Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships 2026

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships 2027 – University of Toronto's Premier Award for International Students

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is the University of Toronto's most prestigious and competitive award for international students.

This fully funded scholarship is designed for outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership potential, and who are recognized as leaders within their school communities. For more opportunities in Canada, explore fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students.

Scholarship Overview and Value

The Pearson International Scholarship is one of the largest and most generous scholarship programs for international students in Canada. Each year, approximately 37 scholars are selected from a global pool of nominated candidates.

The scholarship covers:

• Full tuition fees

• Books and incidental fees

• Full residence support for four years of undergraduate study

The award is tenable only at the University of Toronto for first-entry undergraduate programs. It does not cover expenses such as visa application fees, travel costs, relocation expenses, living costs during breaks, or admission application fees. For similar prestigious awards, check the latest scholarships in Canada for all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Pearson International Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be an international student (i.e., a non-Canadian citizen or permanent resident 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

Important: Students who are already attending post-secondary studies, or who are starting their post-secondary studies in January 2027 at U of T or another institution, are not eligible for this scholarship.

Application Process: A Three-Step Nomination Model

The Pearson Scholarship follows a nomination-based model—you cannot apply directly. Your high school must nominate you, and each school may nominate only one student per year.

Step 1: School Nomination (July – October 2026)

• Ask your guidance counsellor, principal, or head of school if your school is eligible to participate

• Schools that have previously participated will receive access to the nomination form beginning July 6, 2026

• School Nomination Deadline: October 9, 2026

• If your school has not participated before, they can apply to join the program by noon (EST) on October 9, 2026

Step 2: Apply to Study at U of T (September – October 2026)

• To be considered, you must apply to at least one undergraduate program at the University of Toronto

• You may apply to up to three programs, but the scholarship, if awarded, will be restricted to your top-choice program

• Admission Application Deadline: October 16, 2026

Step 3: Submit Your Pearson Scholarship Application (October – November 2026)

• After being nominated by your school and submitting your admission application, you will receive a private link to the scholarship application

• Scholarship Application and Documentation Deadline: November 6, 2026

Selection Process and Competitiveness

The selection committee seeks students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership, with a special emphasis on the impact the student has had on their school and community and their future potential to contribute positively to the global community.

With approximately 2,000 candidates competing for 37 spots annually, the acceptance rate is under 2%. The selection process is rigorous and holistic, requiring a well-rounded application that demonstrates outstanding academics, leadership, and distinctive personal qualities.

For a broader view of funding options in North America, refer to financial aids for students in North America.

Final Thoughts

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a transformative opportunity for exceptional international students to study at one of the world's best universities in one of the most multicultural cities. With its comprehensive coverage and prestigious reputation, this scholarship provides a pathway to academic excellence and global leadership.

If you are an international student with outstanding academic and leadership potential, speak with your school counsellor about nomination, and ensure you meet the critical deadlines: October 9, 2026 for school nomination, October 16, 2026 for admission application, and November 6, 2026 for the scholarship application. For a comprehensive list of opportunities in Canada, see the list of all open scholarships in Canada.

Apply Now for Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships