The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships at the University of Toronto provide an unparalleled opportunity for outstanding international students to study at one of the world’s best universities in one of the world’s most multicultural cities. The Lester B Pearson Scholarship program is intended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their school.
A special emphasis is placed on the student’s impact on the life of their school and community, as well as their future potential to positively contribute to the global community. These scholarships, which are given out each year, recognize outstanding students from all over the world, including international students studying in Canadian high schools. This is the most prestigious and competitive scholarship for international students at the University of Toronto.
For four years, the Lester B. Pearson Scholarships will cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support. The scholarship is only available for first-year undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto. Every year, 37 students are named Lester B. Pearson Scholars.
About the University of Toronto
The University of Toronto, founded in 1827, is Canada’s largest university and a global leader in research and education. The University of Toronto’s distinguished faculty, institutional record of groundbreaking scholarship, and abundance of innovative academic opportunities continue to attract outstanding students and academics from all over the world. Few other universities provide such a wide range of programs and resources.
The University of Toronto is dedicated to providing a learning experience that takes advantage of both a scale that is almost unparalleled in North America and the close-knit learning communities made possible by its college system and academic divisions. The University of Toronto offers 700 undergraduate programs in Humanities and Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Commerce & Management, Computer Science, Engineering, Kinesiology & Physical Education, Music, and Architecture.
The University of Toronto’s vibrant academic life is defined by a unique degree of cultural diversity in its learning community, which is located in and around Toronto, one of the world’s most diverse regions. Toronto is regarded as one of the safest large cities in the world, as well as one of the best places to live — it attracts the best and brightest, who come in search of world-class business, culture, and education. Toronto hosts more than 30 major festivals and cultural events each year, has North America’s third-largest public transportation system and has over 8000 hectares of park space. Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area are dynamic cities with diverse landscapes, welcoming communities, and exciting opportunities.
The University of Toronto stands among the top research universities in the world. The University of Toronto’s 44 libraries make up the third largest library system in North America and produce more research than almost any other institution worldwide and our 500,000+ alumni can be found across the globe. Students learn from leading scholars and academics who come to the University of Toronto for its world-class facilities and global prestige. An education from the University of Toronto is not only internationally recognized, but it is also highly regarded and easily transferable — in fact, our graduates are considered some of the world’s most employable.
The University of Toronto’s reputation attracts students from 165 countries and regions. They participate in hundreds of clubs, compete in 25 varsity sports, and take part in unique learning opportunities. Our Colleges and undergraduate faculties give students the support of small, welcoming communities, while also the benefits of a large, internationally connected institution.
About the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Program
The University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships offers an unparalleled opportunity for outstanding international students to study at one of the world’s best universities in one of the world’s most multicultural cities. The scholarship program is designed to recognize students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and creativity, as well as who are recognized as school leaders. A special emphasis is placed on the student’s impact on the life of their school and community, as well as their future potential to positively contribute to the global community.
It’s also worth noting that the University of Toronto has been made aware of fraudulent emails offering to help students apply for our Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship program. Please be cautious when looking for scholarship opportunities and evaluating communications about our programs. The University of Toronto does not use recruitment agencies or agents. Students who wish to apply for a Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship should follow the instructions on this website and submit their applications to the University directly.
Students who applied for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program can expect to hear back from the University by the end of April 2021. Students from all over the world are eligible for 37 four-year scholarships.
The scholarship is named after Lester B. Pearson, the father of modern peacekeeping. He was one of Canada’s greatest prime ministers and the only Canadian to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
The scholarship seeks to alleviate the financial burdens of students who possess leadership qualities and can contribute to various areas of development. The University of Toronto, as one of the best Canadian universities for higher studies, maybe one of the best options for students looking to study in Canada.
How to Apply for Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Program
To become a Pearson Scholar, you must be nominated by your school and apply to the University of Toronto for undergraduate studies. Inquire with your school’s guidance counselor about being nominated. You will be sent a personalized, secure link to the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship application once you have been nominated and have applied to the University of Toronto.
Pearson Scholars are students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and creativity, are recognized as school leaders, and have the potential to contribute to the global community in the future. They can be distinguished from other students with comparable academic achievements by their breadth of interests, intellectual energy, and impact on the life of their school and community.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply to the Pearson International Scholarship, you must be:
- an international student (i.e. a non-Canadian requiring a study permit);
- currently in your final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June 2021
- beginning your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2022 (students already attending post-secondary studies cannot be considered; students starting their studies in January 2022 at another post-secondary institution cannot be considered)
- Must demonstrate a certain amount of originality of thinking and creativity;
- Must have academic success and involvement in creative endeavors;
- Must demonstrate a desire to learn new things and acquire new talents;
- Must possess leadership characteristics;
- Must be in your last year of high school OR you must be in your senior year of high school at the time of application;
- Must have completed their education before June 2021.
Required Documents for Lester B Pearson Scholarship
Below is a list of the essential document required to apply to the Lester B Pearson Scholarship:
- All official education transcripts of the past
- Letters of recommendation
- Updated Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- A sample of written work
- GRE scores
Application Process for Lester B Pearson Scholarship
To apply, you will need to:
- The applicant has to receive a nomination from his or her school (High schools not already contacted/verified are asked to apply to participate in our program, available here.
- Apply to study at the University of Toronto to begin their studies in 2022 and complete their application for admission by the appropriate deadlines. Please be advised that an applicant will be considered for the Pearson Scholarship for their first choice of a program at the University of Toronto.
- One may apply for several programs and may receive admission to them all; however, the Pearson Scholarship, if awarded to the applicant, would be restricted to their first choice of a program at the University of Toronto at the time the scholarship decisions are made.
- Once the University of Toronto receives a nomination and the applicant has applied to the university, the applicant can complete the online Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application.
Selection Process
Approximately 37 incoming students of the University of Toronto are awarded under the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program. Recipients are majorly selected based on the:
- Scholarship application
- High school nomination
- Fulfillment of eligibility criteria
Any scholarships awarded will be valid and acceptable only at the University of Toronto.
Here’s a detailed videovideo on how to apply for the Lester B. Pearson international scholarship.
Conclusion
This is everything you need to know about the Lester B Pearson Scholarship for international students that could help you finance your dream of studying at the University of Toronto.
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