The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2022: Overview, Eligibility & Process

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While Canada is home to some of the best universities globally, studying in the country isn’t exactly economical. This is especially the case for an international student. Luckily, universities like the University of Toronto consistently try to level the playing field. They offer numerous scholarships and grants to international students to reduce the load on their shoulders. One such scholarship they offer is the Lester B Pearson Scholarship. Students looking for financial aid to pursue higher education in Canada will find the Lester B Pearson Scholarship exceedingly beneficial. In this blog, we will cover the eligibility, process, and tips for this scholarship. Keep reading to know all this and more.

Lester B Pearson Scholarship Overview

The Lester B Pearson Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship offered by the University of Toronto. The institute offers this scholarship to its international students based on their academic performance, creative pursuits, and achievements. It is provided to prospective undergraduate students of the university. The scholarship is intended to recognise individuals who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and innovation capabilities. Moreover, special emphasis is on the impact the applicant has had on the life of their community and future potential to contribute to society. Awarded every year, the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship is one of the University of Toronto’s most prestigious scholarships. That said, it is one of the most competitive ones. Here are the things that this scholarship covers:

  • Tuition fee
  • Incidental fees
  • Full residence support for four years
  • Cost of books and study material

The Lester B Pearson Scholarship program gets awarded to approximately 37 outstanding students. This scholarship is a golden opportunity for undergraduate students to pursue academic careers in a closely-knit learning community. Moreover, it is an opportunity for international students to spend the vital years of their lives in a multicultural and diverse city without worrying about the expenditure. The Lester B Pearson Scholarship recipients can be from diverse fields like social sciences, mathematical sciences, life sciences, commerce, architecture, physical education, and music.

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The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2022: Overview, Eligibility & Process
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Eligibility Criteria for Lester B Pearson Scholarship

  • Applicants must be non-Canadian, international students. No Canadian national can apply for this scholarship. However, international students who study in Canadian high schools may apply.
  • Applicant must be in the final year of high school.
  • Applicants must demonstrate a certain level of originality and critical thinking skills.
  • Applicants should be beginning their studies at the University of Toronto in September 2022.
  • Applicants must be nominated by their respective high schools.

Application Process for Lester B Pearson Scholarship

Students who meet the eligibility criterion mentioned above can proceed with the application process. Wondering what are the steps to apply for the Lester B Pearson Scholarship? Read on to know.

  • Applicants should receive nominations from their high schools. The schools not verified by the university need to submit an application for participating in the scholarship programme.
  • After that, the applicants can start their application to study at the University of Toronto. It is vital to complete the application within the appropriate deadlines on this institute’s official website.
  • Once applicants have completed these two steps, they can fill out the form for the Lester B Pearson Scholarship. Each applicant receives a personalised and secure link to fill out the scholarship. Selected students receive an email from the institute.

Here are the documents that applicants need to submit with the Lester B Pearson Scholarship form —

  • Academic transcripts
  • Letter of Recommendation 
  • Statement of purpose
  • Update CV/resume
  • GRE scores
  • A sample of written work
  • A copy of the passport that is valid for at least one year
  • English proficiency certificate

Also Read: Toronto University Scholarship For Indian Students

Tips for Lester B Pearson Scholarship

Every year, several students globally apply to the University of Toronto for their bachelor’s degrees. A significant number of them also apply for the Lester B Pearson Scholarship. As a result, the competition gets excessively high. Here are a few beneficial tips for students that can allow them to stand out from the crowd —

  • Working on one’s writing skills is vital. This scholarship requires applicants to submit a written piece of work or essay. So, one must enhance their writing skills while they can and submit the best possible document for consideration.
  • It is essential to display enthusiasm for the acquisition of new skills and learning.
  • As possessing leadership qualities is considered a pro, one must work extensively on them in high school.
  • Having a solid record of extracurricular achievement can be a big advantage.
  • If an applicant applies for various courses at the university, making the choices wisely is essential. That is because only the first choice of programme gets considered for the scholarship.

Conclusion

Named after the father of modern peacekeeping, The Lester B Pearson Scholarship is an opportunity for bright minds globally to study at the University of Toronto, one of the most prestigious universities in Canada. A leading institute in research and teaching, the university offers this scholarship to all international students. Tuition fees, incidental fees, cost of study material, and accommodation expenditure are covered under the Lester B Scholarship. One of the most sought-after international scholarships, the Lester B Pearson Scholarship is provided for undergraduate studies to approximately 37 students each academic year. However, high school students cannot apply for this scholarship single-handedly. That is, it’s essential for the school to nominate them. Students looking to study at the University of Toronto with reduced financial pressure must apply for this scholarship. The scholarship application will be opening very soon. So, students must keep the necessary documents ready and follow the tips mentioned above to land this scholarship award. For further information on the Lester B Pearson Scholarship and the University of Toronto, book a free counselling session with LeapScholar today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline for the Lester B Pearson Scholarship? 

The student scholarship application deadline for this competitive scholarship is 17th January 2023. However, before filling out this form, students need to earn a nomination and apply to study at the University of Toronto. The deadlines for these are 30th November 2022 and December 2022, respectively.

When are the winners of the scholarship announced? 

Winners of the Lester B Pearson Scholarship get announced at the end of April.

What qualities should applicants for the Lester B Scholarship possess to succeed?

Students applying for this scholarship must possess impeccable academic achievements, strong leadership skills, and the potential to be change-makers. Moreover, they should display creative skills and a knack for innovation.

Can one submit their application for Lester B Pearson in person? 

No. Students need to fill out the application online. After successfully applying to the University of Toronto, students can apply for this scholarship through a link provided by the institute.

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Saket Kohli

An International Higher Ed professional with 7+ years of experience studying, working, and living across three geographies, currently on a mission to share his journey as an International Student.

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