Application Deadline: November 6, 2026
Applications are now open for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program 2026/2027, one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in Canada. Offered by the University of Toronto, the scholarship is designed to recognize exceptional international students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, creativity, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their schools and communities.
The scholarship provides a unique opportunity for talented students from around the world to earn a world-class education at one of Canada’s leading universities without worrying about the financial burden of tuition or living expenses.
If you are a high-achieving secondary school student planning to begin your undergraduate studies in September 2027, this could be the opportunity that transforms your academic and professional future.
About the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is the University of Toronto’s highest award for international undergraduate students. Named after former Canadian Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lester B. Pearson, the scholarship celebrates students who combine academic excellence with leadership and community engagement.
Each year, approximately 37 outstanding students from across the globe are selected as Pearson Scholars.
Unlike many scholarships that only cover tuition, the Pearson Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support throughout the recipient’s undergraduate studies.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full tuition coverage for four years
- Funding for books and learning materials
- Coverage of incidental and compulsory university fees
- Full residence support throughout the four-year undergraduate program
The scholarship is tenable only at the University of Toronto for first-entry undergraduate degree programs.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be an international student who requires a Canadian study permit.
- Be in their final year of senior secondary school during the 2026/2027 academic session, or have graduated no earlier than June 2026.
- Be planning to begin undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027.
Applicants are not eligible if they:
- Have already begun post-secondary studies.
- Will begin post-secondary education in January 2027 at the University of Toronto or another institution.
Selection Criteria
The University of Toronto is looking for students who demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Strong leadership ability
- Creativity and innovation
- Positive impact within their school or community
- High potential to contribute to the global University of Toronto community
Academic performance alone is not enough. Applicants should be able to demonstrate how they have taken initiative, served others, and created meaningful change.
Application Process
The application process consists of three important stages.
Step 1: Obtain a School Nomination
Your secondary school must nominate you for the scholarship.
Speak with your school principal, guidance counsellor, or head of school to determine whether your school is eligible to nominate students.
Schools that have participated previously can begin submitting nominations from July 6, 2026.
Schools that have never participated may apply to become eligible before the nomination deadline.
Step 2: Apply for Admission to the University of Toronto
You must apply for admission to at least one undergraduate program at the University of Toronto for the September 2027 intake.
Applicants may select up to three program choices. However, if awarded the scholarship, it will only apply to the first-choice program at the time scholarship decisions are made.
Step 3: Complete the Pearson Scholarship Application
Once your school nomination has been received and your admission application submitted, the University of Toronto will send you a personalized scholarship application link.
Complete the online scholarship application and upload all required supporting documents before the deadline.
Important Dates
- School nomination deadline: October 9, 2026
- University admission application deadline (OUAC): October 16, 2026
- Pearson Scholarship application deadline: November 6, 2026
Applicants are encouraged to begin the process early since the school nomination must be completed before the scholarship application can be submitted.
Why You Should Apply
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is more than financial support. It offers access to one of the world’s top-ranked universities, a vibrant international student community, outstanding research opportunities, and a global alumni network.
Graduates of the University of Toronto have gone on to build successful careers across academia, business, technology, healthcare, public service, and entrepreneurship.
For students with strong academic records and leadership experience, this scholarship represents one of the most competitive and rewarding undergraduate opportunities available internationally.
Final Thoughts: How to Strengthen Your Application
Competition for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is extremely high, so submitting a strong and authentic application is essential. Here are a few tips that can improve your chances:
- Start early. Do not wait until the deadline. Give yourself enough time to gather documents, prepare thoughtful responses, and complete every stage of the application carefully.
- Build a compelling story. The selection committee wants to understand who you are beyond your grades. Highlight leadership experiences, community service, volunteer work, school projects, and initiatives where you made a measurable impact.
- Show genuine leadership. Leadership is not only about holding titles. Explain how you solved problems, inspired others, or created positive change in your school or community.
- Maintain strong academic performance. Your final secondary school results remain an important part of your application, so continue working hard academically.
- Work closely with your school. Since your school must nominate you, maintain good communication with your guidance counsellor or principal and ensure all nomination requirements are completed on time.
- Proofread everything carefully. A well-written application that is free from grammatical errors reflects attention to detail and professionalism.
Most importantly, be honest and authentic. Admissions committees often appreciate genuine stories and meaningful experiences more than exaggerated achievements.
If you believe you have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and a desire to make a positive difference, this scholarship is worth pursuing.
Apply Here
To learn more about the scholarship requirements and begin your application, CLICK HERE
