UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
full · bachelors
- Fully Funded (4 yrs)Scholarship type
- University of TorontoHost institution
- ~37 / yearAwards
- UndergraduateStudy level
- International entrantsEligibility
- School nominationApplication route
At a glance
full
Funding
€200k
Max amount
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
Any country (students studying outside Canada / international students)
Country
University of Toronto
Provider
The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship is the University of Toronto's flagship undergraduate award for international students, recognising academic achievement and creativity together with leadership and impact in the school and community. Around 37 scholarships are awarded each year. The scholarship is fully funded for four years: it covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence (accommodation) costs for the entire undergraduate degree. Across four years at U of T's international tuition rates of roughly CAD 60,000 per year, the total value can exceed CAD 250,000, making it one of the most valuable undergraduate scholarships in the world. Students cannot apply directly — they must first be nominated by their school by the ~late-November deadline, then submit the University of Toronto admission application and the separate Pearson scholarship application. With only ~37 awards from thousands of nominees worldwide, selection is highly selective.
What's covered
- Tuition fees — Full international tuition for four years of undergraduate study.
- Books & incidental fees — Books and compulsory incidental fees for the full degree.
- Residence / living — Full residence (accommodation) costs for four years.
- Duration — Covers four years — the length of an undergraduate degree at U of T.
How to apply
You must be nominated by your school, apply for admission to U of T, and submit the separate Pearson scholarship application by the deadlines.
- Get nominated — Ask your secondary school to nominate you via U of T's nomination process (nomination deadline ~late November).
- Apply to U of T — Submit your University of Toronto undergraduate admission application by the required date.
- Complete the Pearson application — Submit the separate Lester B. Pearson scholarship application by its deadline (~January).
- Provide supporting materials — Include the school nomination, academic records, and evidence of leadership/impact.
- Selection — A committee reviews nominees; finalists are chosen on academics, creativity, and impact.
- Offer — Scholarship offers are made in the spring, alongside or after admission.
Eligibility
Nationality / statusAn international student (studying in Canada on a study permit); not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
First entryCurrently in your final year of secondary school or graduated no earlier than the previous cycle; entering university for the first time.
NominationNominated by your secondary school (one of a limited number of nominees per school).
U of T admissionApply to and be considered for admission to the University of Toronto.
Excellence & impactExceptional academic achievement and creativity, with demonstrated leadership and impact.
Students at Canadian schools may be eligible only if on a study permit. Each school can nominate a limited number of students; confirm your school's nomination process early.
Eligible countries
Any country (students studying outside Canada / international students)
Deadlines
2027 undergraduate entry (school nomination)2026-11-30
Selection
Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, and looks for students who are recognised as leaders within their school, with demonstrated impact in their school and community. From thousands of school nominations worldwide, a committee selects around 37 Pearson Scholars each year.
Verified sources
- Lester B. Pearson Scholarship — University of Torontofuture.utoronto.caofficial
About the provider
The University of Toronto is Canada's leading research university and consistently ranks among the top universities globally. It funds the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship — named for the Canadian Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate — to recognise and attract exceptional international undergraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence, creativity, and leadership.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship?
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The University of Toronto's most prestigious undergraduate award for international students, recognising academic achievement, creativity, and leadership. About 37 are awarded each year, fully funding four years of study.
Who is eligible?
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International students (on a study permit, not Canadian citizens/PRs) entering U of T undergraduate study for the first time, nominated by their secondary school, with exceptional academics and demonstrated impact.
What does it cover?
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Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence (accommodation) costs for four years — one of the most generous undergraduate scholarships in the world.
How do I apply?
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You cannot apply directly. Your school must nominate you (deadline ~late November), then you apply to U of T for admission and submit the separate Pearson scholarship application (~January).
When are the deadlines?
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School nomination is typically due ~late November, with the U of T admission application and the Pearson scholarship application due in ~January for a September start. Confirm exact dates with U of T.
How many scholarships are awarded?
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Around 37 each year, selected from thousands of school nominations worldwide — making it extremely competitive.
Can I apply directly without a nomination?
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No — a school nomination is mandatory. Speak to your school early, as each school can nominate only a limited number of students.
How long does the scholarship last?
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Four years — the standard length of an undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto. It is not available for graduate study.
What programs can I study?
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Any undergraduate program at the University of Toronto across its three campuses, subject to admission to that program.
Does it cover living costs?
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Yes — uniquely among many scholarships, it covers full residence (accommodation) costs in addition to tuition, books, and incidental fees.
How competitive is it?
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Among the most competitive undergraduate scholarships globally — only ~37 awards from thousands of nominees, requiring outstanding academics plus genuine leadership and impact.
Do I need to be nominated and admitted?
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Yes — you need a school nomination and you must be considered for admission to U of T. Both the admission and scholarship steps must be completed on time.