The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is the University of Toronto's most competitive undergraduate award for international students, covering full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. Named after former Canadian Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lester B. Pearson, around 37 students are selected each year from a global pool of nominated candidates who have represented over 188 countries. This guide covers eligibility, funding, required steps, and the exact 2027 deadlines, verified against the University of Toronto's official Pearson Scholarship page.
Scholarship Summary
| Host University | University of Toronto, Canada |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate (first-entry Bachelor's programs only) |
| Funding Type | Fully funded (tuition, books, incidental fees, full residence support) |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Scholars Selected Annually | Approximately 37 |
| Eligible Nationalities | All international students requiring a Canadian study permit |
| Intake | September 2027 |
| Final Deadline | 6 November 2026 (Pearson Scholarship application) |
About the Scholarship
The Pearson Scholarship recognizes international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity, and who are identified as leaders within their school, with particular emphasis on the impact they've had on their school and community and their future potential to contribute to the global community. It applies to first-entry undergraduate study across any of the University of Toronto's more than 700 undergraduate programs, spanning Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences, Architecture, Music, and more.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Pearson Scholarship, you must:
- Be an international student who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and requires a Canadian study permit
- Be in your final year of secondary school during 2026/2027, or have graduated no earlier than June 2026
- Be beginning your first undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto in September 2027
- Be nominated by your high school (only one nomination per school per year)
Students already attending post-secondary studies, or planning to begin post-secondary study elsewhere before September 2027, are not eligible.
Scholarship Benefits
The Pearson Scholarship is fully funded and covers:
- Full tuition fees for four years
- Books
- Incidental fees
- Full residence support for four years
This makes it one of the most valuable undergraduate scholarships available to international students anywhere in Canada, addressing the two largest cost barriers, tuition and accommodation, in full.
How to Apply
- Ask your school's guidance counsellor, principal, or head of school to nominate you. Schools that have previously participated receive access to the nomination form starting 6 July 2026; schools participating for the first time must apply to join the program by the same nomination deadline, via the official Pearson Scholarships page.
- Apply for admission to at least one undergraduate program at the University of Toronto through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). You may apply to up to three areas of study, but if awarded, the scholarship is restricted to your first-choice program at the time scholarship decisions are made.
- Once your school nomination is confirmed and your university application is submitted, you'll receive a private link to complete the Pearson Scholarship application, including all required documentation.
- Submit the completed scholarship application and supporting documents by the deadline below.
Key Deadlines (2027 Entry)
- 9 October 2026: Deadline for your school to submit your nomination
- 16 October 2026: Deadline to apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto via OUAC
- 6 November 2026: Deadline to complete the Pearson Scholarship application and submit all required documentation
These are the official dates published by the University of Toronto for the 2027 entry cycle. Since the process depends on your school's nomination timeline as much as your own application, it's worth speaking to your guidance counsellor well before October.
A Note on Scholarship Scams
The University of Toronto has publicly warned that fraudulent emails and "agents" have targeted applicants, falsely offering to assist with Pearson Scholarship applications for a fee, or providing false acceptance letters. The Pearson Scholarship Program does not work with agencies or paid agents to recruit students or offer scholarships. All communication and applications should go directly through the official University of Toronto Pearson Scholarships page, and any direct questions can be sent to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship cover?
It covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.
Who is eligible for the Pearson Scholarship?
International students (non-Canadian, requiring a Canadian study permit) who are in their final year of secondary school in 2026/2027 or graduated no earlier than June 2026, and who are beginning first-entry undergraduate study at the University of Toronto in September 2027.
Do I need to be nominated to apply for the Pearson Scholarship?
Yes. You cannot apply directly. Your high school must nominate you, and only one student per school can be nominated each year.
When is the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship deadline?
School nomination is due 9 October 2026, the U of T admission application is due 16 October 2026, and the completed Pearson Scholarship application is due 6 November 2026.
How many students receive the Pearson Scholarship each year?
Approximately 37 students are named Pearson Scholars each year, selected from a global pool of nominated candidates representing over 188 countries.
Get Help With Your Application
Nomination-based scholarships like this one reward students who prepare early, since your school's timeline matters as much as your own. If you'd like guidance on building a strong academic and leadership profile ahead of your nomination, or support with your broader university application strategy, explore other verified opportunities in our scholarship section or reach out directly.
Get matched with a tutor or application advisor:
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