What is the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship?
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto↗ is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in the world for undergraduate students. This scholarship is specially designed for international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, leadership qualities, and strong community impact.
Unlike many other programs, this scholarship covers all study expenses for four years, making it a dream opportunity for students aiming to study in Canada’s top-ranked institution. Each year, only about 37 outstanding students are awarded this scholarship, which makes it not only highly generous but also highly selective.
Details About the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
- Host Country: Canada
- Host University: University of Toronto↗
- Study Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s degree)
- Duration: 4 years (Full degree program)
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Scholarship Slots: ~37 students selected worldwide every year
Available Fields of Study
The scholarship allows recipients to pursue any undergraduate program offered by the University of Toronto. Some popular fields include:
- Engineering and Technology
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Life Sciences and Medicine
- Computer Science and Data Science
- Business, Economics, and Management
- Arts, Architecture, and Design
(You must apply to an eligible undergraduate program via the OUAC portal and receive admission to be considered for the scholarship.)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be an international student (non-Canadian).
- Currently in your final year of high school/secondary school (2025/2026) OR have graduated no earlier than June 2025.
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity.
- Show strong leadership skills and a record of positive community involvement.
- Be nominated by your high school/secondary school before applying.
- Apply to begin your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2026.
Financial Benefits
This is a fully funded scholarship that provides:
- Full tuition fee coverage for 4 years.
- Cost of books and study materials.
- Coverage of incidental fees.
- Full residence support throughout your degree at the University of Toronto.
Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare the following documents:
- High school transcripts & certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency (if required by the chosen program)
- Statement of purpose / personal essay
- Reference letter from teachers or mentors
- Leadership and community involvement evidence
- Nomination form (submitted by your high school)
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Follow these steps to apply successfully for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2026:
- Nomination by School:
- Ask your school to nominate you. Only schools verified by the University of Toronto can nominate.
- Schools must submit their nomination by 10 October 2025.
- Apply for Admission:
- Apply to the University of Toronto for an undergraduate program through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC)↗.
- Submit your admission application by 17 October 2025.
- Pearson Scholarship Application:
- Once nominated and after applying for admission, you will receive a link to the Pearson Scholarship application.
- Complete the scholarship form by 7 November 2025.
- Selection Process:
- University of Toronto reviews applications.
- Around 37 scholars are chosen based on academic excellence, creativity, and leadership impact.
Official Link
For more details, visit the University of Toronto – Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship↗.
