About the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

• Scholarship Name: Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship.
• University: University of Toronto, Canada.
• Amount: Fully funded — tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
• Eligibility: International students in their final year of secondary school or who have graduated no earlier than the previous year.
• Selection Criteria: Academic excellence, creativity, leadership, and community impact.
• GPA Requirement: Top of the graduating class.
• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL 100+ / Duolingo 120+.
• Application Process: Must be nominated by your school, then apply through the University of Toronto portal.
• Renewability: Renewable for all four years with strong academic standing.
• Application Deadline: November 7, 2025 (school nomination) and January 15, 2026 (student application).

How to Win the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship

Writing a Winning Motivation Letter

• Open with a defining moment that demonstrates your leadership or impact.
• Show how your achievements have shaped your community.
• Name the exact U of T program and why it fits your goals.
• Explain your plan to contribute globally after graduation.
• Close with a clear, sincere commitment.

Asking for School Nomination and Recommendation Letters

• Ask your school counselor 2–3 months in advance for the nomination.
• Provide your CV, transcript, draft essay, and scholarship criteria.
• Ask teachers who know you academically and personally.
• Send polite reminders 2 weeks before the deadline.

Preparing for the Interview

• Rehearse "Why Toronto?" and "How will you give back?"
• Prepare one story for each leadership and community question.
• Know your submission deeply.
• Prepare 2–3 thoughtful questions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the school nomination deadline. This is separate and earlier than the student application.
• Submitting uncertified transcripts. Must be certified translations.
• Generic statements. Tailor every paragraph to U of T and Pearson values.
• Forgetting community impact. Pearson weighs it heavily.
• Applying to only one scholarship. Successful applicants apply to 10+.
• Ignoring school deadlines. Give your counselor a written schedule.

Remember, Pearson requires school nomination — plan early!

Application Details

Required Documents

• School nomination form
• Certified academic transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement / essay
• CV / Resume
• Copy of passport or national ID

Application Timeline

• Exact Deadline: November 7, 2025 (school nomination); January 15, 2026 (student application)
• Application Opens: September 2025
• Review Period: February 2026
• Interviews: February–March 2026
• Final Decisions: March 2026
• Academic Year Begins: September 2026

Selection Criteria

• Academic excellence
• Creativity and innovation
• Leadership and community impact
• Fit with the University of Toronto
• Potential for global impact

Additional Information

• Application Fee: CAD 180 (waivers available)
• Number of Awards: Approximately 37 globally per year
• Interview Format: Virtual (Zoom)
• Notification Date: Late March 2026
• Proof of Funds: Not required
• Health Insurance: Covered by the university
• Family Allowance: No
• Visa Support: Yes, U of T issues visa support letters
• Contact Email: international.scholarships@utoronto.ca