Lester B Pearson International Scholarship

The Lester B Pearson International Scholarship is the University of Toronto’s most prestigious fully funded award for international students, covering tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence for four years. Each year, only about 37 students worldwide are selected, making it one of the most competitive scholarships in Canada.  

Named after Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, the program recognizes exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership potential. Designed for global changemakers, the scholarship provides access to world-class education in Toronto, consistently ranked among the top universities globally. 

Key Highlights:  

Feature	Details
Scholarship Name	Lester B Pearson International Scholarship
University	University of Toronto, Canada
Coverage	Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence for 4 years
Number of Awards	Approximately 37 students are selected annually
Eligibility	International students (non-Canadian), final year of secondary school, nominated by school
Selection Criteria	Academic excellence, creativity, leadership, and community impact
Deadline	Nomination and application deadlines vary annually (typically November–January)
Prestige	One of Canada’s most competitive and fully funded undergraduate scholarships
Named After	Lester B. Pearson, former Canadian Prime Minister & Nobel Peace Prize laureate

Eligibility Criteria for the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship 

The Lester B Pearson International Scholarship is open only to international students in their final year of secondary school. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic excellence, creativity, and leadership, and be nominated by their school before applying to the University of Toronto. 

Here are the key eligibility criteria: 

Criterion	Details
International Student Status	Must be a non-Canadian requiring a study permit.  Domestic students are not eligible.
Final Year of Secondary School	Applicants must be in their last year of high school or have graduated no earlier than June of the application year.
Academic Excellence	Consistently outstanding grades across subjects.  Demonstrated creativity and intellectual curiosity.
Leadership and Community Impact	Proven record of leadership in school or community activities.  Ability to inspire peers and contribute positively to society.
School Nomination Requirement	Each high school can nominate only one student per year.  Nomination is mandatory before applying for the scholarship.
University of Toronto Application	Candidates must apply to study at the University of Toronto through the OUAC (Ontario Universities’ Application Centre).

Quick Fact: Only about 37 students worldwide are chosen annually, making the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship one of the most competitive undergraduate awards in Canada. 

Application Process for the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship 

Applying for the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship involves a school nomination, submitting an OUAC application to the University of Toronto, and completing a personalized scholarship form. Each year, only about 37 students worldwide are selected through this rigorous process. 

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown: 

1. School Nomination 

• Students must first be nominated by their high school. 
• Each school can nominate only one student per year, making this step highly competitive. 

2. Apply to the University of Toronto 

• Submit your undergraduate application through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). 
• Ensure you meet all program-specific requirements and deadlines. 

3. Receive Scholarship Application Link 

• Once nominated and after applying to U of T, you will receive a personalized scholarship application link. 
• This link allows you to complete the official Lester B Pearson International Scholarship application. 

4. Submit Scholarship Application 

• Provide detailed information about your academic achievements, leadership roles, and community impact. 
• Include references and personal statements that highlight creativity and leadership potential. 

5. Selection Process 

• The University of Toronto reviews all applications and selects approximately 37 scholars worldwide each year. 
• Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to making a positive impact. 

Important Deadlines for the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship 

Deadlines for the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship are strict: school nominations typically close in October, OUAC applications in January, and scholarship submissions shortly after nomination. Missing any step will disqualify applicants. 

To successfully apply for the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto, candidates must adhere to the following timeline: 

Stage	Deadline (2026 Intake)
School Nomination Deadline	October 17, 2025
OUAC Admission Application Deadline	January 15, 2026
Scholarship Application Deadline	Shortly after nomination (typically November–January)
Selection Announcement	Spring 2026

Selection Process for the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship 

The selection process for the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship is highly competitive and designed to identify students who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also creativity, leadership, and a commitment to making a positive impact on their communities. Each year, only about 37 international students worldwide are chosen, making it one of the most selective undergraduate scholarships in Canada. 

Key Elements of the Selection Process:  

• Nomination Verification: The university first confirms that each applicant has been properly nominated by their school. Without nomination, applications are not considered. 
• Academic Review: Candidates are assessed for consistent academic excellence across subjects, not just high grades in one area. Intellectual curiosity and creativity are also valued. 
• Leadership & Community Impact: Reviewers look for evidence of leadership roles, community service, and the ability to inspire peers. This ensures scholars are not only strong academically but also socially impactful. 
• Holistic Evaluation: Personal statements, references, and essays are carefully reviewed to understand the applicant’s vision, values, and potential contributions. 
• Final Selection Committee: A dedicated committee at the University of Toronto selects approximately 37 scholars worldwide each year, based on a holistic assessment of merit and leadership potential. 

Benefits of the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship 

The Lester B Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto is one of the most generous and prestigious awards available to international students. It not only removes financial barriers but also provides unique opportunities for academic growth, leadership development, and global networking. 

Key Benefits: 

1. Full Tuition Coverage: All tuition fees for four years of undergraduate study are fully funded, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their education without financial stress. 

2. Books and Incidental Fees Included: The scholarship covers the cost of textbooks and mandatory incidental fees, ensuring students have access to all required academic resources. 

3. Residence Support: Scholars receive guaranteed residence support for the duration of their program, providing safe and affordable housing in Toronto. 

4. Global Recognition: Being awarded the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship places students among the top international scholars worldwide, enhancing their academic and professional reputation. 

5. Leadership Development: The program emphasizes creativity, leadership, and community impact, encouraging scholars to become changemakers in their fields. 

6. Networking Opportunities: Scholars join a diverse community of peers and alumni, gaining access to mentorship, collaboration, and career opportunities across the globe. 

7. Career Advantage: Graduates benefit from the University of Toronto’s strong global reputation, opening doors to advanced studies, research opportunities, and international careers. 

Conclusion 

The Lester B Pearson International Scholarship stands as one of the most prestigious and competitive awards for international students, offering full financial support and unparalleled opportunities at the University of Toronto. With only about 37 scholars selected worldwide each year, it recognizes exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership potential. 

Beyond covering tuition, books, and residence, the scholarship empowers students to become global changemakers and future leaders. For ambitious students seeking a world-class education in Canada, the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship is truly a life-changing opportunity that opens doors to academic excellence and international impact. 

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