Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships

an international student (i.e. a non-Canadian requiring a study permit); enrolled in your final year of senior secondary school in 2026/2027 or have graduated no earlier than June 2026; beginning your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027. Students who are already attending post-secondary studies or students who are starting their post-secondary studies in January 2027 at U of T or another post-secondary institution are not eligible for the Pearson International Scholarship. Nominated by your high school. Apply to undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto.

Confirm your eligibility.
Ask your guidance counsellor, principal or head of school if your school is eligible to nominate students for the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship.
Your high school nominates you. Schools that have previously participated will receive access to the nomination form beginning July 6, 2026. The deadline to nominate a student is October 9, 2026. If your school has not yet participated, they can apply to join the program by noon (EST) October 9th 2026.
Apply to study at U of T. To be considered for the Pearson Scholarship, you must apply to at least one undergraduate program at the University of Toronto. You must begin your studies in September 2027. The deadline to apply for admission to U of T and be considered for the Pearson Scholarship is October 16, 2026.
Submit your Pearson Scholarship application. You will receive a private link to the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship application when you have been nominated by your school. The deadline to complete the Pearson International Scholarship application and submit all required documentation is November 6, 2026.

The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships at the University of Toronto stand as the institution's most prestigious award for international students. This highly competitive scholarship programme is designed to identify and support exceptional changemakers from around the globe who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, creativity, and leadership potential. It offers a unique and comprehensive opportunity for aspiring undergraduate students to join a vibrant global community at one of Canada's leading universities, fostering an environment where future leaders can thrive.

Recognising Global Leaders

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is specifically tailored to recognise and support international students who not only excel academically but also show immense potential to contribute positively to the global community. Pearson Scholars are expected to be creative thinkers and demonstrate strong leadership qualities. Each year, approximately 37 students are selected as Pearson Scholars, joining a distinguished group of individuals representing numerous countries worldwide. This programme is one of the largest scholarship initiatives for international students in Canada, evidenced by over $12 million in funding allocated in 2024 and representation from 188 countries, highlighting its significant global impact and reach.

Eligibility and Nomination Process

This esteemed scholarship is exclusively for international students who are set to begin their undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. A crucial aspect of the application process is nomination by the candidate's high school, with each school permitted to nominate only one student per year. The programme targets students who are currently in their final year of senior secondary school or those who have graduated no earlier than June 2026, ensuring that the scholarship supports new entrants into post-secondary education. Students already enrolled in post-secondary studies or those commencing post-secondary studies in January 2027 are not eligible.

• Be an international student (i.e., a non-Canadian requiring a study permit).
• Be enrolled in your final year of senior secondary school in 2026/2027 or have graduated no earlier than June 2026.
• Be beginning your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027.
• Not already be attending post-secondary studies or starting post-secondary studies in January 2027 at U of T or another post-secondary institution.
• Be nominated by your high school.
• Apply to undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto.

Comprehensive Financial Support

The Pearson Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, covering the entire four-year duration of an undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto. This full scholarship includes tuition fees, the cost of books, incidental fees, and full residence support. This extensive coverage is designed to ensure that scholars can fully immerse themselves in their academic pursuits and personal development without the burden of financial concerns. The scholarship is exclusively tenable at the University of Toronto for first-entry, undergraduate programmes, reinforcing its commitment to supporting students within its unique academic environment. Beyond financial aid, the Pearson Program Office also offers various enrichment and support programmes for scholars.

Applying for the Scholarship

To be considered for the Pearson Scholarship, eligible students must first be nominated by their high school. Following nomination, applicants must apply for admission to at least one undergraduate program at the University of Toronto. Once both the nomination and the university application are complete, nominated students will receive a private link to the Pearson Scholarship application form. All required documentation must be submitted by the specified deadline. It is crucial to note that the University of Toronto does not engage with third-party agents for scholarship recruitment, and applicants should be wary of fraudulent offers.