Lester B. Pearson Bachelor's Scholarship – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes6 Nov, 2026

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is the most prestigious and competitive undergraduate scholarship offered by the University of Toronto, Canada. The scholarship covers full tuition fees for four years of undergraduate study. In addition, it pays for books, incidental fees, and full residence support throughout the program. Each year, approximately 37 international students receive the award. Consequently, recipients can focus on their academic and personal development without the financial burden of studying abroad. The scholarship applies only to first-entry undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto and cannot be transferred to another institution or academic program.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Lester B. Pearson Bachelor’s Scholarship before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

All fields

GPA / Grade

GPA 3.7-4.0

Languages

C1 Advanced 180, C2 Proficiency 180, CAEL 70, DuoLingo English Test 120, IELTS 6.5, PTE A 65, TOEFL iBT 89

Tests

Study Levels

Bachelor's, Undergraduate

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Result Date

Program Start

September 2027

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount
Deadline6 Nov, 2026
LevelBachelor's, Undergraduate
InstitutionUniversity of Toronto
CountryCanada
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The Lester B. Pearson Bachelor’s Scholarship is the most prestigious and competitive undergraduate scholarship offered by the University of Toronto, Canada. The scholarship recognizes exceptional international students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, creativity, leadership, and a strong commitment to creating positive change in their schools and communities. It supports students who plan to begin their first undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto. Moreover, the scholarship removes financial barriers and enables talented students from around the world to study at one of Canada’s leading research universities while preparing for future leadership roles.

Background and Purpose

The University of Toronto established the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship to attract outstanding international students with exceptional academic ability and leadership potential. The scholarship recognizes students who excel in the classroom while making meaningful contributions to their schools and communities. Furthermore, the selection process evaluates leadership qualities, personal character, creativity, and the ability to create a positive impact beyond academic performance. The program encourages scholars to engage with diverse perspectives and contribute to the university’s global learning environment. As a result, it helps develop future leaders who can address local and global challenges through education, innovation, and service.

Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship covers full tuition fees for four years of undergraduate study. In addition, it pays for books, incidental fees, and full residence support throughout the program. Each year, approximately 37 international students receive the award. Consequently, recipients can focus on their academic and personal development without the financial burden of studying abroad. The scholarship applies only to first-entry undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto and cannot be transferred to another institution or academic program.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be international students who require a study permit to study in Canada. They must also be in their final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than the previous academic year, and they must begin their undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in the following academic year. Furthermore, applicants must receive a nomination from their secondary school before applying. Strong academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, creativity, and meaningful contributions to school and community activities are essential selection criteria.

Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Application Process

Applicants must first obtain a nomination from their secondary school. After receiving the nomination, they must apply for admission to an eligible undergraduate program at the University of Toronto. The university then provides eligible nominees with access to a personalized online portal to complete the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship application. Therefore, applicants should prepare all required documents carefully and submit every application before the published deadlines.

Opportunities for Scholars

The scholarship offers far more than financial support. Moreover, recipients become members of the Pearson Scholar community and receive continued guidance through the Pearson Program Office within the Centre for International Experience. They participate in leadership development programs, networking events, mentorship opportunities, academic support services, and a diverse international community. Consequently, graduates develop the knowledge, leadership skills, and global perspective needed to pursue successful careers and make meaningful contributions to society through innovation, public service, and international collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for this scholarship?

Applicants must be international students requiring a Canadian study permit, be in their final year of secondary school (or have graduated no earlier than June 2026), and begin undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027.

Do I need to apply to the University of Toronto separately?

Yes. You must apply to at least one undergraduate program at the University of Toronto in addition to being nominated for the scholarship.

How do I apply?

After your school nominates you and you submit your admission application, the University of Toronto will send you a personalized link to complete the Pearson Scholarship application.