Deadline: October 10, 2025
Applications are open for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships at the University of Toronto 2026. The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships 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.
The 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.
Awarded annually, these scholarships recognize outstanding students from around the world, including international students studying at Canadian high schools. This is U of T’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.
Scholarship
- The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships will cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply to the Pearson International Scholarship, you must be:
- an international student (i.e. a non-Canadian requiring a study permit);
- enrolled in your final year of senior secondary school in 2025/2026 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 post-secondary studies in January 2026 at another post-secondary institution cannot be considered).
Application
The 2026 Competition opens on July 1, 2025. To apply, you will need to:
- Receive a nomination from your school. High schools not already contacted/verified are asked to submit an application to participate in the program, available here. High schools who have participated in a previous year will receive their nomination access starting July 1, 2025.
- Apply to study at the University of Toronto by October 17, 2025 in order to begin your studies in September 2026. 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 the scholarship decisions are made.
- Once you have received a nomination and you’ve applied to the university, you can complete the online Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application by November 7, 2025. You will receive a private link to the scholarship application when you are successfully nominated by your school.
- Submit all necessary documentation online by November 7, 2025.
For more information, visit Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships.
