The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is offered by the University of Toronto to international students who have excellent grades, strong leadership skills, and a desire to make a positive impact in the world.
Every year, about 37 students from different countries are selected for this scholarship.
The thing about the scholarship is that it is one of the most competitive scholarships in Canada because it covers all major expenses.
This means that students who win this scholarship can study for free, without worrying about tuition fees, books, cost of living or accommodation costs.
The scholarship is given to students who not only have high grades but also show leadership, creativity, and a strong commitment to helping others.
If you have been actively involved in your school or community—maybe through volunteering, organizing events, or leading projects – this scholarship is for you.
Winning this Scholarship is a big achievement because it gives students the chance to study at one of the best universities in the world without paying any money.
Aside from the financial benefit you will become part of the prestigious group of Pearson Scholars.
Unlike many scholarships that only look at grades, this one also considers your character and the impact you have made in your school and community.
This means you should have done things that show you are a leader, a problem solver, or someone who cares about improving the world.
The competition for this scholarship is tough because students from all over the world apply.
If you are a high-achieving student with a passion for leadership and change, and you dream of studying at the University of Toronto for free, this is your chance to do that at no cost.
About the University of Toronto
The University of Toronto (U of T) is one of the top universities in the world and the best university in Canada.
It was founded in 1827 and is known for its strong academics, world-class research, and diverse student community.
U of T has three campuses:
- St. George Campus – Located in downtown Toronto, this is the main and largest campus. It is in the centre of the city, surrounded by businesses, museums, and parks.
- Scarborough Campus (UTSC) – A smaller campus located in a quieter area. It has strong research programs and co-op work opportunities.
- Mississauga Campus (UTM) – A growing campus with modern buildings, smaller class sizes, and a close-knit student community.
The University of Toronto is one of the best places in the world to study.
It is ranked among the top 20 universities globally and has produced many successful graduates.
The university has one of the largest research libraries in North America and some of the most advanced labs and learning facilities.
Although the cost of living can get high, Toronto is still a great city for students. It is safe and full of opportunities.
As Canada’s largest city, it is home to many international companies and tech startups.
Who is eligible for the scholarship?
To apply for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, you must:
- Be an international student – This means you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be in your final year of high school or have graduated no earlier than the year before.
- Be nominated by your school – Your school must nominate you for the scholarship (you cannot apply on your own).
- Apply to the University of Toronto – You must apply for an undergraduate program at U of T and receive an admission offer.
- Show leadership and community involvement – You should have a history of volunteering, organizing events, or leading projects in your school or community.
- Have excellent grades – You must have high academic achievements in your school studies.
This scholarship is not open to students already studying at U of T.
Benefits of the scholarship
This scholarship is fully funded, meaning it covers all major costs for your studies at U of T.
The benefits include:
- Full tuition fees paid for four years – You will not have to pay any tuition fees.
- Books and study materials – The scholarship covers the cost of textbooks and other learning materials.
- Incidental fees paid – These are extra costs that students usually pay, like lab fees and student services fees.
- Full residence support – Your accommodation (housing) will be covered for four years.
This is one of the best scholarships in the world for international students.
Application deadline
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship has multiple deadlines:
- School nomination starts in November of every admission year – Your school must nominate you by this time.
- U of T application deadline is usually in December – You must apply to the University of Toronto and choose your program.
- Scholarship application deadline: January – Once nominated, you will receive a link to apply for the Pearson Scholarship, which must be submitted by this date.
How to apply
You cannot apply directly for this scholarship. You must be nominated by your school first.
Here’s how the process works:
- Talk to your school – Ask your teacher or principal if your school is registered to nominate students for the Pearson Scholarship. If not, they can apply to become a recognized school.
- Get nominated – Your school must officially nominate you before November of the admission year.
- Apply to the University of Toronto – You must submit an undergraduate application to the U of T.
- Receive an invitation to apply – Once you are nominated and have applied to U of T, you will get a link to complete the Pearson Scholarship application.
- Submit your scholarship application – Fill out the form and submit it before the deadline.
- Wait for the results – If selected, you will be notified.
Useful links
- Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Official Page: https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson/
- University of Toronto Undergraduate Admissions: https://future.utoronto.ca/apply/
If you are an international student who is passionate about learning, leading, and making a difference in the world, this scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study at one of the best universities in the world for free.