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 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 impact the student has had on the life of their school and community, and their future potential to contribute positively to the global community.
Awarded annually, these scholarships recognize outstanding students from around the world, including international students studying at Canadian high schools. This is U of T’s most prestigious and competitive scholarship for international students.
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships will cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. The scholarship is tenable only at the University of Toronto for first-entry, undergraduate programs. Each year approximately 37 students will be named Lester B. Pearson Scholars.
Eligibility Criteria For The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships 2022/23
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 2022
- beginning your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2023 (students already attending post-secondary studies cannot be considered; students starting their studies in January 2023 at another post-secondary institution cannot be considered)
Application Process For The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
To apply, you will need to:
- Receive a nomination from your school (High schools not already contacted/verified are asked to submit an application to participate in our program, available here.
- Apply to study at the University of Toronto(external link) to begin your studies in 2023 and complete your application for admission by the appropriate deadlines
Please be advised that you will be considered for the Pearson Scholarship for your first choice of program at U of T. You may apply for several programs and may receive admission to them all; however, the Pearson Scholarship, if awarded to you, would be restricted to your first choice of program at U of T at the time our scholarship decisions are made.
Once we’ve received a nomination and you’ve applied to the university, you can complete the online Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application.
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Deadlines
School nomination deadline: November 30, 2022
Student OUAC application deadline: December 14, 2022 (Please note this is the final date to submit an application to the OUAC; however, it is recommended you apply for admission through the OUAC before November 7, 2022 as spaces in programs fill-up quickly and popular programs may close early.)
Student scholarship application deadline: January 16, 2023
Other Frequently Asked Questions
When can I nominate student?
Nominations will be accepted beginning in September. This year’s deadline to nominate a Pearson Scholar is November 30th, 2022.
Can I nominate more than one student?
Schools can nominate one student per year. The Pearson Scholarship is designed to recognize outstanding students from around the globe. Part of the selection process involves your school choosing your top candidate for nomination. We encourage schools to nominate the student that best exemplifies the qualities of a Pearson Scholar.
When will my student nominee receive a decision?
Pearson Scholarship recipients will be notified by the end of April 2023.
Can I nominate a student even if they haven’t applied to U of T?
Yes, you can nominate a student who has not yet applied for admission to U of T. However, in order to submit the scholarship application, students must apply for admission to U of T.
I have more questions—whom can I contact?
Please direct all your enquiries to pearson.scholarship@utoronto.ca
