The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027 is the University of Toronto‘s most prestigious and competitive undergraduate scholarship for international students. The scholarship recognizes exceptional students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, creativity, leadership, and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in their school and community. It provides a fully funded four-year undergraduate education, covering tuition fees, books, incidental fees, and full residence support. Each year, approximately 37 international students are selected as Pearson Scholars.
About the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is designed to attract outstanding international students from around the world to study at the University of Toronto, one of Canada’s leading research universities. The scholarship is available only for first-entry undergraduate degree programmes and aims to support students who have demonstrated exceptional academic excellence, leadership, creativity, and the potential to contribute positively to the global community.
Unlike many scholarships, applicants cannot apply directly. Every applicant must first be nominated by their secondary school, then apply for admission to the University of Toronto. After receiving a nomination and submitting an admission application, eligible students receive a personalized scholarship application link from the University.
Why Choose The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship?
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship offers one of Canada’s most comprehensive funding packages for undergraduate students.
You benefit from:
- Full tuition fee coverage for four years
- Book allowance
- Coverage of incidental academic fees
- Full residence support throughout the undergraduate programme
- Study at one of the world’s leading universities
- Membership in the Pearson Scholar community
- Leadership and networking opportunities
- Access to academic and personal support through the Pearson Program Office
- Excellent preparation for graduate studies and global careers
Pearson Scholars are selected not only for academic excellence but also for their demonstrated leadership, creativity, and positive contributions to their schools and communities.
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Host University: University of Toronto
- Scholarship Name: Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
- Study Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Applicants: International Students
- Study Mode: Full-Time
- Scholarship Duration: 4 years
- Number of Scholarships: Approximately 37 each year
- Funding Covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Books
- Incidental fees
- Full residence support
- Application Mode: School nomination followed by University of Toronto and scholarship applications
- Scholarship Application Deadline: 6 November 2026
- Selection Basis: Academic excellence, leadership, creativity, and community impact
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship provides:
- Full tuition fees for four years
- Book allowance
- Coverage of incidental academic fees
- Full residence support for four years
- Access to enrichment programmes offered by the Pearson Program Office
- Academic, leadership, and community support during studies
The scholarship is tenable only at the University of Toronto for first-entry undergraduate programmes.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be an international student requiring a Canadian study permit.
- Be in their final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June 2026.
- Be planning to begin undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027.
- Be nominated by their current secondary school.
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.
- Demonstrate creativity and leadership.
- Have a record of positive contributions to their school and community.
Students who have already begun post-secondary studies or who will begin post-secondary studies before September 2027 are not eligible.
Required Documents
Applicants generally need to complete:
- University of Toronto undergraduate admission application
- Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application
- Academic transcripts
- Supporting information requested in the scholarship application
- School nomination
Additional documentation may be requested during the admission or scholarship review process.
Application Process & Timeline
Follow these steps:
- Ask your guidance counsellor, principal, or head of school to nominate you.
- Submit your undergraduate application to the University of Toronto through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).
- After your school nomination and admission application are received, complete the online Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application using the personalized link provided by the University.
- Submit all required documents before the scholarship deadline.
- Await the admission and scholarship decisions from the University of Toronto.
