Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship: To study at one of the top universities in the world and one of Canada’s leading universities, international students who want to further their education can apply for Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships.
The Lester B. Pearson International Students Scholarship is designed to recognize outstanding international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, creativity, leadership skills, and a strong commitment to community service.
Scholarship Advantage
The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship at the University of Toronto is a highly prestigious and competitive award that provides significant benefits to the selected recipients.
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- Full Tuition Coverage: The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition for the duration of the recipient’s undergraduate program at the University of Toronto. This is a substantial benefit as it relieves the financial burden associated with tuition fees.
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- Books and Incidental Fees: In addition to covering tuition, the scholarship typically includes financial support for books and incidental fees. This helps ensure that recipients have the necessary resources for their academic studies.
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- Full Residence Support: The scholarship provides full residence support for the duration of the recipient’s undergraduate program. This support may cover accommodation and associated costs, contributing to a comprehensive financial package for the student.
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- Duration: The Lester B. Pearson International Students Scholarship is generally awarded for four years, corresponding to the standard duration of an undergraduate program. This extended support ensures that recipients can focus on their studies without the constant concern of financial constraints.
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- Renewability: The scholarship is often renewable for up to three additional years, provided that recipients maintain a high level of academic achievement, actively engage in their college community, and continue to demonstrate leadership skills. This renewal aspect encourages ongoing excellence and community involvement.
- Leadership Development: Beyond financial support, the scholarship aims to recognize and nurture leadership potential. Recipients are expected to contribute to their college community and engage in leadership activities, fostering personal and professional development.
Requirements
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- Nomination by High School: Since secondary schools frequently nominate candidates, interested students should check with their high school guidance counselor or principal to see if their institution takes part in the nomination process.
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- International Student Status: It is open to international students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The scholarship is designed for international students, and candidates must be applying to begin their studies at the University of Toronto in the upcoming academic year.
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- Exceptional Academic Achievement: Candidates are expected to demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. This typically involves having a high academic average in their secondary school studies. The university may have specific GPA or grade requirements.
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- Leadership Skills: The scholarship values candidates who have demonstrated leadership skills in their school and community. This can include involvement in extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, community service, or leadership roles in other areas.
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- Creativity and Initiative: The scholarship often seeks candidates who have shown creativity, initiative, and a commitment to making a positive impact. This could be in the form of innovative projects, community initiatives, or other endeavors that showcase a candidate’s proactive approach.
- Commitment to Community Service: Recipients of the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship are typically individuals who have actively engaged in community service or volunteer work. The scholarship values candidates who demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the well-being of their com
Procedure for Application
- Nomination by High School: High schools that participate in the nomination process may nominate one student per academic year. Interested students should inquire with their high school guidance counselor or principal to determine if their school is part of the nomination process.
- Apply for Admission to the University of Toronto: The applicant must be currently in their final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June 2023. Applicants applying for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship at the University of Toronto must be international students requiring a study permit. Applicants will begin their studies at the University of Toronto in September 2024. Students who are already enrolled in post-secondary studies are not eligible, as are students beginning their studies in January 2024 at another post-secondary institution.
- Nomination and Selection Process: If your high school is part of the nomination process, they will nominate you for the scholarship. The university’s Admissions Committee will then review the nominations and select a limited number of outstanding students.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply: Selected students will receive an invitation to apply for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship. This invitation will include details about the application process, deadlines, and any required documentation.
- Submit Application Materials: Complete the scholarship application by submitting any required materials. This may include essays, letters of recommendation, and information about your extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, and community service involvement.
- Scholarship Award: Recipients of the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship will be notified of their award. The scholarship typically covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years, with the possibility of renewal.
- Application Deadline: Applicants are to note the following deadlines:
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- Student OUAC application deadline: December 14, 2023 Please note that this is the final date to submit an application to the OUAC.
- Student scholarship application deadline: January 15, 2024
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Extra Funding Source
The Lester B. Pearson International Students Scholarship at the University of Toronto is a comprehensive award that covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years, with the possibility of renewal. As such, it is designed to provide substantial financial support to outstanding international students. In most cases, recipients don’t need to look for additional funding because the scholarship covers their tuition and living expenses.
However, students may still incur additional expenses beyond what the scholarship covers, such as personal expenses, travel, health insurance, and other miscellaneous costs. In such cases, students may explore additional funding sources to help with these expenses. Here are some potential avenues for extra funding:
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- External Scholarships and Grants: Students can explore external scholarship opportunities offered by organizations, foundations, and government agencies. These may be specific to their home country, field of study, or personal achievements.
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- Part-Time Employment: Depending on visa regulations and program requirements, students may explore part-time employment opportunities on or off-campus to supplement their income. It’s important to be aware of any restrictions on international students’ work hours and eligibility.
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- Internships and Co-op Programs: Some academic programs offer internships or co-op programs that provide students with hands-on work experience while earning income. These opportunities can contribute to both financial support and practical skill development.
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- Research Assistant Positions: Students in research-intensive programs may have the option to work as research assistants, contributing to ongoing research projects within their academic department.
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- Summer Employment: During academic breaks, students may consider seeking temporary employment to generate additional income. This could be in fields related to their studies or in other areas.
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- Financial Aid Programs: The university may offer additional financial aid programs or emergency funds to support students facing unexpected financial challenges. Students should inquire with the university’s financial aid office for information on available resources.
Final Thought
The scholarship is named after Lester B. Pearson, a former Prime Minister of Canada and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. It aims to attract and support students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership skills, creativity, and a commitment to community service. The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, covering full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. Recipients may also have the opportunity for renewal for up to three additional years, contingent on maintaining academic excellence and active participation in the college community.
