About the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027

The Pearson International Scholarship recognizes exceptional international secondary-school students with outstanding academic achievement, creativity, leadership potential and a record of positive contribution to their school or community.

The scholarship is available only for first-entry undergraduate study at the University of Toronto beginning in September 2027. Students cannot apply independently at the first stage: they must be nominated by their current secondary school.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

• Full tuition for four years.
• Books.
• Incidental fees.
• Full residence support for four years.

Who Can Apply?

• Be an international student who is not a Canadian citizen and will require a study permit.
• Be in the final year of senior secondary school in 2026/2027, or have graduated no earlier than June 2026.
• Begin undergraduate study at the University of Toronto in September 2027.
• Not already be attending post-secondary studies.
• Not begin post-secondary studies in January 2027 at U of T or another institution.
• Receive a nomination from the applicant’s high school; each school may nominate one student per year.

2027 Application Timeline

• 6 July 2026: participating schools began receiving access to the nomination process.
• 9 October 2026: school nomination deadline. New schools must also complete the school-participation process by noon EST on this date.
• 16 October 2026: deadline to apply to U of T undergraduate admission and remain eligible for Pearson consideration.
• 6 November 2026: Pearson scholarship application and supporting-document deadline.
• September 2027: selected scholars begin undergraduate study at U of T.

How to Apply

1. Confirm that you meet the international-student, school-year and first-entry undergraduate eligibility rules.
2. Ask your school counsellor, principal or school administrator about nomination. A school can nominate only one student.
3. If your school has not participated before, an authorized school representative must complete U of T’s school-participation process.
4. Apply to at least one undergraduate programme at the University of Toronto by 16 October 2026.
5. After your school nomination and U of T admission application are processed, you will receive a private Pearson scholarship application link.
6. Complete the scholarship application and submit all requested documentation by 6 November 2026.

What Makes a Strong Pearson Candidate?

U of T highlights four core qualities: exceptional academic achievement, creativity, leadership, and the potential to contribute positively to the global community. The programme is highly competitive, so school nomination alone does not guarantee selection.

Application Fee and English Requirements

Pearson scholarship application fee: no separate Pearson scholarship fee is listed by the official scholarship page. Applicants must still complete the normal U of T undergraduate admission process, for which standard admission/application charges may apply.

English-language requirement: Pearson does not publish a separate scholarship-specific IELTS/TOEFL rule. Applicants must satisfy the English-language admission requirements for their chosen University of Toronto programme.

Official Sources

University of Toronto — Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships

University of Toronto — 2027 admission deadlines

University of Toronto — school participation form

Related Opportunities

• Global Korea Scholarship 2027 (GKS-U)
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027–2028
• Mundus MAPP Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027–2029