About this opportunity
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is the University of Toronto's most prestigious fully funded undergraduate award for international students, covering tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. Around 37 scholars are chosen each year from a global pool spanning 188 countries. It is nomination-only: each secondary school may nominate just one student per year.
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship offered by University of Toronto for applicants heading to Canada. Applications close on Nov 6, 2026.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Be an international student (a non-Canadian who requires a study permit)
- Be in the final year of senior secondary school in 2026/2027, or have graduated no earlier than June 2026
- Be beginning first-entry undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027
- Be nominated by your current secondary school (one nominee per school per year; no self-nomination)
- Not already be attending post-secondary studies, or starting post-secondary studies in January 2027
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership
- Apply to at least one U of T undergraduate program before completing the scholarship application
What the opportunity may offer
- Full tuition coverage for four years of undergraduate study
- Books and incidental fees covered for four years
- Full residence support for four years
- Membership in the global Pearson Scholars community (188 countries represented)
- Enrichment and support programming via the Pearson Program Office
- Renewable each year for up to four years of first-entry undergraduate study
Required documents
- University of Toronto undergraduate admission application (via OUAC)
- School nomination submitted through U of T's online nomination form
- Completed Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application (private link issued after nomination)
- All supporting documentation requested inside the scholarship application
- Standard U of T admission documents (transcripts, English-language proof) per program requirements
Application process
- Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria for September 2027 entry
- Ask your school's guidance counsellor, principal, or head to nominate you (one per school)
- Apply to at least one undergraduate program at the University of Toronto via OUAC
- Receive the private Pearson Scholarship application link after nomination
- Complete the scholarship application and submit all documentation by November 6, 2026
- Await the decision; nominees are notified in the months following the deadline
Before you apply
- □Apply before Nov 6, 2026 — confirm the date in your own time zone
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition set by University of Toronto
- □Prepare your 5 required documents in the format asked for
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
Three official deadlines apply for September 2027 entry: school nomination by October 9, 2026, U of T admission application (OUAC) by October 16, 2026, and the Pearson Scholarship application with documentation by November 6, 2026. The nomination and admission deadlines have now passed; November 6 is the final step for already-nominated students.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship?
International students (non-Canadians requiring a study permit) in their final year of senior secondary school in 2026/2027, or who graduated no earlier than June 2026, beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto in September 2027. Students already in post-secondary studies are not eligible.
What does the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship cover?
Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years of first-entry undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.
How many Pearson Scholars are selected each year?
Approximately 37 students are named Pearson Scholars each year, drawn from 188 countries represented in the program.
Can I apply for the Pearson Scholarship without a school nomination?
No. Students must be nominated by their current secondary school, which may nominate only one student per year. The scholarship application is accessible only via a private link sent after nomination.
What are the deadlines for September 2027 entry?
School nomination: October 9, 2026. U of T admission application (OUAC): October 16, 2026. Pearson Scholarship application and documentation: November 6, 2026.
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-25UShireZone is not affiliated with University of Toronto. We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.