The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships at the University of Toronto (U of T) are the university’s most prestigious awards for international undergraduates. For students beginning studies in September 2027, the programme covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. About 37 Pearson Scholars are named each year.
You cannot apply to Pearson on your own. Your secondary school must nominate you (one student per school per year), you must apply for undergraduate admission to U of T, and then you complete a private scholarship application link. Always use official University of Toronto channels; U of T warns that agents and third parties do not recruit for this award.
Scholarship overview
- Host: University of Toronto, Canada
- Award: Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
- Level: First-entry undergraduate programmes
- Funding: Fully funded for four years (tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support)
- Intake: September 2027
- Scholars per year: Approximately 37
- Eligible applicants: International students (non-Canadian; study permit required)
What the scholarship covers
Pearson Scholarships are tenable only at the University of Toronto for first-entry undergraduate programmes. Coverage includes:
- Tuition fees for four years
- Books and incidental fees
- Full residence support for four years
Pearson Scholars also have access to enrichment and support through the Pearson Program Office in the Centre for International Experience (CIE).
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Pearson International Scholarship for the September 2027 intake, you must:
- Be an international student (a non-Canadian requiring a Canadian study permit)
- Be enrolled in your final year of senior secondary school in 2026/2027, or have graduated no earlier than June 2026
- Begin undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027
Students already in post-secondary studies, or students starting post-secondary studies in January 2027 at U of T or elsewhere, are not eligible.
Important dates (2027 intake)
- School nomination access (returning schools): from 6 July 2026
- School nomination deadline: 9 October 2026
- New school participation applications: by noon (Eastern Standard Time) on 9 October 2026
- U of T admission application deadline (for Pearson consideration): 16 October 2026
- Pearson scholarship application and documents deadline: 6 November 2026
- Programme start: September 2027
How to apply
1. Get nominated by your high school
Ask your guidance counsellor, principal, or head of school about nomination. Each secondary school may nominate only one student per year.
- Schools that have participated before receive a nomination form starting 6 July 2026.
- Schools that have never participated can apply to join via the official school participation form before noon (Eastern Standard Time) on 9 October 2026.
- School contacts with questions can email the Pearson office using the address published on the official Pearson page.
2. Apply for undergraduate admission to U of T
Submit an undergraduate admission application through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), then complete next steps in the Join U of T or Engineering applicant portal. You must plan to start in September 2027. You may list up to three programme areas, but if you receive Pearson funding it is restricted to your top choice when scholarship decisions are made. The Pearson-related admission deadline is 16 October 2026.
3. Complete the private Pearson scholarship application
After nomination (and after you have applied for admission), U of T sends a private link to the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship application. Complete the form and upload all required documents by 6 November 2026.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools are prohibited when creating content for University of Toronto undergraduate award applications. Nominees found to have used tools such as ChatGPT for award content can be disqualified.
Fields of study
The award supports first-entry undergraduate programmes at the University of Toronto. Exact programme options depend on the faculty and campus you apply to (for example Arts and Science, Applied Science and Engineering, Architecture, Music, and other first-entry degrees). Confirm programme choices on the official U of T admissions pages when you apply.
Official links
- Official Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships page
- How to apply to the University of Toronto
- School participation form for new nominating schools
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for Pearson without a school nomination?
No. Nomination by your current secondary school is required. Schools nominate only one student each year.
Who is eligible by nationality?
International students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents and who need a Canadian study permit. Canadians are not eligible for this international award.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes for four years of undergraduate study at U of T: tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support are covered.
What is the final student deadline for the 2027 intake?
The Pearson scholarship application and documentation deadline is 6 November 2026. You must also meet the earlier school nomination deadline (9 October 2026) and the U of T admission deadline for Pearson consideration (16 October 2026).
Where should I apply?
Start on the official Pearson page for nomination and scholarship steps, and use OUAC plus U of T applicant portals for admission. Do not pay agents who claim they can secure Pearson awards.
