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.
SCHOLARSHIP AT A GLANCE:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship |
| Institution | University of Toronto |
| Eligibility | – International student (non-Canadian requiring a study permit) – Currently in final year of secondary school or graduated no earlier than June 2023 – Beginning studies at U of T in September 2024 |
| Number of Scholarships | Approximately 37 students annually |
| Coverage | – Tuition – Books – Incidental fees – Full residence support for four years |
| Nomination Deadline | October 11, 2024 |
| OUAC Application Deadline | October 18, 2024 |
| Student Scholarship Application Deadline | November 8, 2024 |
| Application Process | 1. Receive a nomination from your school. 2. Apply to study at the University of Toronto for September 2024. 3. Complete the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application online after nomination and university application. |
| Special Emphasis | Recognizes exceptional academic achievement, creativity, leadership, and impact on school/community with future potential to contribute globally. |
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.
Facts about the University of Toronto
- Royal Charter Origins: The University of Toronto, originally named King’s College, was established by a royal charter from King George IV on March 15, 1827. This prestigious beginning set the stage for a legacy of excellence in education.
- Revolutionary Roots: John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada and founder of York (now Toronto), envisioned the university to counter the spread of republicanism from the United States, demonstrating its foundational role in shaping Canadian society.
- Trailblazing Inclusivity: In 1884, the University of Toronto became one of the first Canadian universities to admit women, marking a significant step towards gender equality in higher education.
- Pioneering Professional Schools: The university was home to Canada’s first faculties in various fields, including the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering (1878), Faculty of Medicine (1843), and Faculty of Forestry (1907).
- Innovative Federation: The university’s collegiate system, formed in the early 1900s, federated with several ecclesiastical colleges, including Trinity College, enhancing its diversity and academic breadth.
- Historic Resilience: Despite a devastating fire in 1890 that destroyed 33,000 volumes, the university swiftly restored University College and its library, showcasing remarkable resilience and dedication to preserving knowledge.
- First in Publishing: The University of Toronto Press, founded in 1901, was Canada’s first academic publishing house, cementing the university’s role as a leader in scholarly dissemination.
- Significant Contributions During Wars: During both World Wars, university activities were curtailed as many students and faculty enlisted, highlighting the university community’s commitment to national service.
- Endowment Milestone: In 2007, the University of Toronto became the first Canadian university to amass a financial endowment greater than one billion dollars, underscoring its financial strength and commitment to long-term growth.
- Record-Breaking Donations: In 2020, the university received a $250 million donation to its Faculty of Medicine from philanthropists James and Louise Temerty, the largest single donation in Canadian history, following a $100 million gift in 2019 for an innovation and AI center.
- Ambitious Fundraising Campaigns: The Boundless campaign (2011-2018) raised a record $2.641 billion, and the Defy Gravity campaign launched in 2021 aims to raise $4 billion, the largest fundraising goal in Canadian history.
Details For 2024 University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship for International Students
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 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.
Requirements For 2024 University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship for International Students
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 2023
- Beginning your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2024 (students already attending post-secondary studies cannot be considered; students starting their studies in January 2024 at another post-secondary institution cannot be considered).
Reward For 2024 University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship for International Students
- The scholarship program is intended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their school.
- The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships will cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
Pearson Scholarship Deadlines
- The last date for the nominating student is October 11, 2024.
- The last date for the OUAC application is October 18, 2024.
- Student Scholarship Deadline: November 8, 2024.
How To Apply For 2024 University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship for International Students
The 2024 Competition opens in September 2023. 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 in September.(external link) High schools who have participated in a previous year will receive their nomination access starting in early September.
- Apply to study at the University of Toronto(external link) to begin your studies in September 2024 and complete your application for admission by the appropriate deadlines(external link). 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. You will receive a private link to the scholarship application when you are successfully nominated by your school.