Start your undergraduate studies in Canada with the University of Toronto Lester B Pearson Scholarship. In this article, we will break down the step-by-step process of applying for this scholarship and its benefits.
University of Toronto Scholarship (Lester B. Pearson Award) provide an unparalleled opportunity for outstanding international students to study at one of the world’s best universities in one of the world’s most multicultural cities – Toronto, Canada.
The Lester B Pearson Scholarship program is intended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their school.
A special emphasis is placed on the impact the student has had on the life of their school and community, and their future potential to contribute positively to the global community.
University of Toronto Lester B Pearson Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Study Abroad: Study in Canada
- Category: Undergraduate Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Stipends | Accommodation
- Deadline: November 7, 2025.
Details of the University of Toronto Lester B Pearson Scholarship 2026
The University of Toronto Scholarship (Lester B. Pearson Award) is awarded annually.
The Lester B Pearson Scholarships recognize outstanding students from around the world, including international students studying at Canadian high schools.
This is the University of Toronto’s most prestigious and competitive scholarship for international students.
The scholarship is tenable only at the University of Toronto for first-entry, undergraduate programs. Each year, approximately 37 students will be named Lester B. Pearson Scholars.
equirements for University of Toronto Scholarship 2026
To be eligible to apply to the Pearson International University of Toronto Scholarship, you must be:
- An international student (i.e. a non-Canadian requiring a study permit);
- Currently in your final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June 2025
- Beginning your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2026 (students already attending post-secondary studies cannot be considered; students starting their studies in January 2026 at another post-secondary institution cannot be considered).
Benefits of Lester B Pearson Scholarship 2026
- The scholarship program is intended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their school.
- The University of Toronto Scholarship (Lester B. Pearson Award) will cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for the four years or your entire undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto.
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Deadlines
The University of Toronto Scholarship (Lester B. Pearson Award) requires you to receive a nomination from your secondary school to apply. Each Step of the application has its deadlines that must be followed.
- School nomination deadline: October 10, 2025
- Student OUAC admission application deadline: October 17, 2025
- Student scholarship application deadline and documentation submission deadline: November 7, 2025
How to Apply for Lester B Pearson Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step)
Interested students across the world can now submit their applications. To apply, here is a step-by-step process you will need to:
- Step 1: Receive a nomination from your school. High schools not already contacted/verified are asked to submit an application to participate in our program, available here in September.(external link) High schools who have participated in a previous year will receive their nomination access starting in early September.
- Step 2: Apply to study at the University of Toronto(external link) to begin your studies in September 2025 and complete your application for admission by the appropriate deadlines (external link). Please be advised that you will be considered for the Pearson Scholarship for your first choice of program at U of T.
- Note: You may apply for several programs and may receive admission to them all; however, the Pearson Scholarship, if awarded to you, would be restricted to your first choice of program at U of T at the time our scholarship decisions are made.
- Step 3: Once the University of Toronto Scholarship body receives a nomination and you have applied to the university, you can complete the online Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application. You will receive a private link to the scholarship application when you are successfully nominated by your school.