Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program 2026: Deadline, Eligibility, Benefits

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program is a merit-based undergraduate award run by the University of Toronto for international students, covering the full cost of a degree rather than a partial contribution. It is restricted to students entering their first degree: applicants must be in their final year of senior secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June of the same year, must require a Canadian study permit as an international student, and must not already be attending any post-secondary institution. Students cannot apply on their own. Their secondary school must first be approved to take part and then nominate a student, typically one per school each year, after which the nominated student completes the University of Toronto's own undergraduate admission application and a separate Pearson scholarship application with supporting documents. The scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four full years of undergraduate study at U of T, awarded to about 37 students annually across the whole university. For entry in September 2027, schools needed to confirm participation and nominate students by 9 October 2026, the University of Toronto admission application was due 16 October 2026, and the Pearson scholarship application and supporting documents were due 6 November 2026, with decisions announced between January and April 2027.