Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027

Who Is This Scholarship For?

The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is particularly suitable for international secondary-school students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance together with leadership, creativity and meaningful involvement in their schools or communities.

Strong candidates should be able to demonstrate more than excellent grades. The selection process considers the student's overall achievements, character, leadership potential, creativity and expected contribution to the university and wider community.

Potential candidates may include students who have:

1. Achieved outstanding academic results.

2. Taken leadership roles in school or community activities.

3. Demonstrated creativity through academic, extracurricular or community activities.

4. Made meaningful contributions to their schools or communities.

5. Demonstrated initiative in addressing problems or supporting others.

6. Shown potential to contribute positively to an international university community.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful Pearson Scholars receive:

1. Full tuition coverage for four years.

2. Coverage of books.

3. Coverage of incidental fees.

4. Full residence support for four years.

5. The opportunity to study at the University of Toronto.

6. The opportunity to become part of a global community of exceptional students.

7. Financial support throughout the eligible four-year undergraduate study period, subject to the University's scholarship conditions.

Approximately 37 students are selected annually.

The scholarship provides substantial financial support, allowing successful scholars to focus on their undergraduate education without the usual burden of tuition and residence costs covered by the award.

Nomination Process

The Pearson Scholarship uses a school nomination system.

Students cannot simply submit an independent Pearson Scholarship application without first receiving a valid nomination.

Applicants should:

1. Speak with their secondary school about the Pearson International Scholarship.

2. Confirm that their school is eligible to participate.

3. Ask the appropriate school official about the school's nomination process.

4. Provide the school with the information it requires to consider the nomination.

5. Ensure that the school submits the nomination before the nomination deadline.

Each eligible high school can nominate one student per year.

Students should therefore contact their school as early as possible because the school's internal selection process may take place before the official nomination deadline.

Application Process

Applicants should complete the process in the correct order.

1. Confirm that you meet the Pearson Scholarship eligibility requirements.

2. Speak with your secondary school about nomination.

3. Ask the school to nominate you for the scholarship.

4. Ensure that the school submits the nomination by October 9, 2026.

5. Apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto by October 16, 2026.

6. Select the University of Toronto as your first choice where required by the University's application instructions.

7. After receiving the nomination and completing the required university admission application, access the Pearson Scholarship application through the private link provided to nominated students.

8. Complete the Pearson Scholarship application carefully.

9. Provide the required scholarship information and supporting materials.

10. Submit the Pearson Scholarship application by November 6, 2026.

Applicants should carefully follow the University of Toronto's official instructions because the scholarship nomination and university admission processes are connected but involve separate steps.

Important Dates

The key dates for the 2027 Pearson International Scholarship application cycle are:

School nomination deadline: October 9, 2026

University of Toronto undergraduate admission application deadline: October 16, 2026

Pearson Scholarship application deadline: November 6, 2026

Applicants should confirm the dates and applicable times on the official University of Toronto website before submitting their applications.

What Applicants Should Prepare

Students interested in the Pearson Scholarship should begin preparing well before the deadlines.

Applicants should consider preparing:

1. Academic records and information about their secondary-school performance.

2. Information about leadership activities.

3. Details of extracurricular involvement.

4. Examples of creativity and initiative.

5. Information about community involvement.

6. Details of achievements, awards and other relevant accomplishments.

7. Information required for the University of Toronto undergraduate application.

8. Any information required by the secondary school for the nomination process.

9. Information required for the Pearson Scholarship application after nomination.

Applicants should ensure that their application presents an accurate picture of their achievements, leadership experience and contributions.

Why Apply?

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship provides international students with the opportunity to undertake undergraduate study at the University of Toronto with substantial financial support.

Beyond financial assistance, Pearson Scholars become part of an international community of high-achieving students.

The scholarship can provide:

1. Access to undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.

2. Significant financial support for tuition and residence.

3. An international academic environment.

4. Opportunities to interact with students from different backgrounds.

5. A strong foundation for future academic and professional development.

6. Membership in a community of exceptional scholars.

Important Information

1. The Pearson Scholarship is highly competitive.

2. Only approximately 37 students are selected each year.

3. Students must receive a valid secondary-school nomination before completing the Pearson Scholarship application.

4. Each eligible high school can nominate only one student per year.

5. Nomination does not guarantee that the student will receive the scholarship.

6. Applicants must separately satisfy the University of Toronto's undergraduate admission requirements.

7. Students already attending post-secondary studies are not eligible.

8. Students beginning post-secondary studies in January 2027 are not eligible.

9. Applicants should carefully follow all University of Toronto application instructions.

10. Applicants should submit all required applications before the applicable deadlines.

11. Scholarship requirements and application procedures may change between application cycles.

12. Applicants should rely on the official University of Toronto information for the definitive eligibility requirements, deadlines and application instructions.

Final Note

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a highly competitive opportunity for exceptional international students seeking undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.

The scholarship provides substantial financial support covering tuition, books, incidental fees and residence support for up to four years.

Because students must first be nominated by their secondary school, prospective applicants should begin the process early and speak with their school well before the nomination deadline.

Students should carefully review the official University of Toronto scholarship information and ensure that they meet both the Pearson Scholarship requirements and the University's undergraduate admission requirements.

The official scholarship information and application instructions can be accessed through the Apply Now button on this page.