The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is the University of Toronto’s most prestigious award for international students, and one of the largest scholarship programs of its kind in Canada. It is built to recognise young people who combine strong academic results with creativity and clear leadership potential.
For an ambitious student finishing secondary school in Africa, this is one of the few awards that removes the financial barrier to a world-class undergraduate degree entirely. It covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years, so the focus stays on studying and building a global network of changemakers.
Each year, roughly 37 students are named Pearson Scholars. The award is tenable only at the University of Toronto and only for first-entry, undergraduate programs beginning in September 2027.
Scholarship benefits
- Full tuition for four years of undergraduate study
- Books and incidental fees
- Full residence support (accommodation) for the duration of the award
- Membership of a global community of Pearson Scholars, approximately 37 named each year
Eligibility checklist
✔ You are an international student, a non-Canadian who requires a study permit
✔ You are in your final year of senior secondary school in 2026/2027, or graduated no earlier than June 2026
✔ You will begin your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027
✔ You are entering a first-entry, undergraduate program (the award is tenable only at U of T)
✔ You are NOT already attending post-secondary studies, and NOT starting post-secondary studies in January 2027 at U of T or elsewhere
Application tips for African students
- Start with your school. This award requires a school nomination, and the nomination deadline (October 9, 2026) comes first. Speak to your principal or counsellor early so your school can nominate you before the window closes.
- Map the three deadlines now. School nomination, the OUAC admission application, and the scholarship documentation each fall on different dates. Put all three in your calendar and work backwards.
- Get your transcripts and certificates ready early. Please request official copies from your school, and if your documents are not in English, please arrange certified translations well ahead of time. This often takes longer than expected in many African countries.
- Check the English-language requirement. U of T typically expects proof of English proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL) from international applicants. Book your test early so results arrive before the documentation deadline; confirm the exact requirement on the official page.
- Show leadership and creativity, not just grades. The award explicitly values leadership potential and creativity. Gather concrete examples, clubs, community projects, initiatives you started — and let your recommenders speak to them.
- Brief your recommenders in advance. Give teachers who know your work plenty of notice and share your achievements so their letters are specific and strong.
- Prepare for study-permit steps early. Since you must be a non-Canadian requiring a study permit, begin gathering documents (passport, proof of funds context, admission letter) so you can move quickly once admitted.
How to apply
The process has three sequential steps with separate deadlines: your school submits a nomination by October 9, 2026; you complete the OUAC admission application to the University of Toronto by October 16, 2026; and you submit your scholarship application and supporting documentation by November 6, 2026. Because the school nomination comes first, coordinate with your school immediately. Full details and the application portal are on the official page: https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson-scholarships.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Pearson Scholarship?
International students, non-Canadians requiring a study permit who are in their final year of senior secondary school in 2026/2027 or graduated no earlier than June 2026, and who will begin undergraduate study at the University of Toronto in September 2027.
What does the scholarship cover?
It covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.
Can students already in university apply?
No. Students already attending post-secondary studies, or starting post-secondary studies in January 2027 at U of T or another institution, are not eligible.
What is the deadline?
The school nomination deadline is October 9, 2026. The OUAC admission application is due October 16, 2026, and the scholarship application and documentation are due November 6, 2026.
How many scholarships are awarded?
Approximately 37 students are named Pearson Scholars each year.
Do I need a school nomination?
Yes. Your school must nominate you, and this is the first step in the process. So approach your school early.