Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships in Canada

Applications are now open for the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships at the University of Toronto, one of Canada’s most prestigious awards for exceptional international students. This is a fully funded scholarship covering all major educational and living expenses for four years of undergraduate studies.

The scholarship is open to international students from all nationalities who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, creativity, and leadership potential. There is no application fee required to apply.

The application process involves three phases with the following key deadlines:

• School Nomination Deadline: October 9, 2026
• University Admission Application Deadline: October 16, 2026
• Scholarship Application Deadline: November 6, 2026

Approximately 37 scholars are selected annually from a highly competitive applicant pool, with over $12 million invested in the program each year. The scholarship welcomes students from 188 countries worldwide. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here

What This Scholarship Offers:

As a Pearson Scholar, you will receive:

• Complete Tuition Coverage for all four years of your undergraduate degree
• Books and Learning Materials covered in full
• Incidental Fees including technology, health, and other university-related costs
• Full Residence Support for four years, covering accommodation expenses
• Access to Enrichment Programs through the Pearson Program Office at the Centre for International Experience
• Membership in a Global Community of exceptional leaders and changemakers from around the world
• Professional Development Opportunities and networking with fellow scholars
• Financial Freedom to focus entirely on your academic and personal growth without financial stress

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship, you must meet ALL of the following requirements:

1. International Student Status – You must be a non-Canadian citizen requiring a study permit
2. Current Academic Standing – You must be enrolled in your final year of senior secondary school in 2026/2027, OR have graduated no earlier than June 2026
3. Study Timeline – You must plan to begin your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027
4. Academic Excellence – You must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement
5. Leadership Qualities – You must show creativity and potential to contribute positively to the global community
6. School Nomination – Your school must nominate you for the scholarship

Who is NOT Eligible:

• Students already attending post-secondary studies
• Students beginning post-secondary studies in January 2027
• Students not nominated by their high school
• Canadian citizens or permanent residents

Also Check: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships 2027

Programs Available:

The Pearson International Scholarship is available across the following program areas at the University of Toronto:

Faculty of Arts & Science

• Multiple undergraduate programs (all programs within the Faculty)

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

• All engineering programs

Faculty of Music

• Music performance and education programs

Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education

• Kinesiology and sports science programs

U of T Mississauga Campus

• All undergraduate programs

U of T Scarborough Campus

• All undergraduate programs

Application Timeline:

July – October 2026: School Nomination Phase

What You Need to Do:

1. Contact your guidance counsellor, principal, or head of school
2. Discuss your interest in the Pearson International Scholarship
3. Ask if your school is eligible to nominate candidates
4. If your school hasn’t participated before, they can apply to join the program

School Access to Nomination Form: July 6, 2026 onwards
Nomination Deadline: October 9, 2026

September – October 2026: University Application Phase

What You Need to Do:

1. Visit the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) website
2. Create an account and choose your application type
3. Select your program area(s) at the University of Toronto (up to 3 different programs)
4. Complete and submit your OUAC application

Note: The initial OUAC application only requires basic biographical information and program choices. No transcripts or supplemental documents are needed at this stage.

Application Deadline: October 16, 2026

October – November 2026: Scholarship Application Phase

What You Need to Do:

1. Wait for your school to nominate you (they’ll notify you once they’ve submitted)
2. Log into the private Pearson Scholarship application link sent to you
3. Complete the Pearson Scholarship application form
4. Submit all required supporting documentation

Required Documentation May Include:

• Academic transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal essays or statements about your achievements and leadership

Also Check: ARES International Training Scholarships for BS & MS 2027

Important Tips for Success:

Choose Your Programs Carefully

• You can apply to up to three different programs or campuses, but remember: if you win the scholarship, it will be restricted to your top choice program. Make sure your first choice is truly your preferred program.

Submit Early

• Don’t wait until the last day. Technical issues can occur, so submit all applications at least a few days before the deadline.

Highlight Your Leadership

• The Pearson Scholarship values creativity and leadership potential, not just grades. Use your essays to showcase your unique qualities and your vision for contributing to the global community.

Check Your Email Regularly

• Important updates and portal access links will be sent via email. Check your email frequently, including spam/junk folders.

Also Check: Chevening Master’s Scholarships in UK 2027 (Fully funded)

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before you begin, ensure you meet all eligibility requirements:

• You are an international student requiring a study permit
• You are in your final year of secondary school (2026/2027) or graduated after June 2026
• You plan to start university in September 2027

Step 2: Get Your School to Nominate You

1. Speak with your guidance counsellor or principal
2. Express your interest in the Pearson International Scholarship
3. Ask them to nominate you before October 9, 2026
4. Your school will submit your nomination through the official form

Step 3: Apply to the University of Toronto

1. Go to the OUAC (Ontario Universities’ Application Centre) website
2. Select the application that applies to you
3. Choose your program(s) at U of T (you can select up to 3 different programs)
4. Complete the basic application form with your personal details and program choices
5. Submit your application before October 16, 2026

Step 4: Complete Your Profile on the Applicant Portal

1. Watch for an email from the University of Toronto (arrives about 1 week after OUAC submission)
2. Log into your applicant portal using the credentials provided
3. Upload required documents (transcripts, test scores, English proficiency test results)
4. Complete any program-specific supplemental forms
5. Review and track your application status

Step 5: Complete the Pearson Scholarship Application

1. After your school nominates you, you’ll receive a private link to the Pearson application
2. Log in using the provided credentials
3. Complete all sections of the scholarship application form
4. Write your essays or responses about your academic achievements and leadership potential
5. Upload any additional supporting documents
6. Submit your complete application before November 6, 2026

Also Check: Scotland Pakistan BS & MS Scholarships 2026-27