Canada Biggest Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships Now Open 2026

The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship for 2026 at the University of Toronto is now open. It’s a fully funded undergraduate award reserved for around 37 outstanding international students each year. Covering tuition, books, incidental fees, health insurance, and residence costs for up to four years, it aims to attract individuals with exceptional academic records, creativity, leadership, and community impact.

Eligible applicants must be nominated by their high school, be non-Canadian international students who will begin their first undergraduate year at U of T in fall 2026, and graduate high school no earlier than June 2025.Deadlines include school nomination by October 10, 2025, university application via OUAC by October 17, 2025, and scholarship application submission by November 7, 2025, with the academic term commencing in September 2026.

What’s the Buzz About?

This isn’t just any scholarship. The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is Canada’s most prestigious award for international students. Each year, just 37 extraordinary students are selected from across the globe to join a community of innovators, changemakers, and global leaders.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to:

• Take advantage of the opportunity to study at the top university in Canada (and the 16th in the world) without paying tuition. ,
• Benefit from comprehensive residential assistance.
• Ensure that all incidental fees and literature are covered.
• Build your future in a city that celebrates brilliance and diversity: Toronto.

Are You the Next Pearson Scholar:

This scholarship is not just about marks — it’s about impact. U of T is looking for students who are:

• Creatively brilliant
• School/community leaders
• Academic achievers
• Dreamers with the potential to change the world.

Check Also: Work and Settle in Canada with Your Family Under Rural & Francophone Immigration Programs

How to Apply (No Agents Needed!)?

Beware of scams! U of T doesn’t work with any scholarship agencies or third-party consultants. Here’s how YOU can officially apply:

1. Request that your secondary school nominate you; each institution is permitted to nominate only one student annually. (The nomination period commences on July 1, 2025!)
2. By October 17, 2025, submit an application to U of T via the OUAC portal. Pro-tip: It is crucial to exercise caution when selecting a program, as the scholarship is exclusively applicable to your first choice.
3. You will be provided with a personalized link to submit your Pearson Scholarship application by November 7, 2025, after you have been nominated and your U of T application has been submitted.

Eligibility Check:

• You must be an international student in need of a study permit.
• You must be in the final year of secondary school (expecting to graduate in 2025/2026).
• You must commence your undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2026.

Apply: https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson/about/.

Application Deadline:

In order to be eligible for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, your institution must submit your nomination by October 10, 2025. Subsequently, you are required to finalize your application for admission to the University of Toronto by October 17, 2025.

Upon completion of both requirements, you will be provided with a link to the scholarship application. This application must be submitted by the ultimate deadline of November 7, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions: