Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship 2027

The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship is the University of Toronto’s flagship scholarship for outstanding international undergraduate students. The university describes it as its most prestigious award for international students and selects approximately 37 Pearson Scholars each year.

The scholarship recognises students who combine exceptional academic achievement with creativity, leadership and the potential to make a positive contribution to their communities and the wider global community. It is available only for first-entry undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.

The scholarship covers major university and residence costs for four years. Successful students join an international Pearson Scholar community, while the Pearson Program Office within the Centre for International Experience provides enrichment and support programmes for scholars studying at U of T.

A key feature of the application process is school nomination. Students cannot independently access the Pearson Scholarship application without first being nominated by their current secondary school. Each high school can nominate only one student per year.

Applicants must:

• Be an international student — defined by U of T for this scholarship as a non-Canadian requiring a study permit.
• Be enrolled in the final year of senior secondary school during 2026/2027, or have graduated no earlier than June 2026.
• Begin undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027.
• Be applying for a first-entry undergraduate programme at the University of Toronto.
• Be nominated by their current secondary school.
• Not already be attending post-secondary studies.
• Not begin post-secondary studies in January 2027 at U of T or another post-secondary institution.
• Meet the University of Toronto admission requirements for their chosen programme, including relevant academic prerequisites.
• Meet U of T's English-language requirements where applicable.

Successful Pearson Scholars receive:

• Full tuition coverage for four years.
• Books.
• Incidental fees.
• Full residence support.
• Funding for four years of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.
• Access to the Pearson Scholar community.
• Enrichment and support opportunities provided through the Pearson Program Office.

Approximately 37 students are named Pearson Scholars each year

For University of Toronto admission, applicants may need:

• Secondary-school academic transcripts.
• Documentation for all secondary studies attempted.
• Any post-secondary academic documentation, where applicable.
• Self-reported grades form, if requested.
• Proof of English-language proficiency, if required.
• Standardised test results, where applicable.
• Programme-specific supplemental application or profile, where required.
• Notarised translations where documents are not issued in English or French.

For the Pearson Scholarship:

• Official school nomination.
• Completed Pearson Scholarship application through the private application link.
• Any supporting documentation requested within the Pearson application portal.

Pearson Scholars are selected based on qualities including:

• Exceptional academic achievement.
• Creativity.
• Leadership potential.
• Leadership within their school.
• Positive contribution to their school and community.
• Potential to contribute positively to the global community.
• Overall strength as an exceptional international student.

• Four years of major study costs covered: Tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support are included.
• Study at the University of Toronto: Scholars undertake an undergraduate degree at a major international university.
• Leadership recognition: Selection considers achievement, creativity, leadership and community contribution.
• International community: Pearson Scholars join a global group of high-achieving international students.
• Scholar support: The Pearson Program Office provides enrichment and support programmes for current scholars.
• Wide academic choice: The scholarship is tenable for eligible first-entry undergraduate programmes at U of T.