Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2026 – University of Toronto

Scholarship Description

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and largest scholarship programs for international students in Canada. Offered by the University of Toronto, this fully funded scholarship recognizes outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and potential to contribute positively to the global community.

Each year, approximately 37 scholars are named Pearson Scholars, joining a diverse leadership community of students from over 188 countries. In 2024, the University of Toronto awarded over $12 million in funding through this program. The scholarship is named after Lester B. Pearson, the 14th Prime Minister of Canada and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, reflecting the university's commitment to leadership and global impact.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at the University of Toronto, one of Canada's leading research universities, located in Toronto, Ontario. The scholarship is available for first-entry undergraduate programs at the university's three campuses: St. George (downtown Toronto), Scarborough, and Mississauga.

Scholarship Deadline

The application process involves multiple deadlines. Key dates for the 2026-2027 cycle are:

Host Institution

The University of Toronto is one of the world's leading research universities, consistently ranked among the top universities globally. Located in Toronto, Canada, U of T is home to a diverse community of scholars and students from over 180 countries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across three campuses.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Undergraduate (first-entry programs).

Fields: All undergraduate programs offered at the University of Toronto are eligible. The scholarship is tenable for any first-entry undergraduate program, including:

• Arts and Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Sciences and Mathematics
• Engineering and Technology
• Business and Management
• Health Sciences
• Music and Fine Arts
• Computer Science
• and all other undergraduate offerings

Target Group

The scholarship targets international students (non-Canadians requiring a study permit) who are in their final year of senior secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June 2026. Students who are already attending post-secondary studies are not eligible. Pearson Scholars demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership potential.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration: 4 years (full undergraduate program).

Award Value: The scholarship covers:

• Full tuition for four years
• Books
• Incidental fees
• Full residence support for four years

Number of Awards: Approximately 37 scholars annually.

Total Funding: In 2024, the program awarded over $12 million in scholarships.

Additional Benefits: Pearson Scholars receive access to enrichment and support programs through the Pearson Program Office at the Centre for International Experience (CIE).

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria:

• Citizenship: Must be an international student (non-Canadian requiring a study permit).
• Education: Must be in your final year of senior secondary school in 2026/2027, or have graduated no earlier than June 2026.
• Program start: Must be beginning your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027.
• Exclusion: Students already attending post-secondary studies (or starting in January 2027) are not eligible.
• Nomination: Must be nominated by your high school. Schools can nominate only one student per year.

Key requirements:

• Exceptional academic achievement
• Creativity and innovation
• Potential to contribute positively to the global community
• Leadership qualities

Application Procedure

1. Check eligibility – Ensure you are an international student, in your final year of high school, and can begin studies in September 2027.
2. Ask your school for nomination – Speak to your guidance counsellor, principal, or head of school. Schools can nominate only one student per year. The nomination deadline is October 9, 2026.
3. Apply to U of T for admission – Submit your application for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto through the OUAC (Ontario Universities Application Centre) by October 16, 2026. You may apply to up to three programs; the scholarship will apply to your top choice.
4. Complete the Pearson Scholarship application – If nominated, you will receive a private link to the Pearson Scholarship application. Complete the application and submit all required documentation by November 6, 2026.
5. Selection process – Applications are reviewed based on academic achievement, creativity, leadership, and potential for global impact.
6. Notification – Successful applicants are notified and named Pearson Scholars.

Important notes: The University of Toronto does not interact with agencies or educational agents for this scholarship. School nomination is mandatory and must be done through the official online process. Beware of fraudulent emails or offers.

Official Website & Application Links

University of Toronto – Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Official Page

Pearson Scholarship Inquiry Form: Available on the official website for questions.

Resources for Counsellors: Resources are available for school counsellors, principals, and heads of schools.