The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto stands as a beacon of academic distinction and global leadership. This scholarship program, named after Canada’s 14th Prime Minister, Lester B. Pearson, embodies the university’s commitment to recognizing and empowering outstanding international students who exhibit exceptional academic achievement, leadership qualities, and a commitment to making a positive impact on their communities.
What to know | Details |
| Host Institution(s): | University of Toronto, Canada |
| Level/Field of study: | Undergraduate programme offered at the University |
| Number of Awards: | Each year, approximately 37 students will be named Lester B. Pearson Scholars. |
| Target group: | International students from around the world, including international students studying at Canadian high schools. |
| Scholarship value/inclusions/duration: | The scholarship will cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. |
| Eligibility: | To be eligible to apply to the Pearson International Scholarship, you must be:
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Here are other important things you need to know about the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program:
Contents
Aim of the Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program seeks to attract and support individuals who demonstrate not only exceptional academic performance but also a passion for leadership and a desire for positive change. It proves the University of Toronto’s commitment to developing a varied and globally conscious academic community.
Eligibility Criteria
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is awarded to candidates who demonstrate a strong dedication to community service, academic performance, and leadership potential. International students enrolled in their first year of undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto are eligible to apply for this award.
Financial Coverage
This esteemed scholarship provides complete residential support, books, incidentals, and tuition for four years of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto. The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship offers extensive financial support, enabling recipients to devote themselves entirely to their academic endeavors.
Application Process
Candidates who meet the requirements must first apply for admission to the University of Toronto in order to be considered for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship. Usually, applying for a scholarship requires submitting a separate application that includes essays or personal statements highlighting the applicant’s accomplishments, leadership experiences, and dedication to community service.
Competitive Nature
The scholarship is highly competitive, given the limited number of awards available. Successful candidates not only demonstrate academic excellence but also present a compelling case for how they will contribute to the university community and beyond.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Selection Criteria
Academic achievements, leadership potential, and a demonstrated dedication to community service are among the selection criteria. The University of Toronto is looking for students who share its values of diversity, excellence, and social responsibility.
Related: University of Toronto Scholarships for International Students 2023/2024
Renewal and Continuation
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship recipients may extend their award for a maximum of three more years, provided they continue to maintain a strong academic standing and engage actively in the Pearson Scholars community.
Deadline and Notifications
Candidates need to be aware that the deadline for applying for scholarships usually coincides with the deadline for admission to the university. Following a rigorous screening process, notifications on the scholarship decisions are issued.
Global Recognition
Getting the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a prestigious and globally recognized accomplishment. Students join a distinguished community that actively supports the University of Toronto’s reputation for academic achievement and promotes global perspectives.
Community Engagement
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship recipients are expected to be involved members of the campus community. This involvement extends beyond academic pursuits to encompass extracurricular activities, leadership responsibilities, and community service projects.
Leadership Development
A major focus of the scholarship program is leadership development. Through networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs with experts in many fields, scholars can improve their leadership skills.
Impact on Recipients
Recipients of the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship have long-lasting effects that influence not only their academic path but also their personal and professional growth. Numerous Pearson Scholars go on to lead their fields and make significant contributions to society.
Application guidelines
Applications will open in September 2023.
To become a Pearson Scholar, you must be nominated by your school and apply to undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. To apply, you must:
- Receive a nomination from your school. (High schools not already contacted/verified are asked to submit an application for nomination rights available here.)
- Submit an application for admission to the University of Toronto by the relevant date if you plan to start your studies there in 2024.
- After submitting an online application and receiving a nomination from the university, you can apply for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship.
The deadline for school nominations is November 30, 2023. The deadline for student admissions is December 15, 2023, although it’s best to apply by November 7, 2023. The deadline for scholarship applications is January 15, 2024. It’s crucial to visit the official website to get comprehensive instructions on how to submit an application for this scholarship.
Bottom Line
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto is designed to recognize international students who have demonstrated great academic achievement and innovation and who are regarded as leaders in their institution. A strong 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.
