Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2026 | Application Guide

if you’re wrapping up high school and dreaming of a University of Toronto undergraduate spot with zero tuition worries, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is that rare gem that actually delivers. It is one of Canada’s top fully funded undergraduate scholarships, handing out just 37 spots a year to standout internationals who blend brains, creativity, and real-world impact.

This UofT scholarship for international students wipes out costs for four years across any program — from computer science to social sciences — while spotlighting leaders who’ll shape communities back home. It’s super competitive, but if you’ve got the nomination and the spark, Toronto’s campus (sprawling lakeside vibes, endless clubs) becomes your playground without the debt trap.

Details About Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

Host Country	Canada (Toronto, ON)
Host Institution	University of Toronto
Degree Level	Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
Eligibility	International first-years; school nomination; leadership + academics
Benefits	Fully Funded
Number of Awards	37 per year
Duration	4 years
Application Fee	OUAC fee ~CAD 180 (waivable)
Deadline	November 7, 2025

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Overview

The University of Toronto — consistently a global top-20 powerhouse — created this in honor of former PM Lester Pearson to pull in diverse talent for undergraduate studies in Canada. It’s all about celebrating academic stars who also lead: think the kid who aced APs while launching a school sustainability drive or mentoring peers through tough times. For 2026-2027, it’s open to first-years starting September 2026, covering majors in life sciences, engineering, humanities, commerce, kinesiology, music, architecture, and more.

Unlike generic international student awards, this one dives deep into your story — how you’ve influenced your school or society, and your potential to drive global change. Nominees get to explore Toronto’s multicultural buzz (over 200 ethnic groups on campus), with built-in support for settling in, from orientation to peer networks. It’s not just funding; it’s a launchpad for Canadian undergraduate scholarships that build lifelong connections.

Scholarship Benefits

• Tuition fees → fully paid.
• Books and incidental fees → covered, so textbooks, lab supplies, and student levies don’t touch your wallet.
• Full residence support → housing and meals sorted, including a meal plan in on-campus dorms.
• Duration → locked in for four years, renewable with solid standing — no annual reapply hassle.

Also See: Imperial College London President’s Scholarship 2026

Eligibility Requirements for 2026 Intake

They hunt for well-rounded trailblazers, not just grade-grinders.

• International status: From any country, but not Canadian citizens/PRs — must be entering UofT as a first-year.
• Final-year high schooler: Graduating no earlier than June 2025, starting UofT September 2026 (no prior post-secondary credit).
• Academic firepower: Top marks (think 95%+ or equivalent), plus creative flair in pursuits like debate, arts, or innovation.
• Leadership and impact: Proven through school/community roles — enthusiastic learners who inspire others.
• English proficiency: Native or IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL iBT 100+ if needed, standard for Canadian university admissions.

School nomination is non-negotiable — your counselor vouches for your fit as a high achiever in extracurriculars. It’s tailored for global students in Canadian high schools too, emphasizing intellectual exploration and future societal contributions.

Application Deadline

It’s a tight window — everything cascades from nomination:

• School nomination: October 10, 2025 (your high school submits to UofT).
• OUAC admission application: October 17, 2025 (apply via Ontario’s system for UofT entry).
• Student scholarship application: November 7, 2025 (online form post-nomination and admission app).

Also See: Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded | UK

Required Documents

Focus on quality over quantity — they want your essence.

• High school transcripts: Official, showing stellar academics and course rigor.
• School nomination form: Completed by your counselor, highlighting your leadership.
• Personal profile: Short essays on academics, activities, and impact (via OUAC).
• Reference letters: One from a teacher/counselor on your character and potential.
• English test scores: IELTS / TOEFL if applicable.
• OUAC application: Full admission package, including program choice (first preference locks the award).

Upload via the Pearson portal after nomination — keep it authentic for UofT international application requirements.

How to Apply For Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

It’s nomination-gated, so rally your school first.

1. Chat your counselor: Pitch why you’re Pearson material — arm them with your resume and stories.
2. Submit school nomination app to UofT by October 10, 2025 (link on their site).
3. Apply for UofT admission via OUAC by October 17, 2025 — pick your top program (e.g., engineering or social sciences).
4. Once nominated and admitted, access the Pearson app (sent via email).
5. Fill the online form: Essays on leadership, creativity, and global impact; upload refs and transcripts.
6. Submit by November 7, 2025 — interviews for shortlists in December.
7. Await January decisions; if yes, celebrate (and prep for Toronto’s snow).

Scholarship Link

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Website

For full details and deadline visit the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship page.