Lester B Pearson International Student Scholarships

Full Job Description

Join a global community of exceptional changemakers. The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is the university's most prestigious award for international students. It recognizes outstanding academic achievement, creativity and leadership potential.

For Outstanding Leaders

Pearson Scholars demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and potential to contribute positively to the global community.

Full 4 Year Scholarship For International Students

One of our most competitive scholarships, the Pearson Scholarships cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.

Nominated By Your High School

High schools can only nominate one student per year.

Become A Pearson Scholar

To become a Pearson Scholar, you need to be nominated by your school and apply to undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. Follow these steps to get started.

BEFORE YOU APPLY Confirm your 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 2026/2027 or have graduated no earlier than June 2026; and
• beginning your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027.

Students who are already attending post-secondary studies or students who are starting their post-secondary studies in January 2027 at U of T or another post-secondary institution are not eligible for the Pearson International Scholarship.

JUL - OCT Your high school nominates you

Ask your guidance counsellor, principal or head of school if your school is eligible to nominate students for the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship.

Schools that have previously participated will receive access to the nomination form beginning July 6, 2026. The deadline to nominate a student is October 9, 2026.

If your school has not yet participated, they can apply to join the program by noon (EST) October 9th 2026.

Sep - Oct Apply to study at U of T

To be considered for the Pearson Scholarship, you must apply to at least one undergraduate program at the University of Toronto. You must begin your studies in September 2027. The deadline to apply for admission to U of T and be considered for the Pearson Scholarship is October 16, 2026.

Please note: You may apply to up to three areas on your application for admission; however, the Pearson Scholarship, if awarded to you, would be restricted to your top choice of program at the time our scholarship decisions are made.

Oct - Nov Submit your Pearson Scholarship application

You will receive a private link to the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship application when you have been nominated by your school. You will be able to complete this form after you have submitted your application for admission to U of T.

The deadline to complete the Pearson International Scholarship application and submit all required documentation is November 6, 2026.

Before You Apply Confirm Your 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 2026/2027 or have graduated no earlier than June 2026; and
• beginning your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027.

Students who are already attending post-secondary studies or students who are starting their post-secondary studies in January 2027 at U of T or another post-secondary institution are not eligible for the Pearson International Scholarship.

Jul Oct Your High School Nominates You

Ask your guidance counsellor, principal or head of school if your school is eligible to nominate students for the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship.

Schools that have previously participated will receive access to the nomination form beginning July 6, 2026. The deadline to nominate a student is October 9, 2026.

If your school has not yet participated, they can apply to join the program by noon (EST) October 9th 2026.

Sep Oct Apply To Study At U Of T

To be considered for the Pearson Scholarship, you must apply to at least one undergraduate program at the University of Toronto. You must begin your studies in September 2027. The deadline to apply for admission to U of T and be considered for the Pearson Scholarship is October 16, 2026.

Please note: You may apply to up to three areas on your application for admission; however, the Pearson Scholarship, if awarded to you, would be restricted to your top choice of program at the time our scholarship decisions are made.

Oct Nov Submit Your Pearson Scholarship Application

You will receive a private link to the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship application when you have been nominated by your school. You will be able to complete this form after you have submitted your application for admission to U of T.

The deadline to complete the Pearson International Scholarship application and submit all required documentation is November 6, 2026.

Fraud Alert

The University of Toronto has been alerted to fraudulent emails that offer to assist students with applications to our Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship program. Please note the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto does not interact with agencies or educational "agents" to recruit students or offer scholarships. Please be cautioned against any agents providing false acceptances or requiring fees for unaffiliated third parties. Pearson Scholarship recipients can only be nominated by their current secondary school through our online process and the scholarship is available only to undergraduate degree applicants.

Award Value

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.

Pearson Program Office

The Pearson Program Office housed within the Centre for International Experience (CIE) offers different enrichment and support programs for Pearson Scholars currently studying at U of T.

Important Dates And Deadlines

• School nomination deadline: October 9, 2026
• Student OUAC admission application deadline: October 16, 2026
• Student scholarship application deadline and documentation submission deadline: November 6, 2026

Questions

We’re here to help! For questions about applying to the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, please visit our Pearson Scholarship Inquiry Form.

Resources For Counsellors, Principals & Heads Of School

We value our relationships with counsellors, principals and heads of schools around the world. We've prepared resources and answers to commonly asked questions about the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships to help you advise your students.

How do I nominate a student?

High schools already verified by University Admissions & Outreach and the University Registrar's Office will be contacted by email each July with a personalized, secure nomination form.

If your school has not been verified, please submit an application to participate in our program. Once your school is verified, we will provide you with your school's nomination form and next steps.

When can I nominate student?

Nominations will be accepted beginning July 1, 2025. This year’s deadline to nominate a Pearson Scholar is October 10, 2025.

Can I nominate more than one student?

Schools can nominate one student per year. The Pearson International Student Scholarships are designed to recognize outstanding students from around the globe, so part of the selection process involves your school choosing your top candidate for nomination. We encourage schools to nominate the student that best exemplifies the qualities of a Pearson Scholar.

When will my student nominee receive a decision?

Pearson Scholarship recipients will be notified starting at the end of January 2026. All nominees will be notified of our decisions by April 2026.

Can I nominate a student even if they haven't applied to U of T?

Yes, you can nominate a student who has not yet applied for admission to U of T; however, in order to submit the scholarship application, students must apply for admission to U of T.

I have more questions—whom can I contact?

We're here to help. If you have any questions about the Pearson International Student Scholarship, submit them through our inquiry form. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Can my nominee use generative AI to compose their scholarship application?

The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT and other AI applications, is prohibited when creating content for any University of Toronto undergraduate award application. Nominees and applicants found to have used generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) to create content will be disqualified from award eligibility. For information on academic integrity at the University of Toronto, visit our Academic Integrity website.

How Do I Nominate A Student?

High schools already verified by University Admissions & Outreach and the University Registrar's Office will be contacted by email each July with a personalized, secure nomination form.

If your school has not been verified, please submit an application to participate in our program. Once your school is verified, we will provide you with your school's nomination form and next steps.

When Can I Nominate Student?

Nominations will be accepted beginning July 1, 2025. This year’s deadline to nominate a Pearson Scholar is October 10, 2025.

Can I Nominate More Than One Student?

Schools can nominate one student per year. The Pearson International Student Scholarships are designed to recognize outstanding students from around the globe, so part of the selection process involves your school choosing your top candidate for nomination. We encourage schools to nominate the student that best exemplifies the qualities of a Pearson Scholar.

When Will My Student Nominee Receive A Decision?

Pearson Scholarship recipients will be notified starting at the end of January 2026. All nominees will be notified of our decisions by April 2026.

Can I Nominate A Student Even If They Haven't Applied To U Of T?

Yes, you can nominate a student who has not yet applied for admission to U of T; however, in order to submit the scholarship application, students must apply for admission to U of T.

I Have More Questions—Whom Can I Contact?

We're here to help. If you have any questions about the Pearson International Student Scholarship, submit them through our inquiry form. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Can My Nominee Use Generative Ai To Compose Their Scholarship Application?

The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT and other AI applications, is prohibited when creating content for any University of Toronto undergraduate award application. Nominees and applicants found to have used generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) to create content will be disqualified from award eligibility. For information on academic integrity at the University of Toronto, visit our Academic Integrity website.

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 2026/2027 or have graduated no earlier than June 2026; and
• beginning your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027.

Students who are already attending post-secondary studies or students who are starting their post-secondary studies in January 2027 at U of T or another post-secondary institution are not eligible for the Pearson International Scholarship.

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