemental questions, completed after receiving the private link.
• Supplemental Applications: Any additional documentation required by the chosen U of T program(s).
• Proof of English Proficiency: If required for admission to U of T.

Deadline

The application process is staggered across three critical deadlines, all of which must be met for a student to be considered for the scholarship:

Successful candidates will generally be notified of the scholarship decision starting at the end of January 2026, with all nominees being notified by April 2026.

Step by step Application Process of Lester b Pearson

The application for the Lester b Pearson International Scholarship is a strict three-step sequence that begins with your high school:

1. Receive High School Nomination: The student must approach their guidance counsellor, principal, or head of school and request a nomination. The school must submit the nomination form to the University of Toronto by the October 10, 2025, deadline. Note that schools are limited to one nomination per year. If a school has not participated before, they must first apply to U of T to become a nominating school.
2. Apply for U of T Admission: The nominated student must then apply for admission to an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto through the relevant application channel (usually the OUAC application for international students) by October 17, 2025. Crucially, the scholarship, if awarded, will be restricted to your first choice of program at U of T at the time scholarship decisions are made.
3. Complete the Pearson Scholarship Application: Once U of T has confirmed the school nomination and received the student’s application for admission, the student will receive a personal, secure email link to the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship application. The student must complete this supplemental application and submit all required documentation (including essays/responses to supplemental questions) online by November 7, 2025.

The selection process of Lester b Pearson International Scholarship is highly competitive, emphasizing leadership potential, academic originality, and the applicant’s commitment to community betterment, beyond just high academic grades.