What if you could attend one of Canada’s top universities, not worry about tuition, accommodation, or books, and focus completely on growing your ambitions? That’s the promise of the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship. Designed for exceptional international high school students, this scholarship covers all essential expenses for four years of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto. You might be wondering how that could be possible; that is exactly why we are here.
In this post, you’ll discover:
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✅ What the Pearson Scholarship is and what makes it so prestigious
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✅ Who is eligible, and what are the requirements?
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✅ Exactly what costs are covered (tuition, residence, fees, etc.)
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✅ How the nomination + application process works, with key deadlines
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✅ Tips to make your application stand out
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✅ Common questions answered so you don’t get stuck
By the end, you’ll be ready to know whether this is for you—and what to do now to give yourself the best shot at becoming a Pearson Scholar.
📘 What Is the Pearson Scholarship?
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The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a merit-based, fully funded undergraduate scholarship at the University of Toronto for international students from 180+ countries.
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Each year, exceptional students are chosen globally for this opportunity.
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It’s intended for students entering their first undergraduate degree (i.e., not for those who have already done post-secondary studies) and who show exceptional academic performance, creativity, and leadership.
See Also: Sydney’s RTP & International Stipend Scholarship: Fully Funded Research Awaits
💡 What the Scholarship Covers
Here’s what selected scholars will receive:
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Full tuition fees for four years of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.
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Books and incidental fees for all four years. Every resource needed will be provided.
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Full residence support (on-campus housing) for four years.
What is typically not covered (or not clearly stated), and what you should verify:
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Travel costs to/from Canada (usually not included)
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Visa/study permit fees, health insurance (unless mentioned separately) may or may not be included—check current policy.
🔑 Who Can Apply & What Are the Requirements
To qualify:
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Be an international student (non-Canadian, requiring a study permit).
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Be in your final year of high school (secondary school) or have recently graduated (no earlier than June of the previous year).
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Be applying to begin your undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September of the scholarship year.
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Have excellent academic records, leadership qualities, creativity, and demonstrated community impact
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You will be nominated by your high school. Each school typically can nominate only one student per year.
🗓️ Nomination, Application & Deadlines
Here’s how the process generally works, with typical timeline markers:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| School Nomination | Your high school must nominate you. If the school is not yet registered, it often needs to apply to become part of the Pearson nomination system. |
| Apply to the University of Toronto | Apply through OUAC (Ontario Universities’ Application Centre) by the deadline for admitted students. Your first-choice program matters. |
| Pearson Scholarship Application | Once nominated, and once you apply to the University of Toronto, you receive a private link to the Pearson scholarship application. Application includes essays, references, etc. |
Typical Deadlines:
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School nomination around early October (dates vary—often October 10)
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University of Toronto admission application through OUAC: Mid-October
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Pearson scholarship application deadline: November (annually).
See Also: Your Fully Funded Gateway to Study Across Europe: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship
🚀 How to Make Your Application Stand Out
To increase your chances of becoming one of those Pearson Scholars:
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Be proactive: tell your counselor early, ensure your school is eligible to nominate, and begin gathering documents in advance.
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Show leadership & community impact: schools and scholarship committees love students who lead, initiate, volunteer, and have made a difference locally.
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Creativity & originality: your essays/personal statement should reveal your voice, not just repeat what’s standard. Tell what you did, why it mattered, and your vision for the future.
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Academic excellence: strong grades, rigorous courses, good test scores.
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Request strong references: find teachers or mentors who know you well, can speak to not just your grades but your character, leadership, and creativity.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is health insurance covered?
It’s not always explicitly covered in the Pearson package. You should check the current guidelines on the University of Toronto Pearson scholarship webpage. Some coverage may be included separately.
2. Can I apply if I have already done some university-level courses?
No. The scholarship is only for incoming undergraduate students in their first degree. If you have already begun post-secondary studies, you’re likely not eligible.
3. What if my school is not nominated or listed?
If your school is not yet verified for the Pearson nomination process, your school must apply to become a nominating school via the University of Toronto’s scheme. Also, schools can only nominate one student per year.
4. Will I get selected if I apply late or miss a deadline?
No. Deadlines are strict. If you miss the school nomination, U of T admission, or Pearson application deadlines, you forfeit eligibility. So work ahead.
To Apply: Visit University of Toronto Pearson Scholarship
🌟 Conclusion & Call to Action
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is more than just financial support—it’s a chance to unlock your full potential, to grow not just academically but as a global leader, to build friendships and networks, and to study in one of the world’s most vibrant cities at one of its leading universities.
If you believe you have the drive, the record, the vision, this is your moment. Here’s what you SHOULD do next:
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Talk to your high school counselor today to see if they can nominate you.
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Begin your University of Toronto application (via OUAC), making sure your first-choice programme aligns with your goals.
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Draft your essays & collect references now—don’t wait for the last minute.
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Mark the deadlines (nomination, admission, scholarship application) in your calendar and plan backward.
Don’t let uncertainty or delay stop you. Bring your passion, your leadership, your voice—and apply. If done right, this scholarship could change the course of your future.
See Also: Sydney’s RTP & International Stipend Scholarship: Fully Funded Research Awaits
