The University of Toronto has officially opened nominations and applications for the 2026 Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships, one of Canada’s most prestigious awards for outstanding international students. The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, creativity, and leadership potential.
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, the university’s top award for international students, covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence for four years of undergraduate study. It is exclusively available for first-entry undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must be non-Canadian students requiring a study permit, currently in their final year of secondary school, or have graduated no earlier than June 2025. Candidates must also begin their studies at the University of Toronto in September 2026.
Students who have already started post-secondary studies or who will start before September 2026 at another institution are not eligible.
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How to Apply:
The application process involves three main steps:
- School Nomination (July – October 10, 2025):
Students must be nominated by their high school. Schools with previous participation can begin nominating from July 1, 2025. The deadline for school nominations is October 10, 2025. - University of Toronto Application (September – October 17, 2025):
Nominees must apply to at least one undergraduate program at U of T. The admission application deadline is October 17, 2025. - Pearson Scholarship Application (October – November 7, 2025):
Upon nomination and completion of the university application, students will receive a private link to complete the Pearson Scholarship application. The final deadline for scholarship submission and documentation is November 7, 2025.
Each year, only about 37 students are selected as Pearson Scholars, joining a global community of exceptional changemakers supported by the university’s Centre for International Experience.
For more information and to begin the application process, visit the University of Toronto’s official scholarship page.
