University of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027
The Pearson Scholarship covers 4 years of undergraduate study at U of T — full tuition, books, residence & incidental fees. 37 scholars selected annually.
Overview
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program is the University of Toronto's top award for international undergraduate students. Named after the former Canadian Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the scholarship recognises students who show outstanding academic achievement, creativity, and leadership, and who are identified as leaders within their school. About 37 scholars are selected each year from a global pool of nominated candidates.
The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance for four years of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto: tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support. This makes it one of the most generous undergraduate awards available to international students in Canada. The award renews for four years as long as the scholar maintains satisfactory academic performance.
The Pearson follows a nomination-based model. Students cannot apply directly. Their secondary school must nominate them, and each school may nominate only one student per year. Every candidate has been identified by their school as their strongest student. Nominees then complete a detailed application showcasing their academic abilities, extracurricular engagement, and potential to contribute to the University of Toronto community.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funding Body | University of Toronto |
| Host Country | Canada |
| Degree Levels | Bachelor's |
| Value | Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years of undergraduate study |
| Deadline | November 2026 |
| Duration | 4 years (renewable annually with satisfactory academic performance) |
| Eligible Nationalities | International students from all countries who require a Canadian study permit (non-Canadian citizens and non-permanent residents) |
| Official Website | https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson-scholarships |
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
Applicants must be in their final year of secondary school (or have graduated no earlier than June 2025) and show strong academic achievement. Candidates are expected to be among the top students at their school with a record of intellectual curiosity and academic distinction.
Nationality Requirements
Applicants must be international students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents and who will need a Canadian study permit. The scholarship is open to students from all countries.
Language Requirements
Applicants must meet the University of Toronto's English language proficiency requirements for undergraduate admission, which require IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 per band) or TOEFL 100 iBT. Some programmes have higher requirements.
Work Experience
No work experience is required. The scholarship is for students entering undergraduate study directly from secondary school.
Other Requirements
Students must be nominated by their secondary school. Direct applications are not accepted. Each school may nominate only one student per year. Students already attending post-secondary institutions or beginning post-secondary studies in January 2026 at another institution are not eligible.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition coverage for four years of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto
- Full residence support (on-campus housing) for the duration of the scholarship
- Coverage of incidental fees and mandatory student fees
- Book and academic material allowance
- Access to the Pearson Scholars community and peer network
- Mentorship and academic advising through the International Student Services office
- Choice of any programme at U of T's three campuses (St. George, Scarborough, Mississauga)
- Renewable for four years with satisfactory academic standing
How to Apply
- Seek Nomination from Your School: Talk to your school counsellor or principal about the Pearson Scholarship. Your school must register with the University of Toronto and submit a nomination on your behalf. Each school may nominate only one student per year, and the nomination must be in by October.
- Apply for Admission to the University of Toronto: Submit an application for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) or the U of T direct application for international students. You must apply by October 17, 2025, which is earlier than the regular admission deadline.
- Complete the Pearson Scholarship Application: Once nominated, you receive instructions to complete the Pearson Scholarship application. This includes written responses about your academic interests, leadership experiences, and contributions to your community. Submit by November 7, 2025.
- Submit Supporting Documentation: Provide official academic transcripts, proof of citizenship status, and any other documents the University of Toronto requests. Make sure your school counsellor submits the required school profile and nomination materials.
- Await Selection Decision: The University of Toronto reviews all nominated applications and selects about 37 Pearson Scholars. Selected students are notified in spring and must confirm their acceptance and enrollment.
Required Documents
- School nomination form submitted by the secondary school
- Completed Pearson Scholarship application form
- Official secondary school academic transcripts
- School profile document from the nominating school
- Written responses to Pearson Scholarship application prompts
- Proof of international student status (passport or equivalent)
- University of Toronto undergraduate admission application
- English language proficiency scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Reference or recommendation from the nominating school
Important Dates & Deadlines
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | August 2025 (school nomination portal opens) |
| Application Deadline | School nomination: October 10, 2025; U of T admission: October 17, 2025; Pearson application: November 7, 2025 |
| Results Announced | Recipients notified starting end of January 2026; all nominees notified by April 2026 |
| Course Start | September 2026 |
Tips for a Strong Application
Personal Statement Tips
- Focus on your impact and leadership within your school and community. The Pearson values students who actively contribute beyond academics.
- Be specific about why you want to study at the University of Toronto and how you will contribute to its community
- Show creativity and intellectual curiosity through concrete examples, not general statements about your passion for learning
- Describe a project, initiative, or moment where you took the lead and made a measurable difference
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to coordinate with your school early enough. The nomination deadline is in October, and schools may have their own internal selection processes.
- Missing the earlier-than-usual U of T admission deadline (October 17), which is months before the regular deadline
- Assuming you can apply directly without a school nomination. The Pearson only accepts nominated candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Pearson Scholarship at the University of Toronto worth?
The Pearson covers the full cost of attendance for four years: tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support. For international students at U of T, tuition alone can exceed CAD $60,000 per year depending on the programme, making the total value over CAD $300,000 across four years.
Can I apply for the Pearson Scholarship without a school nomination?
The Pearson is strictly nomination-based. Your secondary school must nominate you, and each school may nominate only one student per year. Direct applications are not accepted.
How many Pearson Scholars are selected each year?
About 37 students from a global pool of nominated candidates. Only one student per school can be nominated, which limits the applicant pool but keeps competition intense.
Can Canadian citizens apply for the Pearson Scholarship?
The Pearson is exclusively for international students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents and who will require a Canadian study permit. Canadian students should explore other University of Toronto scholarship programmes.
What programmes can I study with the Pearson Scholarship?
Any undergraduate programme at the University of Toronto across all three campuses (St. George, Scarborough, and Mississauga). No restrictions by field of study.
Is the Pearson Scholarship renewable?
Renewable for four years as long as you maintain satisfactory academic performance. Scholars who fall below the required standard may have their scholarship suspended or revoked.
What does the Pearson Scholarship selection committee look for?
Academic excellence, creativity, leadership within school and community, and potential to contribute to the University of Toronto's intellectual environment. A strong school nomination is required.
Can gap year students apply for the Pearson Scholarship?
Students who graduated no earlier than June 2025 may be eligible. Students who have already begun post-secondary studies at another institution are not eligible. Check the current cycle's requirements on the official website.
Does the Pearson Scholarship cover living expenses beyond residence?
The scholarship covers full residence support, tuition, books, and incidental fees. Personal spending money beyond these categories is the student's responsibility. Residence support includes a meal plan in most cases.
When will I find out if I received the Pearson Scholarship?
Selected scholars are notified in spring (March to April) of the year they will begin their studies. The exact timeline may vary slightly.
Related Scholarships
Scholarship Value
Full Tuition
Deadline
November 2026
Duration
4 years (renewable annually with satisfactory academic performance)
Host Country
Canada
Funding Body
University of Toronto