The University of Toronto has officially opened applications for the prestigious Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2026, offering fully funded undergraduate study opportunities to exceptional international students worldwide.
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is widely regarded as one of Canada’s most prestigious scholarship programs for international students. The award recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership abilities, creativity, and meaningful contributions to their schools and communities.
Fully Funded Scholarship Coverage
According to the university, the scholarship covers full tuition fees, books, incidental expenses, and complete residence support for four years of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.
Officials said approximately 37 students are selected annually as Pearson Scholars from thousands of applicants around the world. The scholarship is available only for first-entry undergraduate programs beginning in September 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be international students who require a Canadian study permit and are either currently in their final year of secondary school during the 2025–2026 academic year or have graduated no earlier than June 2025.
Students must also plan to begin their undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2026. Those already enrolled in post-secondary institutions or starting studies elsewhere before September 2026 are not eligible for the program.
School Nomination Requirement
The scholarship process requires nomination by the applicant’s school. Each participating school is permitted to nominate only one student annually for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship.
After receiving a nomination, candidates must apply for admission to an undergraduate program at the university before completing the scholarship application process.
University officials described the nomination stage as an important part of the selection process, highlighting leadership potential, academic excellence, and community impact.
Important Deadlines Announced
The deadline for school nominations is October 10, 2025, while students must submit their undergraduate admission applications by October 17, 2025.
The final deadline for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application is November 7, 2025.
Officials added that scholarship decisions are expected to begin rolling out from late January 2026, with all applicants likely to receive final updates by April 2026.
International Recognition
The scholarship program has attracted applicants from more than 188 countries and territories and has become one of the most competitive international scholarship opportunities in Canada.
Education experts say the scholarship remains highly sought after because of its comprehensive financial support and the global reputation of the University of Toronto, which consistently ranks among the world’s leading universities.
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is widely regarded as one of Canada’s most prestigious scholarship programs for international students. The award recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership abilities, creativity, and meaningful contributions to their schools and communities.
Fully Funded Scholarship Coverage
According to the university, the scholarship covers full tuition fees, books, incidental expenses, and complete residence support for four years of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.
Officials said approximately 37 students are selected annually as Pearson Scholars from thousands of applicants around the world. The scholarship is available only for first-entry undergraduate programs beginning in September 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be international students who require a Canadian study permit and are either currently in their final year of secondary school during the 2025–2026 academic year or have graduated no earlier than June 2025.
Students must also plan to begin their undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2026. Those already enrolled in post-secondary institutions or starting studies elsewhere before September 2026 are not eligible for the program.
School Nomination Requirement
The scholarship process requires nomination by the applicant’s school. Each participating school is permitted to nominate only one student annually for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship.
After receiving a nomination, candidates must apply for admission to an undergraduate program at the university before completing the scholarship application process.
University officials described the nomination stage as an important part of the selection process, highlighting leadership potential, academic excellence, and community impact.
Important Deadlines Announced
The deadline for school nominations is October 10, 2025, while students must submit their undergraduate admission applications by October 17, 2025.
The final deadline for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application is November 7, 2025.
Officials added that scholarship decisions are expected to begin rolling out from late January 2026, with all applicants likely to receive final updates by April 2026.
International Recognition
The scholarship program has attracted applicants from more than 188 countries and territories and has become one of the most competitive international scholarship opportunities in Canada.
Education experts say the scholarship remains highly sought after because of its comprehensive financial support and the global reputation of the University of Toronto, which consistently ranks among the world’s leading universities.

