Recognised as one of Canada's most prestigious undergraduate scholarships, the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship removes many of the financial barriers to studying abroad. Offered by the University of Toronto, it covers full tuition fees, books, incidental expenses, and on-campus residence for four years. To be eligible, students must be nominated by their high school, with only one nomination permitted per school.
With around 37 international students selected each year, the scholarship is highly competitive. Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership potential, creativity, and the positive impact applicants have made in their school or community.
In the sections ahead, you'll learn about the scholarship benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, important deadlines, and selection requirements to help you prepare a strong application.
Benefits of the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship
One of the biggest benefits of this scholarship is its comprehensive financial support, allowing students to focus on their studies instead of worrying about expenses.
From tuition fees to accommodation and other essential costs, it covers almost every major expense throughout the undergraduate program.
Key benefits of the scholarship include:
- Full tuition fee coverage for undergraduate studies.
- Books and academic materials covered under the award.
- Incidental fees support, reducing additional education-related expenses.
- Full residence support for four years, helping students manage accommodation costs while studying at the University of Toronto.
- Recognition as a Pearson Scholar, awarded to a select group of high-achieving international students worldwide.
Together, these benefits make the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship Program one of the most comprehensive undergraduate funding opportunities available to international students in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria for the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship Program
The scholarship is designed for exceptional international students with a strong academic record, leadership potential, creativity, and a proven impact in their school or community.
Before applying, make sure you also meet the University of Toronto's admission requirements, secure a school nomination, and satisfy the eligibility criteria below:
International Student Status
To be eligible, you must:
- Be an international student (non-Canadian).
- Require a Canadian study permit.
Current Academic Status
You must:
- Be in your final year of secondary school during the application cycle, or
- Have graduated no earlier than June 2026.
University of Toronto Admission
You must:
- Apply for an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto.
- Be planning to begin your studies in September 2027.
School Nomination
A school nomination is mandatory for every applicant.
- You must be nominated by your high school.
- Each school can nominate only one student for the scholarship each year.
Academic Excellence and Leadership
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic achievement.
- Strong leadership potential.
- Creativity and innovation.
- A positive impact within their school or the wider community.
Who Is Not Eligible?
You are not eligible if you:
- Are already enrolled in a post-secondary institution.
- Plan to begin post-secondary studies before September 2027.
- Are starting studies at the University of Toronto or another post-secondary institution in January 2027.
Note: Meeting all the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.
Courses Covered Under the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship
The award is not limited to a specific field of study and can be used for eligible undergraduate programs offered at the University of Toronto.
This allows students to choose a course that aligns with their academic interests, strengths, and long-term career goals.
Some of the major study areas available to Pearson Scholars include:
- Engineering: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Computer, Chemical, and related specializations.
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Life Sciences: Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, and related fields.
- Business and Management: Including programs such as Rotman Commerce.
- Social Sciences: Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, and related disciplines.
- Humanities: History, Philosophy, Literature, Languages, and Cultural Studies.
- Physical Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Statistics.
Application Process for the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship
Applying for the scholarship involves three key stages: securing a school nomination, applying to an eligible undergraduate program at the University of Toronto, and completing the scholarship application.
Step 1: Receive a School Nomination
- Speak with your guidance counsellor, principal, or head of school to confirm whether your school can participate in the scholarship program.
- School nomination is mandatory for all applicants.
- Each participating school can nominate only one student for the scholarship each year.
Step 2: Apply to the University of Toronto
- Apply to an eligible undergraduate program at the University of Toronto.
- Applicants can apply to multiple program choices through the admission application.
- Students must plan to begin their undergraduate studies in the fall intake.
Step 3: Complete the Scholarship Application
- After receiving a school nomination and submitting a University of Toronto application, eligible students receive a personalized scholarship application link.
- Complete the scholarship application and provide details about your academic achievements, leadership experiences, creativity, and community involvement.
Step 4: Submit Supporting Information
- Review all details carefully before submission.
Ensure that all required information and supporting materials are provided as part of the application.
Strong applications highlight academic excellence, leadership potential, and meaningful contributions to the school or community.
Step 5: Selection and Final Review
- All eligible applications are reviewed by the University of Toronto.
- Candidates are assessed through a holistic evaluation that considers academic achievement, leadership, creativity, and overall impact.
- Successful applicants are selected from a highly competitive global applicant pool.
Read More on: University of Toronto Rankings 2026
