Great news! The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is now open for applications. In this article, we will provide full details about this scholarship, its benefits, and the step-by-step application process.
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program 2025-2026 is a fully funded undergraduate scholarship for international students. Each year, a total of 37 scholarships are awarded. The scholarship covers tuition fees, cost of books, incidental expenses, and full residence support for four years of study at the University of Toronto.
The aim of this prestigious award is to recognize international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, creativity, and leadership qualities. A strong emphasis is placed on the impact the student has made within their school or community and their future potential to contribute positively to the global society.
These scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding students worldwide, including international applicants currently studying at Canadian high schools. It is regarded as one of the most prestigious and highly competitive scholarships in Canada for international students.
Scholarship Summary
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Institution(s): University of Toronto
Study in: Canada
Pearson Scholarship Deadlines
School nomination deadline: November 30, 2025
Student OUAC admission application deadline: December 15, 2025 (Please note this is the final date to submit an application to the OUAC; although you can apply up to December 15 2023, it is recommended you apply for admission through the OUAC as soon as possible. The recommended date to apply for admission is before November 7, 2025 as spaces in programs fill-up quickly and popular programs may close early.)
Student scholarship application deadline: January 15, 2025
Courses Offered:
Physical & Mathematical Sciences
Commerce & Management
Humanities
Social Sciences
Life Sciences
Computer Science
Engineering
Kinesiology & Physical Education
Music
Architecture
Scholarship Coverage
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program will cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. The scholarship is tenable only at the University of Toronto.
Eligibility Criteria for Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
An international student nominated by their school will be invited to submit an application to the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship program. The complete eligibility criteria is:
Required Language: English
Eligible Countries: All world countries
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 2023
Intending to begin your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2024 (students already attending post-secondary studies cannot be considered; students starting their studies in January 2024 at another post-secondary institution cannot be considered)
How to Apply for Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship?
Please follow the following application instructions to apply for 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.(external link))(external link)
Apply to study at the University of Toronto(external link) to begin your studies in 2024 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. 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 Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program, please visit the official website:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship?
It is the University of Toronto’s most prestigious and fully funded undergraduate scholarship for exceptional international students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, creativity, and leadership in their schools and communities.
Is this scholarship available to Canadian citizens or permanent residents?
No. The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is only available to non-Canadian international students who require a study permit to study in Canada.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers tuition fees, books, incidental costs, and full residence support for four years of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.
Can I apply for the scholarship directly without a school nomination?
No. You must first be nominated by your school to be eligible to apply for the Pearson Scholarship. Self-nominations are not allowed.
Can my school nominate more than one student?
No. Each school can only nominate one student per year. If there are multiple deserving students, the school must choose just one to nominate.
How can a school become eligible to nominate a student?
Schools must apply to become recognized as a nominating institution via the University of Toronto’s Pearson Scholarship webpage. Once approved, they can submit nominations.
What programs are eligible under this scholarship?
All undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto's St. George, Mississauga, or Scarborough campuses are eligible, except for second-entry professional programs (like law, medicine, or education).
Do I need to apply to the University of Toronto before submitting the scholarship application?
Yes. You must apply for an undergraduate program at U of T before completing the Pearson Scholarship application. Only after applying will you receive the scholarship application link.
What are the key deadlines I should remember?
School nomination deadline: October 2025
University of Toronto application deadline: Mid-October 2025
Pearson Scholarship application deadline: Late November 2025
Always verify the exact dates on the official U of T website.
Is the scholarship renewable every year?
Yes. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, provided the recipient maintains good academic standing and continues full-time undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto.
Can transfer students or those already studying at U of T apply?
No. The scholarship is only for new students entering their first undergraduate degree directly from secondary/high school. Transfer students are not eligible.
How are students selected?
Selections are based on:
Academic excellence
Leadership qualities
Impact on their school and community
Future potential to contribute globally
Only the most outstanding and well-rounded students are selected.
What should I include in the scholarship application?
Your application should include:
A summary of your academic and extracurricular achievements
Leadership experience and community involvement
Personal statement or essay responses
Future goals and why you chose U of T
When will I be notified if I win the scholarship?
Final selection results are usually announced between March and May 2026. Notifications are sent via email.
What happens if I get the scholarship but don’t accept the offer from U of T?
The scholarship is only valid if you accept the admission offer from the University of Toronto. If you decline the offer, the scholarship will be forfeited.
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