The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship at the University of Toronto (U of T) is a life-changing chance to students who have excelled academically with exceptional performance.
Being among the most reputable and competitive scholarships in Canada, the Pearson Scholarship identifies and rewards high performance students across the globe and provides them with a comprehensive coverage of the entire course of study under their undergraduates.
About the Pearson International Student Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Program is available to students who have already finished their first year in college or university admission.
The Pearson Scholarship is aimed at attracting and empowering talented students who demonstrate not only minimal academic brilliance but also creativity, leadership, and strong aspiration to make a difference to their communities.
Each year, the University of Toronto receives about 37 graduate students globally who are chosen out of the outstanding applications of scholars to become part of the energetic academic community.
It is one of the largest international scholarships programs in Canada; in 2024, it paid more than 12 million dollars to fund scholars in over 188 countries.
What the Pearson International Student Scholarship Covers
Pearson Scholars are awarded a 4-year scholarship that covers:
- Full tuition coverage
- Books and incidental fees
- Four year residence support.
This overall financial package helps students to be fully committed in studies, building their leadership and growing their personal life without worrying about finances.
Who Can Apply for the Pearson International Student Scholarship
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a non-Canadian (international) student (need a study permit).
- Graduate in or within June 2025, and are in your final year of secondary school in 2025/2026.
- Be an aspiring undergraduate student intending to join the University of Toronto in September 2026.
How To Become a Pearson Scholar
The first step is to be nominated by your high school then your application to the University of Toronto and last but not the least is the Pearson Scholarship application.
Here’s a breakdown:
Nomination on July – October 2025:
You must be nominated by your high school. Each school is allowed to nominate only one student annually.
Schools already registered for the program will be given access to the nomination form on July 1, 2025. And in case your school is also not a participant, you may apply to join the program, by contacting the Pearson Scholarship Office, at the University of Toronto.
Between September – October 2025, Apply to the University of Toronto
Apply to the University of Toronto to to any one or more undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto by the September of 2026.
The deadline of the admission application is October 17, 2025.
You may apply to a maximum of three programs, though your Pearson Scholarship will only be applicable to your first-choice program during the award selection.
Click here to apply!
Submit Your Scholarship Application between October – November 2025
After your school nominates you, you will have a special link in which you are able to fill in the Pearson Scholarship application on the internet.
The last date of the submission (along with any supporting documents) is November 7, 2025.
Why Apply to Pearson Scholarship?
- Become a member of an international community of changemakers and future leaders.
- Education in the most ranked university in Canada – the University of Toronto.
- Get a full undergraduate scholarship.
- Establish life long relationships with other high-performing international students.
- In case you have a history of high-achievement, a desire to create an international impression, the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship will be your gateway to the world.
Important Dates for the 2026 Intake – Take Note
Application Deadline: October 10, 2025
U of T Application Admission Deadline: October 17, 2025
Application Deadline of Pearson Scholarship: November 7, 2025.