How a Pakistani Scholar Won U of T’s CAD $350,000 Lester B. Pearson Scholarship

I’m Haris Malik, a final‑year Computer Science specialist in the co‑op stream at the University  of  Toronto. I grew up in a small town in northern Pakistan and moved to Islamabad for high school. From toy gadgets to basic code snippets, I have always loved building things that make life easier, so computer science felt like the most natural way to keep doing that on a larger scale.

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Details

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is U of T’s flagship award for global students. It covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and four years of on‑campus housing, about  CAD$350,000 in total. Only thirty‑seven students worldwide receive it each year, chosen for creativity, leadership, and community impact.

Educational Background

At Beaconhouse, I earned straight A’s across eight O‑Level subjects. At Roots Ivy, I secured seven A’s at AS level and the AICE Diploma. Those courses drilled time management and critical thinking into my routine, skills that proved vital during every application stage.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University  of  Toronto?

I started research in early 2020. When COVID pushed many schools to test‑optional, I doubled down on my A‑Level results and leadership roles instead of chasing canceled SAT/ACT sittings. I built a shortlist of thirty universities using websites, scholarship guides, and alumni chats. My A* in O‑Level English exempted me from TOEFL/IELTS.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship?

From Grade 11 onward, I met monthly with my counsellor to map deadlines. A full‑ride spot on the Oxbridge summer program at Harvard showed curiosity and initiative, so I highlighted that. I drafted essays early and shared them widely with teachers, mentors, and alumni until the story felt honest and sharp.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Resilience: after my father passed when I was twelve, I balanced family duties with school and sport.
Leadership: I founded the “Behtar Pakistan Movement,” teaming up with the Red Crescent on local welfare projects.
Discipline: I captained my regional U‑16 cricket team and won Pakistan’s national taekwondo championship. Each story demonstrated real‑world impact, not just a title.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I’d start essay outlines in Grade 10 and attend more scholar Q&A sessions to refine my focus and interview style even earlier.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Plan far ahead, stay authentic, invite feedback from many voices, and always quantify the change you create. Those simple steps can make any application shine.