Updated September 30, 2026. The dates below are for students planning to begin at the University of Toronto in September 2027.
For an international high school student with a strong academic record and a track record of initiative, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship can make a University of Toronto education substantially more accessible. The award recognizes exceptional academic achievement, creativity, leadership, and the potential to contribute positively to the global community.
It is also highly competitive: your high school must nominate you, and you must complete a separate University of Toronto admission application and Pearson scholarship application. Here is what the scholarship covers, who can apply, and what to do for the 2027 entry cycle.
What is the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship?
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a University of Toronto award for outstanding international students entering first-year undergraduate study. U of T names approximately 37 Pearson Scholars each year. The award is tenable only at the University of Toronto and is limited to eligible first-entry undergraduate programs.
Pearson Scholars are recognized for more than grades alone. The University describes them as students who show exceptional academic achievement, creativity, leadership, and promise to contribute positively to the global community.
What does the scholarship cover?
The University says the award covers the following for four years:
• Tuition
• Books
• Incidental fees
• Full residence support
This is a substantial four-year package, but read the coverage according to U of T’s published terms. The listed benefits should not be taken as a promise that every possible personal expense is covered. If you have questions about a specific cost, confirm it with the Pearson Scholarship Program Office.
Who is eligible for the 2027 intake?
For the current cycle, applicants must meet the University’s stated criteria. You must:
• Be an international student—a non-Canadian who requires a study permit to study in Canada.
• Be in your final year of senior secondary school during the 2026–2027 school year, or have graduated no earlier than June 2026.
• Plan to begin your studies at U of T in September 2027.
• Be nominated by your high school.
• Apply to an eligible first-entry undergraduate program at the University of Toronto.
Students already attending post-secondary studies are not eligible. Students who will begin post-secondary studies in January 2027, at U of T or elsewhere, are also ineligible for this scholarship cycle. Since program eligibility can vary, check the University’s official Pearson scholarship page before choosing a course of study.
How to apply: three required steps
1. Ask your high school about nomination
Contact your guidance counsellor, principal, or head of school as early as possible. A high school may nominate only one student per year, and it must participate in the Pearson program. If your school has not participated before, it must first apply to join; the school participation deadline for the 2027 cycle is noon Eastern Time on October 9, 2026.
The nomination deadline for schools is October 9, 2026. A school nomination is essential, but it is not the same as applying for admission or submitting the scholarship application.
2. Apply for undergraduate admission to U of T
Submit your University of Toronto undergraduate admission application by October 16, 2026 to be considered for the Pearson Scholarship for September 2027 entry. The scholarship page identifies this as the student OUAC admission application deadline.
You may list up to three areas of study on your admission application. If you receive a Pearson Scholarship, however, it will be restricted to your top-choice program at the time scholarship decisions are made. Review the admission requirements and program deadlines carefully; a scholarship nomination does not guarantee admission.
3. Complete the Pearson scholarship application
After your school nominates you, you will receive a private link to the Pearson scholarship application. You can complete it after submitting your U of T admission application. Submit the application and all required supporting documents by November 6, 2026.
Keep track of each step separately: school participation, school nomination, U of T admission, and the Pearson application have different requirements and deadlines.
Key Pearson Scholarship deadlines for September 2027 entry
|
Step |
Deadline |
|
School applies to participate, if not previously approved |
Noon ET, October 9, 2026 |
|
High school submits its student nomination |
October 9, 2026 |
|
Student applies for U of T admission |
October 16, 2026 |
|
Student submits Pearson application and required documents |
November 6, 2026 |
These dates are taken from U of T’s current Lester B. Pearson scholarship page. Always check the official page for updates or instructions that apply to your school or program.
What makes a strong Pearson Scholarship application?
The University’s published criteria point to a combination of achievement, creativity, leadership, and community contribution. Applicants should make those qualities clear with specific examples—not just adjectives.
• Show academic strength in context. Explain your commitment to learning and the work behind your results.
• Demonstrate initiative. Describe a project, activity, or responsibility where you took action and followed through.
• Make your leadership concrete. Focus on what you contributed, who benefited, and what you learned—not only on titles or positions.
• Connect creativity to impact. Share how you developed an idea, solved a problem, or approached a challenge in an original way.
• Ask for nomination early. Because each school can nominate only one student, speak with your school well before the October deadline and ask what information it needs from you.
There is no application strategy that can guarantee selection. The strongest approach is to present an honest, consistent picture of your achievements and potential while meeting every admission and scholarship requirement on time.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship fully funded?
U of T describes it as a full four-year scholarship covering tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support. Check with the University about any costs not named in its published coverage.
Can I apply without a school nomination?
No. Your high school must nominate you, and each participating school can nominate one student per year. You must also submit the separate U of T admission and Pearson scholarship applications.
Does a nomination guarantee a scholarship or admission?
No. Nomination is a required step, not a guarantee of admission or selection. The scholarship is competitive, and you must meet the admission requirements for your chosen program as well as complete the scholarship application.
Can I apply to more than one U of T program?
U of T says applicants may apply to up to three areas of study. If selected for the Pearson Scholarship, the award is restricted to the applicant’s top-choice program when scholarship decisions are made.
When should I start?
Start by speaking with your school. For September 2027 applicants, the school nomination deadline is October 9, 2026, so the nomination process should be underway well before that date.
Final takeaway
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship offers a rare opportunity for an international student to receive four years of tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support at the University of Toronto. The process starts with a high school nomination, then requires a timely U of T admission application and a separate scholarship submission. If you are eligible for September 2027 entry, confirm your school’s participation and work backward from the October 9, October 16, and November 6, 2026 deadlines.
Official resources: Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships · U of T international student scholarships · Undergraduate application information
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