Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is the University of Toronto's most prestigious award for international students, recognizing academic achievement, creativity, and leadership. It covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support for four years of undergraduate study.
About the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027
The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship at the University of Toronto recognizes international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership potential. It is one of the largest scholarship programs for international students in Canada, with approximately 37 scholars selected annually across 188 countries.
The award provides comprehensive financial support for four years of undergraduate study. The scholarship covers tuition fees, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for the entire duration of the program.
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must first receive a nomination from their high school. High schools are permitted to nominate one student per year through a secure online nomination process.
Candidates must apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto by October 16, 2026, and must begin their studies in September 2027. Following nomination and admission application submission, students receive a private link to complete the Pearson Scholarship application by November 6, 2026.
The scholarship is tenable only at the University of Toronto for first-entry undergraduate programs. If awarded, the scholarship is restricted to the recipient's top choice of program at the time scholarship decisions are made.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
The University of Toronto's most prestigious award for international students
Covers all major expenses including tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years
Joins a global community of exceptional changemakers representing 188 countries
Provides access to enrichment and support programs through the Pearson Program Office housed within the Centre for International Experience
What the Scholarship Covers
Eligibility Requirements
5 requirements
Documents Checklist
4 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Ask your guidance counsellor or principal if your school is eligible to nominate students and request a nomination.
Have your high school submit the student nomination form by October 9, 2026.
Apply for undergraduate admission to at least one program at the University of Toronto through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre by October 16, 2026.
Receive a private link to the Pearson Scholarship application after your nomination is processed and your U of T admission application is submitted.
Complete and submit the Pearson Scholarship application along with all required documentation by November 6, 2026.
Application Timeline
July 6, 2026
High school nomination period begins
October 9, 2026
School nomination deadline
October 16, 2026
Student OUAC admission application deadline
November 6, 2026
Pearson Scholarship application and documentation deadline
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Confirm school eligibility and start discussions with your guidance counsellor early, as schools can only nominate one student per year.
Ensure your high school submits the nomination form before the October 9, 2026 deadline.
Submit your OUAC admission application well ahead of the October 16, 2026 deadline to receive the private scholarship application link in time.
Do not use generative AI tools such as ChatGPT to compose your scholarship application, as this results in immediate disqualification.
Remember that the scholarship is restricted to your top choice of program at the University of Toronto at the time scholarship decisions are made.
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions - click any to expand
International students who require a study permit, are in their final year of senior secondary school or graduated no earlier than June 2026, and are beginning studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027 are eligible, provided they receive a school nomination.
You must ask your guidance counsellor, principal, or head of school to nominate you. High schools submit nominations through a secure online form provided by the university.
No. High schools are restricted to nominating one student per year.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years of undergraduate study.
No. The use of generative artificial intelligence tools is strictly prohibited when creating content for University of Toronto undergraduate award applications, and applicants who use AI will be disqualified.
Check the Official Website
This scholarship typically opens around July. Confirm the current cycle and deadline on the official portal.
More Scholarships to Explore
Other opportunities you may qualify for
University of Calgary Entrance Scholarship
Canada · University of Calgary
The University of Calgary offers entrance scholarships for international undergraduate students across all Bachelor's programs. Applications are submitted through the university's student portal; no documents are required at the initial application stage.
📅Deadline: April 1 (annual window: August 15 - April …
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Canada · Government of Canada
Canada's premier doctoral scholarship, funding $50,000 a year for three years through university nomination rather than direct application. Its current status is genuinely uncertain: some reporting indicates the program held its final competition in 2025, so confirm directly with a Canadian university's graduate school before planning around it.
📅Deadline: Set internally by each nominating universi…
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
Canada · Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
A highly selective doctoral scholarship for students at Canadian universities researching human rights, responsible citizenship, Canada's global role, or people and the environment, combining up to $210,000 in funding with leadership mentorship. Recently restricted to first- and second-year PhD students.
📅Deadline: Around November 17 (annual)
Reopens: July