Lester B Pearson Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded in Canada

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is the University of Toronto's most prestigious undergraduate scholarship for international students. It supports exceptional young people who demonstrate academic excellence, creativity, leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive difference.

The programme welcomes talented students from around the world and provides four years of financial support for eligible first-entry undergraduate studies.

Unlike many scholarships that rely only on academic grades, the Pearson Scholarship also recognises students who have made meaningful contributions to their schools and communities.

Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027 Overview

• Scholarship name: Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship

• Host country: Canada

• Host institution: University of Toronto

• Study level: Undergraduate bachelor's degree

• Number of awards: Approximately 37 annually

• Funding: Tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support

• Duration: Four years

• Scholarship application deadline: 6 November 2026

Important: The school nomination deadline was 9 October 2026, and the University of Toronto admission application deadline for Pearson consideration was 16 October 2026.

The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, allowing selected students to focus on their undergraduate education.

1. Full Tuition Coverage

The scholarship covers tuition fees for four years of eligible undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.

This is particularly valuable for international students, who would otherwise face substantial tuition costs.

2. Books and Academic Materials

Pearson Scholars receive support for books required during their undergraduate studies.

This helps reduce the financial burden of purchasing course materials.

3. Incidental Fees

The scholarship covers eligible incidental fees associated with undergraduate enrolment at the University of Toronto.

These fees are separate from tuition and may support university services and student activities.

4. Full Residence Support

Recipients receive full residence support for four years, helping them access student accommodation during their studies.

The university's official award description does not separately promise unlimited personal spending money, airfare or visa costs.

5. Four Years of Scholarship Support

The award supports recipients throughout four years of eligible first-entry undergraduate education.

It is tenable only at the University of Toronto and is not transferable to another institution.

6. Academic and Community Opportunities

Pearson Scholars join an international community of students recognised for their achievements and leadership.

The university's Pearson Program Office also provides enrichment and support activities for scholars studying at the institution.

Related: Discover more fully funded international scholarships on OHUB.

Applicants should prepare the documents required for their University of Toronto admission and Pearson Scholarship applications.

These may include:

• Secondary school academic transcripts

• Secondary school graduation certificate, if already available

• University of Toronto admission application details

• School nomination submitted by an authorised school representative

• Pearson Scholarship application form

• Written responses and supporting materials requested in the scholarship form

• English-language proficiency evidence, if required

• Other programme-specific admission documents

Note: The university does not publish one universal checklist for every applicant on its Pearson Scholarship overview page. The exact requirements are provided through the admission process and the private scholarship application link.

Applicants must meet the University of Toronto's official scholarship eligibility criteria.

• Nationality: International student requiring a Canadian study permit

• Education: In the final year of secondary school in 2026/27 or graduated no earlier than June 2026

• University entry: Beginning undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027

• School nomination: Nominated by an eligible secondary school

• Academic profile: Exceptional academic achievement, creativity and leadership potential

• University admission: Meets the admission requirements of the chosen undergraduate programme

Students already attending post-secondary studies are not eligible. Students beginning post-secondary studies in January 2027 at the University of Toronto or another institution are also ineligible.

Each eligible secondary school may nominate only one student per year.

Can African Students Apply for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship?

Yes. Eligible international students from African countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and other nations, may be considered.

Applicants must meet the scholarship's academic and educational requirements, obtain a nomination from their secondary school and apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto.

Nationality alone does not determine selection. Academic excellence, creativity, leadership and school or community contributions are central to the award.

The application process involves school nomination, undergraduate admission and a separate scholarship application.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Check that you meet the nationality, secondary school graduation and September 2027 entry requirements.

Applicants who have already started post-secondary education should review the restrictions carefully.

Step 2: Contact Your Secondary School

Speak with your school counsellor, principal or head of school about the Pearson Scholarship nomination process.

Only eligible schools can nominate students, and each school may nominate one candidate annually.

Step 3: Obtain Your School Nomination

Your secondary school must submit its nomination through the university's official nomination system.

For the September 2027 intake, the nomination deadline was 9 October 2026.

Step 4: Apply for Undergraduate Admission

Submit an application for at least one eligible undergraduate programme at the University of Toronto through the appropriate admissions process.

The Pearson-related admission application deadline was 16 October 2026.

Applicants may select up to three areas of study, but the scholarship, if awarded, is restricted to their top programme choice at the time scholarship decisions are made.

Step 5: Receive the Private Scholarship Application Link

After your school nominates you, the university provides a private link to the Pearson Scholarship application.

You can complete the scholarship application after submitting your University of Toronto admission application.

Step 6: Complete Your Scholarship Application

Fill in the scholarship form and provide the requested information and supporting documents.

Important: The University of Toronto prohibits the use of generative AI tools to create content for undergraduate award applications. Applicants must prepare their scholarship responses independently.

Step 7: Submit Before the Scholarship Deadline

Complete the Pearson Scholarship application and submit all required documentation by 6 November 2026.

Step 8: Monitor Official Communications

After submission, monitor communications from the University of Toronto and follow any further instructions.

The university will contact applicants through its official admissions and scholarship channels.

Related: Find more international scholarships with upcoming deadlines on OHUB.