The application deadline for this opportunity has passed. You can still review the details, but the listing is no longer presented as open for applications.
Scholarship, Study Abroad
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027
Offered by University of Toronto
Location
Canada
Funding
Not specified
Study level
Undergraduate
Field of study
All Fields
Application deadline
October 16, 2026
Application Closed
About This Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is the University of Toronto's flagship scholarship programme for exceptional international students entering undergraduate study. It recognises students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, creativity, leadership potential and a meaningful contribution to their school or wider community.
The scholarship is designed for young people who have distinguished themselves academically while also demonstrating initiative, originality and a commitment to making a positive difference. The university considers not only what students have achieved but also their potential to contribute to the global community in the future.
For eligible students commencing their studies in September 2027, the scholarship provides substantial financial support for up to four years of undergraduate education. The package covers tuition fees, books, incidental university fees and full residence support for the award period.
This makes the Pearson Scholarship particularly significant for international students who might otherwise struggle to finance an undergraduate degree in Canada. It allows recipients to focus more fully on their education, university activities and personal development without having to finance the full cost of tuition and residence independently.
The programme is highly competitive. Approximately 37 students are selected annually, and each participating secondary school can nominate only one student per year. A nomination is therefore an important first step, but it does not guarantee admission to the university or selection for the scholarship.
Important application-status update: The school nomination deadline for September 2027 entry was 9 October 2026 and has passed. Students who have already been nominated should continue with the admission and scholarship application stages. Students who have not been nominated should contact their school immediately to establish whether any action remains possible under the university's rules.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship covers four major categories of undergraduate study expenses.
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The scholarship covers tuition fees for the approved undergraduate programme at the University of Toronto for up to four years, subject to the scholarship's conditions.
International tuition fees vary by programme and faculty. Covering tuition is particularly valuable for international students, whose university fees may be substantially higher than those charged to domestic students.
Recipients should review their admission and award documentation to understand the approved programme, duration and conditions for maintaining the scholarship.
2. Books and Educational Materials
The scholarship includes support for books and educational expenses covered under the award.
Undergraduate students may need textbooks, laboratory materials, course resources and other learning materials depending on their chosen programme. The scholarship's book coverage helps reduce these costs.
Students should still follow the university's award guidance regarding what is covered and how the relevant expenses are administered.
3. Incidental University Fees
The scholarship covers incidental university fees included in the award.
These are university-related fees separate from tuition. The precise fees applicable to an individual student depend on the programme and university arrangements, so recipients should consult their official fee information.
4. Full Residence Support
The award includes full residence support for the four-year scholarship period, according to the university's published scholarship description and applicable conditions.
This is an important benefit for international students who need accommodation while studying in Toronto. It can help reduce the financial uncertainty associated with arranging student housing.
Recipients should confirm their residence arrangements, eligibility and any applicable conditions directly with the university.
5. Academic and Personal Development
Pearson Scholars join a community of high-achieving international students at the University of Toronto. The university offers academic, extracurricular and student-development opportunities that can support learning beyond the classroom.
Depending on their interests and programme, students may be able to participate in student societies, research-related activities, leadership initiatives and community engagement.
These opportunities can help scholars develop communication, teamwork, analytical and leadership skills alongside their academic qualifications.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the scholarship's eligibility conditions and be prepared to complete the university admission process.
1. International Student Status
Applicants must be international students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents and who require a Canadian study permit.
Applicants should confirm their immigration and citizenship status against the university's official eligibility definition.
2. Final-Year Secondary School Student or Recent Graduate
For the September 2027 intake, applicants must either:
Be enrolled in their final year of senior secondary school during the 2026–2027 academic year; or
Have graduated from secondary school no earlier than June 2026.
Students must also plan to begin their undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027.
3. School Nomination
Applicants must be nominated by their secondary school.
Schools can nominate only one student per year, making the school's selection process an important part of the scholarship application. Students should speak with their principal, guidance counsellor or head of school to understand the school's nomination procedure.
A nomination is not the same as a scholarship award. Nominated students must still apply for admission and complete the separate Pearson Scholarship application.
For the September 2027 intake, the published school nomination deadline was 9 October 2026.
4. Outstanding Academic Achievement
Pearson Scholars are expected to demonstrate exceptional academic performance.
Applicants should have a strong secondary school record and be able to show sustained commitment to learning. The university also considers creativity, leadership and the potential to contribute positively to the wider community.
Academic results are important, but the scholarship is not intended to recognise grades alone.
5. Creativity and Leadership Potential
Applicants should demonstrate initiative, originality and the ability to make a constructive contribution to their school or community.
Leadership does not necessarily mean holding a formal title. It can also be demonstrated through taking responsibility for a project, helping organise an activity, identifying a community need or encouraging others to work towards a shared goal.
Applicants should focus on genuine experiences and explain what they learned from them.
6. First Undergraduate Degree
The scholarship is intended for students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto.
Students who are already attending post-secondary education are not eligible under the published rules. Students beginning post-secondary studies in January 2027 at the University of Toronto or another post-secondary institution are also excluded from the September 2027 Pearson Scholarship intake.
Applicants should check the official eligibility rules if their educational circumstances differ from the standard secondary-school route.
7. Admission to the University of Toronto
Applicants must apply for an eligible first-entry undergraduate programme at the University of Toronto and meet its admission requirements.
Scholarship nomination does not guarantee admission. The university evaluates admission applications according to the requirements of the selected programme.
Students may apply to up to three areas on their admission application, but if they receive the Pearson Scholarship, the award will be restricted to their top-choice programme at the time scholarship decisions are made.
Can Nigerian Students Apply?
Yes. Nigerian students may be eligible for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship if they meet the university's international-student, secondary-school, nomination and admission requirements.
A Nigerian applicant should:
Be in the final year of senior secondary school during the 2026–2027 academic year or have graduated no earlier than June 2026.
Plan to begin an eligible undergraduate programme at the University of Toronto in September 2027.
Have a secondary school that can nominate them through the university's official process.
Demonstrate strong academic achievement, creativity and leadership potential.
Submit the university admission application by the scholarship-specific deadline.
Complete the Pearson Scholarship application after receiving the nomination link.
The nomination deadline has already passed for the September 2027 intake. Students who were nominated should continue with the remaining steps. Those who were not nominated should contact their school immediately, but should not assume that a late nomination will be accepted.
How to Apply for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
The application process involves three connected stages: school nomination, university admission and the Pearson Scholarship application.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Review the university's official eligibility criteria before beginning the process.
Check your current secondary-school status, graduation date, intended start date and international-student status. Make sure you are applying for your first undergraduate degree and intend to begin at the University of Toronto in September 2027.
Speak with your principal, guidance counsellor or head of school about the Pearson Scholarship nomination process.
The university allows each secondary school to nominate only one student per year. Schools that have previously participated receive access to a secure nomination form, while schools that have not participated must follow the university's process for joining the programme.
For the 2027 intake, the school nomination deadline was 9 October 2026. Students who have already been nominated should retain their confirmation and follow the instructions provided.
Step 3: Apply for Admission to the University of Toronto
Submit your undergraduate admission application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), following the University of Toronto's instructions.
Select your intended programme carefully. Review the admission requirements for your preferred course, including academic prerequisites and any supplementary materials.
The university's published deadline for Pearson Scholarship candidates applying for September 2027 entry is 16 October 2026.
Applicants should not rely on the later general admission deadline that may apply to other international applicants. Pearson candidates must follow the scholarship-specific schedule.
Step 4: Receive Your Pearson Scholarship Application Link
After your school nominates you and you submit your university admission application, the university will provide a private link to the Pearson Scholarship application.
This is a separate application from the admission form. Being nominated does not mean the scholarship application has been submitted automatically.
Check your email carefully, including spam or junk folders, and follow the instructions in the university's official communication.
Step 5: Complete the Scholarship Application
Use the private link provided by the university to complete the Pearson Scholarship application.
Provide accurate information and complete all required sections. Follow the university's instructions regarding personal information, academic background, achievements and other required materials.
The University of Toronto explicitly prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence to create content for undergraduate award applications. Applicants should write their own scholarship application content and follow the university's academic-integrity rules.
Step 6: Submit All Required Documentation
Review the scholarship application carefully and ensure that all required sections and documentation are submitted.
The published scholarship deadline for the September 2027 intake is 6 November 2026. Nominated students should check their private application link for the exact instructions and any additional requirements.
Step 7: Monitor Your Application
After submission, monitor your email and university application account for communications about admission and scholarship decisions.
The university's scholarship team manages the Pearson selection process. Applicants should rely on official communication rather than messages from third-party agents promising guaranteed admission or awards.
Important Deadlines for September 2027 Entry
Application stage
Official deadline
School nomination
9 October 2026 — passed
University admission application for Pearson candidates
16 October 2026
Pearson Scholarship application and required documentation
6 November 2026
The dates above are published by the University of Toronto. Students who have already been nominated should continue to meet the remaining deadlines. Students who have not been nominated should not assume that they can still enter the current cycle.
How to Demonstrate Leadership and Community Impact
The Pearson Scholarship recognises students whose contributions extend beyond academic results. Applicants should reflect on their real experiences and identify examples that demonstrate initiative, responsibility and positive impact.
1. Describe a Specific Contribution
Rather than listing activities without explanation, consider what you actually contributed. Did you help organise a school initiative, support a community project, coordinate a group activity or identify a practical problem that needed attention?
Explain your role clearly and distinguish your personal contribution from the work of the wider group.
2. Explain the Impact
Describe what changed as a result of your involvement. Where reliable evidence is available, explain the outcome without exaggerating your role or claiming results you cannot substantiate.
Impact does not have to mean a large project. Consistent, meaningful contributions can also demonstrate initiative and responsibility.
3. Show What You Learned
Leadership experiences can reveal how a student handles responsibility, works with others and responds to challenges.
Reflect on what the experience taught you and how it influenced your understanding of community involvement or future goals.
4. Connect Your Experiences to Your Future
Consider how your academic interests and previous contributions relate to what you hope to do at university and beyond.
The scholarship looks for students with potential to contribute positively to the global community. Explain your aspirations honestly and show how your experiences have shaped them.
5. Follow the University’s Application Rules
The University of Toronto prohibits generative AI from creating content for undergraduate award applications. Applicants should prepare their responses themselves, accurately represent their achievements and follow all instructions issued by the university.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The university describes it as a full four-year scholarship covering tuition fees, books, incidental fees and full residence support for eligible recipients, subject to the award conditions.
2. How long does the scholarship last?
The scholarship provides support for up to four years of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.
3. Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes, if they meet the international-student, secondary-school, nomination and admission requirements. For the September 2027 intake, the school nomination deadline has already passed.
4. Can I apply without a school nomination?
No. School nomination is an essential eligibility requirement. Students must be nominated through the university's official secondary-school process.
5. Does a school nomination guarantee the scholarship?
No. Nomination allows a student to proceed with the scholarship application, but the university makes the final selection after considering the eligible applications.
6. Can students already attending university apply?
The published eligibility rules exclude students already attending post-secondary studies. The scholarship is intended for students entering their first undergraduate degree in September 2027.
7. Can I apply to more than one undergraduate programme?
The university permits applicants to apply to up to three areas on their admission application. However, if the Pearson Scholarship is awarded, it will be restricted to the applicant's top-choice programme at the time scholarship decisions are made.
8. What is the scholarship application deadline?
The published deadline for submitting the Pearson Scholarship application and required documentation for September 2027 entry is 6 November 2026. The university admission application deadline is earlier, on 16 October 2026.
9. Can I use AI to write my scholarship responses?
No. The University of Toronto explicitly prohibits generative AI tools from creating content for undergraduate award applications. Applicants must follow the university's instructions and academic-integrity rules.
10. Is the scholarship available for master's or PhD programmes?
No. The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is for eligible first-entry undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.
Final Advice
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship offers exceptional international secondary-school students an opportunity to pursue a four-year undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto with substantial financial support.
Its selection process places importance on academic excellence, creativity, leadership and meaningful contributions to school or community life. Students who have already received a school nomination should prioritise completing their admission and scholarship applications within the remaining deadlines.
For the September 2027 intake, the university admission application deadline is 16 October 2026, followed by the Pearson Scholarship application deadline of 6 November 2026. The school nomination deadline of 9 October 2026 has passed.
Always consult the official University of Toronto website for the latest instructions. Be cautious of third-party agents who promise guaranteed scholarships, request fees to secure a nomination or claim they can issue official scholarship offers.
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