If you are planning to study in Canada with financial support, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of the best opportunities available for international students. This scholarship provides fully funded programs at Canadian universities across a wide range of fields. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a detailed step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program 2026-2027 is a fully funded scholarship for international students. A total of 37 scholarships are available for undergraduate studies. This scholarship will cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
The purpose of this scholarship is to acknowledge global students who show outstanding academic achievement and creativity and who are acknowledged as leaders in their college. The student’s impact on their peers and society, as well as their future ability to contribute positively to the world, is emphasized.
These scholarships are awarded annually to excellent students from around the globe, including international students studying at Canadian high schools. This is the most prestigious and competitive scholarship for global students.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
- Institution(s): University of Toronto
- Study Destination: Canada
Pearson Scholarship Deadlines
- School nomination deadline: October 10, 2026
- Student OUAC admission application deadline: October 17, 2026
- Student scholarship application deadline: November 7, 2026
Courses Offered:
- Physical & Mathematical Sciences
- Commerce & Management
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Kinesiology & Physical Education
- Music
- Architecture
Scholarship Coverage
The Pearson International Student Scholarships cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. The scholarship is tenable only at the University of Toronto for first-entry, undergraduate programs. Each year, approximately 37 students will be named Pearson Scholars.
Eligibility Criteria for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
An international student nominated by their school will be invited to apply to the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship program. The complete eligibility criteria are:
- Required Language: English
- Eligible Countries: All countries in the world
- An international student
- An original and creative thinker
- Committed to school and community
- A high achiever in academic and creative pursuits
- Enthusiastic about learning and intellectual exploration
- Have demonstrated strong leadership skills
- Currently in their final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June 2025
- Intending to begin 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)
How to Apply for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship?
Please follow the application instructions below to apply for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program:
- 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).
- Apply to study at the University of Toronto to begin your studies in 2026 and complete your application for admission by the appropriate deadlines. Please be advised that you will be considered for the Pearson Scholarship for your first choice of program at U of T. 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.
- Once we’ve received a nomination and you’ve applied to the university, you can complete the online Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application.
Website
To know more about the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program, please visit the official website: