Join Our What’sApp Channel for updates, guidance, and tips on the application process.Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2026 University of Toronto (Fully Funded)
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto is one of Canada’s most prestigious undergraduate awards. It is designed to recognize and support outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, creativity, and leadership qualities.
Each year, around 37 international students are named Pearson Scholars, receiving full financial support to pursue undergraduate studies at one of the world’s top universities.
Available Fields of Study
All undergraduate programs offered at the University of Toronto are eligible under this scholarship. Students may apply to any discipline.
Scholarship Benefits
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship offers the following comprehensive benefits:
Full tuition coverage for four years
Books and academic materials
Incidental fees
Full residence support for the duration of the program
Exclusive to the University of Toronto’s undergraduate first-entry programs
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the 2026 Pearson International Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Be an international student (i.e., a non-Canadian requiring a study permit)
Be in the final year of secondary school in 2025–2026 or have graduated no earlier than June 2025
Intend to begin undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2026
Be nominated by their current secondary school through the university’s official nomination process
Not have begun post-secondary studies at any institution before September 2026
Application Process
Step 1: School Nomination
Deadline: October 10, 2025
Ask your school principal, headmaster, or counselor to nominate you. Only one student can be nominated per school. Schools must be verified by the University of Toronto.
Step 2: Apply to the University of Toronto
Deadline: October 17, 2025
Apply to any undergraduate program at the University of Toronto using the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). The scholarship will apply to your first-choice program only.
Step 3: Submit Scholarship Application
Deadline: November 7, 2025
Once nominated and after submitting your university application, you will receive a dedicated link to complete the Pearson Scholarship application.
Selection Criteria
Pearson Scholars are chosen based on:
Academic excellence
Leadership potential
Creative thinking and intellectual curiosity
Impact in the school and broader community
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| School Nomination Deadline | October 10, 2025 |
| U of T Admission Application | October 17, 2025 |
| Pearson Scholarship Application | November 7, 2025 |
| Program Start Date | September 2026 |
Important Notes
The scholarship is non-transferable and only applies to the applicant’s top-choice program at the time of the award.
The University of Toronto does not charge fees for scholarship applications and does not work with agents or third parties.
Any communication regarding fees or unofficial application assistance should be considered fraudulent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for the Pearson Scholarship without a school nomination?
No. A nomination from your high school is required to receive access to the scholarship application form.
2. Can I use the scholarship for studies starting in January 2026?
No. The Pearson Scholarship is only valid for students starting their undergraduate studies in September 2026.
3. Can I choose any program at the University of Toronto?
You may apply to multiple undergraduate programs, but the scholarship will be awarded for your first-choice program only.
4. How many students are awarded the scholarship each year?
Approximately 37 international students are selected annually as Lester B. Pearson Scholars.
5. What if my school is not currently eligible to nominate?
Your school must be verified by the University of Toronto. If it hasn’t nominated a student before, contact the university directly to inquire about registration as a nominating school.
Conclusion
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2026 is a rare and competitive opportunity for academically gifted international students to study at the University of Toronto with full financial support. If you are graduating high school in 2025 or 2026, start preparing now by confirming your school’s eligibility and working on your university application.
