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Lester B. Pearson Scholarship

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.

Awarded annually, this is U of T’s most prestigious and competitive scholarship for international students from around the world, including international students studying at Canadian high schools. The scholarship program is intended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity, and who are recognized as leaders within their school, emphasizing their future potential to contribute positively to the global community.

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship applications are managed by Enrollment Services and all questions should be directed to pearson.scholarship@utoronto.ca. For details of how to apply to this scholarship, please visit: future.utoronto.ca/pearson/about/

The Program

The Pearson Program Office housed within the Centre for International Experience (CIE) offers different enrichment and support programs for Pearson Scholars currently studying at U of T.  

Pearson Welcome Events

In September every year, a series of events are organized to welcome incoming Year 1 Pearson Scholars to U of T.

These events include:

  • a Pearson Orientation,
  • a team building activity, as well as
  • a Pearson Welcome Reception attended by the U of T President.

One-on-One Check-in Meetings

The Pearson Program Office advises all Pearson Scholars at U of T throughout their enrolment. Each Pearson Scholar is also assigned to an advisor on their campus of study for their four years at U of T.

The Pearson Advisors conduct one-on-one check-in meetings with all Pearson Scholars each semester to support their plans at U of T and to help them navigate different resources on campus.

Pearson Peer Mentorship Program

Year 1 Pearson Scholars are assigned upper-year Pearson Scholars as their mentors.  

Peer Mentors meet regularly with their Peer Mentees during the scholars’ first year at U of T and share their own experiences of the first year transition with their Mentees.

Pearson Faculty Mentorship Program

In their second year of study at U of T, each Pearson Scholar is matched with a U of T Faculty Mentor.  

Faculty Mentors are able to advise Pearson Scholars on their academic plan as well as other opportunities on and off campus.

Pearson Enrichment Activities

The Pearson Program Office organizes Enrichment Activities on different themes such as Leadership, Career Exploration, Alumni Networking, Graduate School Applications, Entrepreneurship etc. to support the development of the Pearson Scholars. 

The Pearson Social Committee, consisting of 9 Pearson Scholars, also plan monthly social events for the Pearson Community.

Pearson Leadership and Enrichment Certificate

The Pearson Leadership and Enrichment Certificate Program is created to record all extracurricular activities that each Pearson Scholar has participated in during their four years at U of T.   

Pearson Scholars who have completed all requirements of the program will be awarded the Enrichment Certificate at the end of their four years at U of T.

Previous and Current Pearson Scholars

The profiles of the Pearson Scholars studying at the University of Toronto can be found here: 

2017 Pearson Scholars

2018 Pearson Scholars

2019 Pearson Scholars

2020 Pearson Scholars

2021 Pearson Scholars

2022 Pearson Scholars

2023 Pearson Scholars

2024 Pearson Scholars

Scholar Stories

SCholar Testimonials

Upcoming event: Annual Pearson Conference 2023

Sign up here.

CELEBRATING THE GRADUATING CLASS OF PEARSON SCHOLARS (SUMMER 2022)

U of T honours the second cohort of Lester B. Pearson International Scholars to complete their studies.

The second cohort of Lester B. Pearson International Scholars to graduate from the University of Toronto was celebrated at a June 14 reception at the Faculty Club. Pearson Scholars hold the University’s most prestigious and competitive international scholarships, awarded each year to outstanding students from around the world.

To read about the event, please click here.

Welcoming the 2021 Lester B. Pearson Scholars to the University (Fall 2021)

The Pearson Program Office recently held a recent virtual reception that welcomed the 36 scholarship recipients to the university.

U of T President Meric Gertler said the event has become a highlight since the “Pearson scholars embody so clearly the distinctive strengths and values” of the university.

The scholarships are considered U of T’s most prestigious and competitive scholarship for international students – awarded to those who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and who are recognized as leaders within their high school. This year’s recipients were chosen from a total of 1,761 applicants.

To read about the event, please click here.

Celebrating the First ANnual Pearson Conference (Fall 2021)